Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Offers extreme value as an all-in-one streamer, DAC, and preamp for $329, delivering 85% of the performance of setups costing thousands more.
  • Comprehensive feature set includes a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, analog inputs (RCA, phono), digital inputs (optical, HDMI eARC, USB), and outputs (RCA, subwoofer, coaxial, optical, USB), plus Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • User-friendly design with a responsive touchscreen, intuitive app, and included remote control.
  • Provides clear and balanced sound, suitable for various music genres, with some reviewers noting a slightly warm sound signature.
  • Supports a wide range of streaming services and protocols, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Google Chromecast, DLNA, and Roon Ready.

Product Considerations

  • Lacks AirPlay support, which may be a drawback for Apple Music users.
  • Some reviewers noted a slight lag when skipping tracks via streaming services.
  • The volume control knob may have a slightly scratchy sound when turned manually.
  • The built-in phono stage and headphone amp are functional, but not exceptional, compared to dedicated higher-end components.
  • While built nicely for the price, the overall build quality and components are not up to the standards of much more expensive audiophile gear.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus the EverSolo DMP-A6, the DMP-A6 is more resolving, has crisper notes, more revealing decay, and a wider soundstage, but the WiiM Ultra is close in pure sound quality, with the EverSolo being more expensive.
  • Versus the HiFi Rose RS130, the HiFi Rose RS-130 is a finer streamer with lag-free performance and better build quality, but the WiiM Ultra provides almost the same musical enjoyment at a fraction of the price.
  • Versus the Bluesound Node, the Bluesound Node unearths more detail and throws out a bigger soundstage, but has a more colored and warmer sound compared to the more even-handed tonality of the WiiM Ultra.
  • Versus the Cambridge Audio CXN100, the CXN100 may be a touch more resolving, but now seems overpriced compared to the WiiM Ultra.
  • Versus the WiiM Pro Plus, the Ultra has a richer, bigger sound when used solely as a streamer, versus the Pro +, but it's close, and the DAC inside is better sounding than the Pro +.
  • The DAC in the AGD Alto 2 is more like a 100 megapixel sensor, where the DAC inside of the WiiM Ultra is more like a 50 megapixel sensor.

Takeaway: The WiiM Ultra is an all-in-one device that streams music, converts digital signals to sound, and controls volume, giving a lot for a reasonable price. It sounds great and is easy to use, so it's a good choice for those wanting to enjoy their music more.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

WiiM Ultra

reviews

[{"title":"The WiiM Ultra Experience! Streamer, DAC and Preamp for $329. Wow!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyGSWFYFuqk","source":"HiFi Huff","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"THINGS HAVE CHANGED! WiiM Ultra Pre/DAC/Streamer Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDyLJz6I5XI","source":"Critical Reviews","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"WiiM Ultra Streamer Pre, DAC Sound Processor Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOCErMDkrkY","source":"A British Audiophile","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Wimm Ultra & Eversolo DMP-A6 Test: Which Streamer Sounds Better?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4enNG-aFdY","source":"Richer Sounds","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"More thoughts on the $329 WiiM Ultra","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWsJCUxLpqs","source":"Richer Sounds","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"WiiM Ultra Streamer DAC Reviewed","link":"https://futureaudiophile.com/wiim-ultra-streamer-dac-reviewed","source":"futureaudiophile.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"The WiiM Ultra Review. Unreal HiFi Value, for REAL! |","link":"http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2024/07/19/the-wiim-ultra-review-unreal-hifi-value-for-real","source":"stevehuffphoto.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"WiiM Ultra review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/hi-fi/music-streamers/wiim-ultra","source":"whathifi.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"How Much Bang Does The Wiim Ultra Deliver For The Buck?","link":"https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/how-much-bang-does-wiim-ultra-deliver","source":"the-ear.net","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • DAC: ESS ES9038 Q2M 32-bit/384kHz
  • THD+N: -116dB (0.00015%) for Line Out
  • SNR: 121 dB for Line Out
  • Headphone THD+N: -99 dB
  • Headphone SNR: 119 dB
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.3
  • DRAM: 512 MB
  • Flash: 512 MB
  • CPU: Quad Core A53
  • Analog Input: Up to 192k, 24 bit
Experience exceptional audio with our sleek aluminum-encased device, featuring a 3.5" glass-covered touchscreen. It offers a comprehensive suite of audio inputs and outputs and is built with audiophile-grade components for unparalleled sound quality.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • WiiM's product lineup delivers exceptional value by incorporating a comprehensive suite of modern features into affordable devices, challenging the traditional high cost of entry into hifi audio.
  • They prioritize user experience with their robust and actively updated WiiM Home app, which integrates numerous streaming services and offers extensive customization options, including EQ and presets.
  • WiiM devices are distinguished by their broad compatibility, seamlessly integrating with popular ecosystems such as AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Alexa, and Roon, allowing for flexible multi-room audio setups and voice control.
  • The brand offers bit-perfect digital outputs on its streamers, enabling enthusiasts to use their preferred external DACs and ensuring unaltered audio fidelity, setting them apart from many other streamers in their price category.

