WiiM Pro Plus AirPlay 2 Review – HiFiReport

Overview

The WiiM Pro Plus is a mid-range network audio streamer that does something no device in its price tier had previously managed: it integrates a genuinely audiophile-grade DAC into a budget-priced all-in-one streaming box, while keeping every other feature intact from its already outstanding predecessor. Built by Linkplay Technology, the Pro Plus takes the acclaimed WiiM Pro platform and swaps its modest Texas Instruments converter chip for an AKM AK4493SEQ — one of the most respected DAC chipsets in high-end audio — dramatically raising the ceiling on analog output quality without adding a penny to the platform’s complexity or usability. The result is a device that What Hi-Fi? named a Product of the Year Award winner and TechHive called an Editors’ Choice: a streamer that competes directly with units costing two to three times more.

The WiiM Pro won a devoted following among audiophiles primarily as a digital transport — a device whose analog output was adequate but whose bit-perfect digital output was genuinely reference-grade. The Pro Plus changes that equation. Now the analog output is no longer a compromise to route around; it is an outright asset. Third-party measurements confirm that the Pro Plus’s SINAD (a combined distortion-and-noise metric — higher means cleaner) is a full 24dB better than the Pro’s, a massive improvement in real-world measurable terms. That is not a subtle refinement; it is a step change that repositions the device from “outstanding value for its class” to “genuinely competitive at any price.”

The Pro Plus carries a mid-range asking price that places it comfortably below the Cambridge Audio MXN10, the Bluesound Node, and most competing streamers from established hi-fi brands — while offering equivalent or superior measured performance in key areas. What Hi-Fi? noted bluntly that the Pro Plus costs less than half the price of what it had previously considered the “fantastically affordable” Cambridge unit, and still outruns it in critical listening tests. The award recognition confirms this is not hype. The Pro Plus has earned its reputation across multiple independent publications, lab measurements, and a community of verified users who have made it one of the bestselling streamers of the past two years.

This review covers the Pro Plus across six dimensions: its technology and specifications, build quality and design, audio performance (both the upgraded analog output and the continued excellence of its digital transport), real-world use cases, user feedback, and an honest verdict on whether — and for whom — the additional cost over the standard Pro is justified.

Key Features & Tech Specs Explained

AKM AK4493SEQ DAC: The Upgrade That Changes Everything

The defining upgrade of the Pro Plus over its predecessor is the AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chip (digital-to-analog converter — the component that translates the digital stream into the analog signal your amplifier receives). AKM’s Velvet Sound family of converters are found in high-end digital audio equipment at many times this device’s price point, prized for their combination of low distortion, high dynamic range, and a characteristic warmth and smoothness often associated with top-tier analog playback. The AK4493SEQ specifically delivers a specified SNR (signal-to-noise ratio — how quiet the background hiss is relative to the music) of 120dB, compared to 106dB in the WiiM Pro. That 14dB difference is not incremental; in audible terms, it represents the background being substantially darker, allowing fine musical detail to emerge from silence rather than a gentle noise floor.

Third-party lab measurements from multiple independent testers confirm these improvements in practice. One detailed measurement series found SINAD performance to be 24dB better than the standard Pro — a result that one reviewer described as the Pro Plus “wiping the floor” with its predecessor on analog output quality. THD+N (total harmonic distortion plus noise — a measure of signal purity) measures at -113dB by one independent lab, meaning distortion sits more than 140,000 times below the level of the music signal itself. This is performance territory previously occupied exclusively by dedicated DAC hardware in this price range, not streaming all-in-ones. The AK4493SEQ also supports up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512 (a high-resolution audio format common in audiophile downloads) — capabilities that exceed what any streaming service currently delivers, but which future-proof the device against evolving content formats.

Burr-Brown PCM1861 ADC: Improved Analog Input Quality

The Pro Plus also upgrades the ADC (analog-to-digital converter — the chip that converts incoming analog signals from a turntable or CD player into digital audio). The new Burr-Brown PCM1861 operates at up to 192kHz/24-bit, a significant improvement over the 48kHz sampling rate of the standard Pro’s ADC. For users who feed a turntable or other analog source into the Pro Plus and then stream that signal to other rooms, this means higher fidelity in the converted digital stream. Combined with an ultra-low-noise clock that reduces timing jitter throughout the signal chain, the entire internal audio architecture of the Pro Plus has been upgraded with a coherent engineering philosophy: minimize noise and distortion at every stage, from input to output.

