Unleashing the Hidden Power of the WiiM Pro Plus: A Digital Converter Revolution
Imagine a world where your TV's audio transforms into a rich, immersive experience, thanks to a clever digital converter. That's the magic we're about to uncover, and it's all thanks to the versatile WiiM Pro Plus.
The WiiM Pro and its upgraded sibling, the Pro Plus, are more than just network streamers. Their secret talent lies in their ability to act as digital-to-digital converters (DDC), a feature that's often overlooked.
Here's the scenario: You have a high-end CD/SACD player, the Shanling SCD3.3, with a tube-buffered R2R DAC. It's a sonic powerhouse, but it lacks the right inputs to connect directly to your TV's digital audio output. This is where the WiiM Pro Plus steps in as a hero.
The Shanling SCD3.3 is designed to handle external digital audio, offering coaxial and USB inputs. But without an HDMI ARC or TOSLINK input, connecting it to your TV seemed like an impossible task. That's where the WiiM's DDC feature comes to the rescue.
The Setup: It's easier than you think. A simple TOSLINK cable connects your TV to the WiiM Pro Plus' TOSLINK input. Then, a coaxial cable runs from the WiiM's output to the Shanling's coaxial input. Physically, it's a breeze.
The real magic happens in the software. Inside the WiiM Home app, you specify the audio pathways, directing the TV's TOSLINK signal through the WiiM, where it's translated and sent cleanly to the Shanling. The WiiM's DAC is bypassed, acting solely as a digital relay.
And the result? YouTube and Netflix suddenly become immersive, high-quality audio experiences, all thanks to the Shanling's tube DAC. It's a quick and easy setup, and the sonic upgrade is undeniable.
But here's where it gets controversial: The standard WiiM Pro, which costs $70 less, can do the same DDC job just as effectively. So, is the Pro Plus worth the extra cost if you're only using it for this purpose? That's a question worth pondering.
The WiiM Mini, on the other hand, is not suitable for this task due to its lack of digital inputs and outputs. The WiiM Ultra takes a different approach, adding an HDMI ARC input, which allows it to pull audio directly from the TV's HDMI port.
And this is the part most people miss: If you have an Apple TV, you can use AirPlay to beam audio wirelessly to the WiiM Pro or Pro Plus, which can then pass it to the Shanling via coaxial. No cables needed, and the audio-video sync is maintained.
However, the WiiM Ultra misses out on this wireless magic due to its lack of AirPlay support. In this scenario, the cheaper Pro and Pro Plus models are the unexpected heroes.
Beyond the WiiM family, there are other devices like the FiiO R7 and R9, and the Eversolo DMP-A6, which can also act as digital bridges. But these come at a higher cost and offer similar functionality.
So, why not opt for a cheap $20 converter? Well, it's all about precision and noise rejection. When dealing with high-end audio gear, electrical noise and timing errors can ruin the experience. A dedicated audio device like the WiiM ensures clocking precision and isolated circuitry, something budget converters often lack.
In conclusion: The WiiM Pro and Pro Plus are not just streamers; they're versatile digital converters. With a simple setup and app configuration, they bridge the gap between your TV and a high-end DAC. The sonic benefits are immediate, and for WiiM users, it's a free upgrade. For others, the standard WiiM Pro offers an affordable entry point into this world of digital audio magic.
So, are you ready to unlock the full potential of your audio setup? The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless!