WiiM Mini

  • Positioning: The entry-level product in the lineup, designed for budget-conscious users seeking basic streaming capabilities.
  • Description: Features a compact size and affordability, making it ideal for small spaces or portable setups. It features a bit-perfect output and supports high-resolution audio streaming via Wi-Fi, Airplay 2, and Bluetooth 5.2, which is a step up from basic Bluetooth-only devices. Compared to the WiiM Pro, it lacks advanced DAC capabilities and additional input options, making it more suitable for users with simpler audio needs and tighter budgets.

WiiM Pro

  • Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range option, offering enhanced streaming features for more demanding users.
  • Description: Stands out with its robust streaming capabilities and user-friendly app, making it a great choice for those looking to upgrade their existing audio systems with high-quality streaming. It includes a high-resolution DAC and supports both analog and digital inputs, providing more flexibility than the WiiM Mini. However, it doesn't offer the amplification power found in the WiiM Amp.

WiiM Amp

  • Positioning: Designed as an integrated streaming amplifier, catering to users who need both streaming and amplification in one device.
  • Description: Features powerful amplification and streaming capabilities, making it a versatile choice for home audio setups. It includes a Class D amplifier with 60 watts per channel, which is more powerful than the WiiM Pro's preamp capabilities, and includes an ESS Sabre DAC for high-quality audio conversion. However, it lacks the advanced streaming features and connectivity options of the WiiM Ultra.

WiiM Ultra

  • Positioning: The flagship model, offering the most advanced features and highest performance in the lineup.
  • Description: Features a high-end DAC and extensive connectivity options, making it perfect for audiophiles seeking top-tier streaming and audio quality. It includes an ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC, providing superior audio clarity and depth compared to the other models, and supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable streaming. While it offers the best sound quality, it does not include built-in amplification like the WiiM Amp.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
12
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
228
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
7
Founding Year
2014

Our take on the brand

WiiM is a hifi brand that makes streaming devices with high-end features at unusually low prices, including their WiiM Pro Plus with its premium AKM DAC that outperforms its price point. Their products are designed to make high-quality streaming accessible to more people, offering performance comparable to much more expensive equipment at a fraction of the cost.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

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What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
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What if you spend more?

Product image
EverSolo
DMP-A6
769
769
/
25
Reviews
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent and responsive touchscreen display, and user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate
  • Versatile as an all-in-one device, functioning as a streamer, DAC, pre-amp, and media storage server with a competitive price point
  • High build quality, featuring a solid aluminum alloy chassis
  • Supports a wide variety of streaming services, including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more
  • Rock solid as a streamer, especially when going into a separate DAC

Product Considerations

  • Customer support from Eversolo may be limited, with some reviewers noting slow or nonexistent responses to inquiries
  • Internal DAC, while good, is not on par with higher-end—more expensive DACs
  • Lack of a traditional I/R remote could be a drawback for some users
  • Some unusual control procedures are noted, such as the inability to power on the unit from the mobile app

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The DMP-A6 sounds just as good as the Lumin U2 Mini as a streamer
  • The A6 beats the Bluesound Node when used only as a streamer
  • The A6 has similar features, a similar control/display, and a similar size and shape
  • The Lumin U2 has more "shine", dynamics, solidity and is a touch more refined than the A6
  • The Eversolo is favored over the iFi Neo Stream, especially as a streaming DAC
  • Eversolo proves it can play with Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) in many ways