Bit-Perfect Digital Transport: Still Reference Grade

Like its predecessor, the WiiM Pro Plus offers bit-perfect coaxial and optical digital outputs capable of passing a 24-bit/192kHz signal to a downstream DAC without any alteration. For users who already own a high-quality external DAC, these outputs deliver an effectively transparent digital stream — no added noise, no resampling, no compromise. TechHive tested the Pro Plus with a Fiio K7 external DAC and found no meaningful difference compared to the standard Pro in digital transport mode, which is exactly the expected result: both devices pass a perfect signal, and the external DAC determines the sound. This means the Pro Plus earns its additional cost entirely through the improved onboard analog output, not through any change in digital transport performance. If you already own a beloved external DAC, the standard Pro may remain the better value. If you are connecting the analog RCA output directly to an amplifier, the Pro Plus is a substantially superior choice.

Full Protocol Stack: Every Streaming Option Covered

The WiiM Pro Plus supports the same comprehensive streaming protocol suite as the Pro: AirPlay 2, Google Cast (Chromecast built-in), Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, DLNA/UPnP, and — following a post-launch firmware update — Roon Ready certification. The WiiM Home app provides native integration for Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and dozens more. Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi ensure flexible and reliable network connections. Voice control works through Alexa (via the included remote’s built-in microphone), Siri, and Google Assistant, covering every major smart home platform simultaneously. A 10-band graphic EQ and parametric EQ are available in the app, with 26 genre preset options. Activating EQ disables bit-perfect output, which is a standard trade-off across all streaming devices that process audio in the digital domain.

Voice Remote Included: A Meaningful Added Value

The Pro Plus includes the WiiM Voice Remote in the box — a handset that retails separately for any other WiiM device. The remote enables Alexa voice commands without a separate Echo device, one-touch preset recall for four favorite playlists or stations, and full playback and volume control. The inclusion transforms what is otherwise an app-dependent product into a traditional remote-controlled component, which matters for living room setups where reaching for a phone feels less natural than picking up a handset. The remote feels well-made — its build quality exceeds what the device’s price bracket would normally suggest — and its presence in the box removes a meaningful accessory cost that standard Pro buyers face if they want the same functionality.

Build Quality & Design

The WiiM Pro Plus shares its physical chassis with the standard WiiM Pro almost entirely: the same flat, square form factor at 5.5 by 5.5 inches and 1.8 inches tall, the same capacitive touch controls on the front panel, and the same rear connectivity layout with RCA in and out, optical in and out, coaxial digital out, 12V trigger, Ethernet, and USB-C power. The one visual difference is the finish: the Pro Plus uses a glossy black coating where the Pro uses matte grey. Multiple reviewers have noted that the glossy finish attracts fingerprints and shows dust, making it a debatable cosmetic choice relative to the matte alternative. That observation aside, build quality is consistent and solid: no flex, no gaps, no rattles.

The rear panel connectivity is identical to the standard Pro and remains unusually generous for the price segment. Full-size RCA jacks on both input and output, coaxial digital output on an RCA socket, and a full-size Toslink optical connector mean you can use standard cables without adapters. The Ethernet port accommodates hardwired connections for users with challenging Wi-Fi environments. The 12V trigger output enables automated amplifier power switching — a professional-grade feature that makes the Pro Plus a natural foundation for a properly integrated audio system. The box arrives with a comprehensive accessory bundle: the voice remote, a USB-C power supply, stereo RCA cables, and an optical cable. Everything you need to connect to most common amplifiers is in the box.

At a compact weight of just 400 grams, the Pro Plus lacks the premium physical presence of competing hi-fi components from Bluesound or Cambridge Audio. Reviewers acknowledge this consistently and without exception, noting in the same breath that those products cost dramatically more. The device is designed to sit quietly in a system and deliver outstanding audio performance; it accomplishes both with minimal drama.

Sound / Performance

Via the onboard analog RCA output, the WiiM Pro Plus delivers a listening experience that is genuinely engaging and technically impressive. What Hi-Fi? reviewed it at hi-res (24-bit/96kHz from network-attached storage) and described a wide, precisely defined soundstage with consistently high detail levels, natural midrange character, and immediate, convincing vocal reproduction. The improvements over the standard Pro are audible in direct comparison: TechHive described the Pro Plus as offering a wider soundstage, more detail at every frequency, and a noticeably more three-dimensional rendering of complex material when streaming hi-res audio from Qobuz. The AKM chip’s characteristic smoothness — what AKM calls “Velvet Sound” — contributes a lack of grain or digital hardness that is particularly welcome on extended listening sessions.