Takeaway: The Eversolo DMP-A6 is a versatile and user-friendly streamer that delivers great value, and it provides a great streaming experience with its screen. It is a great entry point into high-resolution digital audio and can serve as the center of a modern hifi system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
iFi
NEO iDSD 2
899
899
/
20
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • The NEO iDSD 2 functions as a versatile all-in-one (AIO) solution, working as a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier
  • It has a significantly more powerful amplifier section than its predecessor, making it better at driving a wider range of headphones
  • Includes sound-shaping features such as XBass and XSpace, plus selectable digital filters, allowing users to customize the sound
  • Comprehensive connectivity options include USB, S/PDIF (coaxial/optical), Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs

Product Considerations

  • The amplifier section may not be powerful enough to drive some very power-hungry headphones to their full potential
  • The Nexis app only works with a 2.4ghz WiFi signal
  • There is a slight click or noise when switching inputs as a pre-amp
  • Some reviewers would have preferred the inclusion of the iPower X power adapter instead of the iPower V2, considering the unit's price
  • The variable volume output may not save the last used settings

Takeaway: The iFi Audio NEO iDSD 2 combines a high-quality DAC with a significantly improved headphone amplifier, making it a good all-in-one solution for desktop audio. With its wide range of features, solid build quality, and pleasing sound, the NEO iDSD 2 is a worthwhile upgrade.

Video review

Our take on the brand

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Matrix Audio
Mini-i 4
649
649
/
16
Reviews

The all-new music streamer mini-i 4 does not only have a rich set of digital inputs with excellent digital audio processing capabilities, but also supports various network streaming protocols. Combined with a self-developed high-quality digital audio/streaming playback system MA Player and the controller app MA Remote App, it easily plays a vast amount of online streaming music, provides you with an exceptional high-fidelity listening experience.

Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sonic performance, characterized by neutrality, transparency, and detail retrieval
  • The MA Remote app is intuitive and feature-rich, offering access to various streaming services and settings
  • Solid build quality with an aluminum chassis, though the sides are plastic, and a bright, clear LCD screen
  • Versatile connectivity with a wide array of inputs, including USB-C for external storage, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, and analog RCA inputs

Product Considerations

  • Lacks wireless connectivity—no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Does not come with a physical remote, the RM5 is sold separately
  • Some users have experienced issues with navigating large local music libraries
  • Some reviews mention the touch screen controls being a bit fiddly
  • No digital output to support an external DAC

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bluesound Node (2021): Mini-i 4 has better detail retrieval and is cleaner sounding
  • Vs EverSolo DMP-A6: DMP-A6 sounds more natural with bolder bass and better soundstaging, while Mini-i 4 sounds tonally and spatially flatter
  • Vs Matrix Audio Mini-i 3 Pro: Mini-i 4 has a wider range of source repositories and USB storage reader

Takeaway: The Matrix Audio Mini-i 4 is a great sounding device for anyone wanting a DAC and streamer that can do it all. With its comprehensive set of features and focus on audio quality, enjoying music becomes easy.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Matrix Audio is a hifi brand known for their DACs and streamers that feature a unique H-shaped chassis design for mechanical stability and circuit optimization. Their products include built-in NVMe SSD storage slots and natively integrate HIGHRESAUDIO streaming, while offering control through their proprietary MA Remote App and MA Player software system.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
EverSolo
DAC-Z8
699
699
/
15
Reviews
EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality, with a premium feel thanks to the aluminum chassis and attention to detail
  • Clean, crisp, and clear sound, with a neutral presentation that resolves detail well
  • Well-implemented headphone amplifier that can drive a wide range of headphones, and the headphone level reverts to the last used
  • Bright and crisp LCD screen with VU meters adding to its visual appeal
  • Versatile connectivity with USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth inputs, as well as balanced XLR and RCA outputs

Product Considerations

  • Lacks HDMI ARC input, which would be useful for hybrid setups
  • Some reviewers find the treble a little aggressive and fatiguing with certain recordings or speakers
  • No Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity, meaning a computer or other network streaming device is needed
  • No dedicated subwoofer output
  • Not a tone control, those looking for a colored or editorialized sound should look elsewhere

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Z8 has a more nuanced presentation and better separation than the Cambridge Audio DACMagic 200M
  • The Z8 is smoother with a darker background on the headphone output, but the SMSL M500 MKII is warmer and fuller sounding on the line outputs
  • The Z8 has a cleaner sound, darker background, and deeper soundstage on the line-outs than the Topping DX5, but the DX5 has more powerful headphone amplification
  • Java Hi-Fi gives a slightly cleaner presentation with more authority in the bass than the Z8

Takeaway: The Eversolo DAC-Z8 is a well-built and versatile DAC that delivers a clean and detailed sound. It is a great option for users looking for a high-quality DAC with a range of features, including a headphone amplifier and preamp capabilities.