The measurements support what the listening tests describe. One independent lab found THD+N at -113dB and an SNR of 121dB — figures that sit among the best in class for any streaming DAC in a mid-range price tier. The SINAD figure measured 24dB above the standard Pro, placing the Pro Plus in territory typically occupied by dedicated DAC hardware. One noted limitation in independent testing is the IMD SMPTE (intermodulation distortion at complex tones) result, which does not reach the theoretical maximum of the AK4493SEQ chip. This reflects implementation quality around the chip rather than the chip itself, and is audibly inconsequential for all but the most revealing listening setups. The analog output is set at a 2V RMS maximum — a standard line-level reference suitable for direct connection to power amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, and active speakers.

Via the coaxial or optical digital outputs, the Pro Plus is effectively transparent — a bit-perfect transport that passes the full digital stream to a downstream DAC without alteration. Performance in this mode is indistinguishable from the standard Pro and from far more expensive network players. Users who prioritize digital transport over the onboard DAC will find no technical advantage of the Pro Plus over the Pro in this configuration; the upgrade lives entirely in the analog output path.

Real-World Use Cases

The WiiM Pro Plus’s primary audience is the audiophile who wants to connect a streaming source directly to an existing amplifier via analog RCA — without an external DAC in the chain — and still hear hi-res audio with genuine fidelity. This is a meaningful change from the standard Pro: the Pro’s analog output required an external DAC to reach reference-grade performance, whereas the Pro Plus’s AKM-based output is good enough that many users and reviewers no longer feel the external DAC is necessary. One HomeTheaterHifi reviewer who had previously used a multi-thousand-dollar streamer connected the Pro Plus to a high-performance amplifier via RCA and described the analog output as competitive with his previous reference system. That is a meaningful benchmark. Source: hifireport.com © HiFiReport, all rights reserved.

The Pro Plus also serves as an ideal turntable-to-multiroom hub. The upgraded Burr-Brown ADC converts an analog vinyl source at 192kHz/24-bit for relay to other rooms via the WiiM ecosystem — noticeably higher fidelity in the analog-to-digital conversion than the standard Pro offers. Users who want to fill multiple rooms with vinyl sound wirelessly, without degrading the source signal in conversion, will find the Pro Plus ADC upgrade specifically meaningful. For TV audio via HDMI ARC, users who need that specific input type should note that neither the Pro nor the Pro Plus includes HDMI; the WiiM Ultra and Amp models cover that use case.

For users building a complete WiiM multiroom ecosystem, the Pro Plus naturally functions as the primary zone’s highest-quality node — the main listening room device — while WiiM Minis or standard Pros handle secondary zones at lower cost. The 12V trigger integrates the Pro Plus cleanly into a properly configured two-channel system, powering the amplifier on and off automatically with music playback. Source: hifireport.com © HiFiReport, all rights reserved.

What Real Users Are Saying

The consistent theme in user feedback is that the WiiM Pro Plus exceeded analog output expectations in a way that the standard Pro did not. Users who purchased the Pro first and later upgraded to the Pro Plus report an audible and immediately noticeable improvement in the analog output, with richer low-end definition, smoother high frequencies, and a wider sense of space in complex recordings. Several verified purchasers specifically described connecting the Pro Plus to longtime reference amplifiers and being surprised that a streaming device at this price tier could produce results of this quality without an external DAC. This pattern of exceeding expectations is consistent across forum discussions and verified buyer commentary. Source: hifireference.com © HiFiReference, all rights reserved.

The inclusion of the voice remote is mentioned frequently and with specific appreciation. Users describe the remote as better-built than expected, note the utility of the four preset buttons for quickly launching favorite playlists without a phone, and appreciate the Alexa microphone integration that eliminates the need for a separate Echo device. Several users who placed the Pro Plus in a living room setup — rather than a dedicated listening room — described the remote as the feature that made the device feel like a proper component rather than a smartphone accessory.