Video review

Our take on the brand

EverSolo is a newer hifi audio brand that makes affordable, high-performance DACs and streamers. The brand appeals to budget-conscious audiophiles by offering features typically found in more expensive equipment, such as dual AKM4499EX DAC chips and R2R volume control, at more accessible price points.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

WiiM
WiiM Pro
149
/
Released
2022
WiiM Pro stands out by delivering unaltered audio up to 192kHz, 24-bit quality. That's the same as an artist's recording in the studio. The advanced TI PCM5121 DAC produces a remarkable 106 dB SNR and an impressive -92dB THD+N performance.
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WiiM is a hifi brand that makes streaming devices with high-end features at unusually low prices, including their WiiM Pro Plus with its premium AKM DAC that outperforms its price point. Their products are designed to make high-quality streaming accessible to more people, offering performance comparable to much more expensive equipment at a fraction of the cost.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • High-res audio supporting up to 192.24 and supports most of the top streaming services, and continues to add more through updates
  • Great software that is reliable and simple to use, with frequent updates
  • Offers multiple digital output options to output to the hardware of choice
  • A bit-perfect streamer that offers gapless playback
  • Provides a lot of options in regards to connectivity and integration within an existing system, and throughout the home using its multi-room capabilities

Product Considerations

  • The internal DAC is completely usable, but a bit lackluster for some systems
  • No native support for Apple Music within the WiiM app
  • The exterior feels a bit plastic-y
  • There is no means of getting 32-bit, 384K PCs to an external DAC via USB, nor a means to connect a USB storage device or CD drive to the WiiM streamer
  • For the volume control to work on these line inputs, it has to get converted from the analog signal coming in, through an analog-to-digital converter, and then it's adjusted in terms of volume in the digital domain to keep it all lossless

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sonos Port: Functionality is superior to the Port
  • Vs EverSolo DMP-A6 (as streamer): No significant difference, no discernible difference between the A6 and the WiiM streamer

Takeaway: The WiiM Pro is an affordable and feature-packed streamer that can satisfy anyone's needs or wants from a music streamer. It is a great way to get into streaming with the flexibility to upgrade later with an external DAC.

Video review

Our take on the brand

WiiM is a hifi brand that makes streaming devices with high-end features at unusually low prices, including their WiiM Pro Plus with its premium AKM DAC that outperforms its price point. Their products are designed to make high-quality streaming accessible to more people, offering performance comparable to much more expensive equipment at a fraction of the cost.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
WiiM
Pro Plus
219
/
Released
2023
WiiM Pro Plus - The best audio quality of any WiiM streamer. Ever.
Check Amazon
WiiM is a hifi brand that makes streaming devices with high-end features at unusually low prices, including their WiiM Pro Plus with its premium AKM DAC that outperforms its price point. Their products are designed to make high-quality streaming accessible to more people, offering performance comparable to much more expensive equipment at a fraction of the cost.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Adds extra features to a similar platform, still with a reasonable price
  • Offers Google Chromecast Audio
  • The data out of the digital output is a perfect representation of the data fed in, so ideal streaming transports
  • The setup process is quick and frustration-free
  • Supports more services in a single unit than most standalone streamers do, with great software to boot
  • Connectivity options

Product Considerations

  • There is no native support for Apple Music within the WiiM app, so Apple Music subscribers will need to use AirPlay to stream Apple Music content
  • There is no gigabit ethernet
  • The lack of a way to adjust the system volume means the 12V trigger port is not as useful as it could be
  • Standby mode is configurable, though it does little to reduce power consumption

Takeaway: The WiiM Pro is a feature-packed streamer that supports many services and is easy to set up, making it a great choice for streaming audio to a hifi system. It offers excellent value for money with a combination of good hardware and excellent software.

Video review

Our take on the brand

WiiM is a hifi brand that makes streaming devices with high-end features at unusually low prices, including their WiiM Pro Plus with its premium AKM DAC that outperforms its price point. Their products are designed to make high-quality streaming accessible to more people, offering performance comparable to much more expensive equipment at a fraction of the cost.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
GO bar
329
/
Released
2022
The GO bar may be the size of a USB stick, but with powerful sound customisation and 10x the output power of your iPhone, it's your portable audio powerhouse - ready for any adventure.
Check Amazon
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Comprehensive specifications, aiming to equal or improve upon existing portable DACs
  • Features a balanced 4.4mm output and a single-ended 3.5mm headphone output
  • High power output, described as the most powerful headphone amp of its size
  • Includes XBass+ and XSpace analog processing for sound enhancement
  • Supports PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 256, and DXD

Product Considerations

  • The blue text on the blue chassis is hard to read in almost any lighting condition
  • Can be considered chunky compared to other dongle DACs
  • Can be noisy and produce audible hiss with sensitive IEMs, though IEMatch can help mitigate this
  • High power consumption potentially impacts battery life of the source device
  • The digital filters can be tricky to access, according to one review

Takeaway: The iFi Audio GO bar is a powerful and versatile portable DAC/amp that can drive most headphones, providing a clean and detailed sound. It is packed with features and offers good sound quality, making it a great option for enjoying high-resolution music on the go.

Video review

Our take on the brand

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Cambridge Audio
DacMagic 200M
399
/
Released
2021
Digital audio files can be packed with incredible musical detail, but they need to be converted to analogue first for you to hear it. And how good it sounds will depend on how well the digital audio from your computer, network player or CD is converted. DacMagic 200M's twin ESS DACs decrease crosstalk and improve separation because there's a DAC dedicated to both left and right channels. These fully balanced, optimised, and efficient signal paths reveal previously hidden glittering musical prizes.
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Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Rich feature set is its ace card
  • Presents a very clean, detailed, and dynamically punchy sound
  • Tonal smoothness and expansive soundstage
  • Balanced and unbalanced outputs, plus a headphone output

Product Considerations

  • Front fascia is a wee bit cluttered
  • Lacklustre feel of the volume control
  • No remote control
  • The headphone output is a useful convenience feature, but it doesn't live up to the unit's performance in other areas
  • Auto-shut-off feature turns it off after a little while of not being used

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Chord Mojo: Chord edges ahead in performance, delivering even greater subtlety and rhythmic precision, but it can't match the DacMagic 200M's impressive feature versatility
  • Vs Schiit Bifrost: Bifrost offers more meat on music's bones, making the DacMagic 200M sound comparatively lighter weight, presenting a skinnier version of the music at hand
  • Vs Denafrips ARES II: The DacMagic 200M sounds pale as it does its best to tease out music's kaleidoscope of tone colors
  • Vs Audiolab M-DAC+: Rhythmically the DacMagic 200 does a good enough job, it can't compete with the next tier up of DACs costing close to twice its price
  • Vs Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital: The sound of the Pro-Ject DAC was not as different from that of the DacMagic

Takeaway: The DacMagic 200M is a feature-rich device with good sound, offering balanced and unbalanced outputs, plus a headphone output. Its versatile feature set makes it a great all-rounder at its price point.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
GO bar Kensei
449
/
Released
2024
Forged for masters of audio. Like a true Kensei, this GO bar is a skilful master of power and performance. Adorned with K2HD Technology and crafted from Japanese stainless steel, the Kensei represents the pinnacle of our refinement in the GO bar range.
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iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Detailed, organized, and spacious sound.
  • Strong output power for a dongle.
  • Premium build quality with tactile Japanese stainless steel.
  • Feature-rich with exclusive sound-tuning options, like K2HD processing, XBass, XSpace, and digital filters.
  • Improved clocking and circuitry contribute to less background noise, no jitter, and increased audio quality.

Product Considerations

  • Treble can sound rather relentless—overstated, hard-edged, and thin.
  • The device can get quite warm during use.
  • High power draw can drain a mobile phone battery quickly.
  • Stainless steel exterior is prone to collecting fingerprints and scratches.
  • Controls can be difficult to understand at first, necessitating the manual.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Kensei offers slight improvements in clarity and bass accuracy compared to the original GO Bar, with less warmth in the lower mids.

Takeaway: The iFi GO Bar Kensei is a premium, well-built portable DAC/amp that delivers a detailed and powerful sound experience. It's packed with features and offers a noticeable upgrade for those serious about high-quality mobile hifi listening.

Video review

Our take on the brand

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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