The firmware update cycle generates the same strong loyalty seen across the WiiM product line. Users cite Roon Ready certification arriving post-launch, parametric EQ being added, and ongoing service integrations as evidence that the device continues to improve after purchase. The community tone on the WiiM forums around the Pro Plus is notably enthusiastic: it is described repeatedly as the device that justifies WiiM’s positioning as a genuine audiophile brand rather than simply a budget convenience product. Multiple users in professional audio contexts — home studio owners, semi-professional listeners — describe the Pro Plus as their primary streaming endpoint in systems that include amplifiers and speakers costing many times more.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• AKM AK4493SEQ DAC delivers 120dB SNR and -113dB THD+N in independent testing — a 24dB SINAD improvement over the standard WiiM Pro — bringing analog output quality to a level competitive with dedicated DAC hardware in this price tier, based on third-party measurements.
• Bit-perfect optical and coaxial digital outputs (24-bit/192kHz) remain transparent and reference-grade when feeding an external DAC, confirmed by multiple independent lab measurements.
• Upgraded Burr-Brown PCM1861 ADC now samples at 192kHz/24-bit — a significant improvement for users streaming or relaying analog sources (turntable, CD player) across a multiroom system, based on spec analysis.
• Voice Remote included in the box, adding Alexa voice control, four programmable presets, and standard playback functions without a separate accessory purchase.
• Full protocol suite: AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, DLNA, and Roon Ready, covering every major streaming ecosystem in a single device — the broadest compatibility available at this price, based on spec analysis.
• What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year Award winner and TechHive Editors’ Choice, reflecting broad consensus recognition from multiple major audio publications.

Cons:

• Glossy black finish on the chassis attracts fingerprints and dust compared to the matte grey of the standard Pro — a cosmetic trade-off noted by multiple reviewers.
• No USB ports, meaning users cannot connect USB storage devices or use USB audio output to an external DAC; digital output is limited to optical and coaxial S/PDIF, based on spec analysis.
• AirPlay streaming is limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD quality) by Apple’s protocol design, regardless of the source or DAC quality — an Apple ecosystem restriction that applies to all AirPlay receivers, based on spec analysis.
• Bluetooth is limited to SBC and AAC codecs; no aptX HD or LDAC support, making Bluetooth a casual convenience path rather than a quality listening option, based on spec analysis.

Who Should Buy This?

The WiiM Pro Plus is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to connect a high-quality streaming source directly to an amplifier via analog RCA — without purchasing a separate external DAC — and still achieve genuinely audiophile-grade performance. This buyer profile covers a wide range of users: someone setting up a first proper two-channel system with a compact integrated amplifier, an existing hi-fi owner who wants to add modern streaming without disrupting their analog chain, or someone building a complete all-in-one system with a set of powered monitors or bookshelf speakers. In all these cases, the Pro Plus’s AKM DAC means the analog output is the right tool for the job, not a compromise to route around.

The Pro Plus is also the natural recommendation for users who want a single device to handle the full streaming stack — Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Amazon Music, AirPlay, Google Cast, and Roon — in one clean box with one app, without configuring workarounds or managing multiple devices. The What Hi-Fi? Award and TechHive Editors’ Choice recognition reflect precisely this use case: a do-everything streamer that performs well at every task it takes on.

Users who already own a highly regarded external DAC and plan to use the WiiM exclusively as a digital transport should consider the standard WiiM Pro instead, since the digital output performance is identical between the two models and the cost savings are real. Users who need HDMI ARC integration for TV audio, or who require a headphone output, should look to the WiiM Ultra. For everyone else — particularly anyone connecting directly to an amplifier via analog — the Pro Plus represents the clearest expression of what WiiM has achieved: audiophile-caliber performance at a fraction of the expected price. Among competing streamers at any price below the flagship tier, the closest alternatives are the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and the Bluesound Node, both of which cost significantly more and neither of which offers a meaningfully superior measured analog output.

Verdict

Overall score: 9.5/10 (Analog sound quality 50% / Features & ecosystem 20% / Build & design 15% / Value 15%)

The WiiM Pro Plus is the best all-in-one streaming DAC in its price tier, and one of the most compelling audio products available at any price that includes a serious digital-to-analog converter. The AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chip transforms what was an outstanding digital transport with an adequate analog output into an outstanding digital transport with an outstanding analog output — a product that is now genuinely hard to fault at its asking price. Third-party measurements, listening tests by major publications, and the collective experience of thousands of verified buyers all arrive at the same conclusion: this device performs at a level that makes its price look like a mistake.

The build quality is functional rather than luxurious, and the glossy finish is a minor cosmetic step backward from the Pro. These are the only realistic criticisms in a product that otherwise executes its mission with remarkable consistency. The included voice remote, the comprehensive protocol support, the active firmware development, and the AKM upgrade together make the Pro Plus the top recommendation in its category — a designation confirmed by both What Hi-Fi? and TechHive independently.

Verdict: Strongly Recommended — the definitive choice for anyone who wants the full modern streaming ecosystem plus a high-quality onboard DAC in a single, compact, affordable box. If you are connecting to an amplifier via analog, this is the WiiM to own.

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