Five power supplies for the WiiM Pro+

Published 2023-10-27
The WiiM streamers deliver great value for money and are upgraded by many using an external DAC. But what if you replace the original power supply with a better one?
Contents of this video

00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Start of program
00:58 - What does it do?
01:46 - Switch mode power supply
03:27 - Linear power supply
04:59 - Other power supplies
06:15 - Which one to choose?
07:41 - For the WiiM Pro Plus
08:44, - Current capability
10:22 - Listening setup
11:19 - Sound quality
11:49 - WiiM power supply
12:28 - iFi iPower2
12:53 - Allo Nirvana
13:06 - PD Creative Super Low-Noise
13:40 - sBooster BOTW P&P ECO, 1st gen
14:04 - The verdict
14:33 - The wrap

Relevant videos:
Review WiiM Mini:    • Wiim Mini Streamer  
Review WiiM Pro:    • WiiM Pro streamer does it all  
iFi iPower 2: ifi-audio.com/products/ipower2/
Allo Nirvana: allo.com/sparky/nirvana-smps.html
PD Creative Super Low-noise PSU 5V: pd-cf.com/produkt/super-low-noise-hifi-psu-5v3a/
sBooster BOTW P&P ECO 5V: www.sbooster.com/power-supplies
About my reference setups, May 2023:    • About my reference setups, May 2023  

If you like my work, support it through:
My Patreon page: www.patreon.com/theHBchannel
Paypal: www.paypal.me/theHBchannel
My book:   • File Based Audio aka Streaming Audio V2  

All Comments (21)
  • @neilsmith5464
    Another super fascinating, helpful & insightful video Hans. appreciate the clarifications and absolute descriptions you were using to describe the sound. I have seen a few DIY RPi PSU's using super capacitors specifically to improve the delivery of the DAC HAT boards.
  • @jozsefalfaro2350
    Thanks for the information, I purchased the ifi ipower2 for my WiiM pro plus , I can definitely hear a big improvement over stock usb power. This is my first time hearing a low noise power supply. My set up: wharfedale 12.2 Yamaha A-501 WiiM pro plus Tidal connect
  • @johnkenny470
    I have always enjoyed your content, Hans. I have just bought a Wii Pro Plus and an IFI Power 2 based on this review for my old but dead capable 'semi' smartspeaker B&W A7. It arrives tomorrow. On system 1 I run an Auralic G2.1 streamer with an aftermarket Hoer Wege PSU feeding a Denafips DDC and Terminator II DAC with expensive i2S and clock cabling and Network acoustics LAN components, among other expensive audio jewellry (the Auva EQ footers are a recommend of yours I am enjoying also). I'm not expecting remotely similar audio to my setup 1, but a fun office room and convenient streamer. Anyway, to my point: you are so gracious with your replies to people's questions. I ask no questions, just wanted to thank you for all that you do for our community. A real gent, we salute you
  • @Seegurke.
    Fantastic video, very helpfull and great presentation. The way you respond to almost every comment is impressive, takes a lot of time. Great channel.
  • @tomhill4003
    Great video! I'm an old analogue guy and am doing my homework to figure out a good DAC/Streaming option to feed into my 80's era stereo set-up. I'm well aware of the effects of power supplies on older equipment, but am clueless on how they affect the modern digital gear. Your explanation gives me a lot of good information to go on. THANK YOU!
  • @jamesfarrow6752
    I have 2 SBooster power supplies, one for my ADOT fibre optic kit and one for my Chord MScaler. I was fortunate enough to be able to try both prior to purchasing them and was extremely surprised by the level of improvement.
  • @Steven-cs5cw
    Thank you again Hans for another informative and useful video. I had the same experience with the power supplies and WiiM Pro. I have both the LHY 5v LPS and the ifi2 5v PS, I cannot tell the difference between the two. But, they did have an overall positive impact on the sound, as you stated.
  • @hest
    Thanks for another great video. I've been watching your channel for around a year now before I bought my first headphone setup, Sennheiser 660S2 with Ifi signature dac and amp, each with a ipower 2, and was generally happy with the sound. But there was some harshness, too sibilant and some glaring quality that was fatiguing. When I got my wiim pro yesterday with the ifi 2 power supply that harshness was all gone! It now sounds sublime to my ears and I am very happy about my purchase thanks to your very informative videos so I would like to thank you for everything.
  • @mikeh3787
    I have Wiim Pro plus and just ordered the IFI. I may get a sbooster down the road but I need my new speakers 1st. Thanks for the great review.
  • @denisblades1375
    Took your advise and installed the iFi iPower 2 to the WiiM Pro connected to an external DAC. I could not believe there would be such a difference made by a power supply. Thank you !
  • Thank you for the comparison. Before I saw this video I had purchased the iFi Power2 to use with my WiiM Pro and Pro Plus. Will watch again and see what more I learn. Would be nice to rate each of the power supplies on a scale say from 1 to 10 to help us better understand the performance improvements relative to each other.
  • @user-uw1jc1rr6p
    Great review once again. You have really helped me on my short journey. Have you considered adding the newer iFI iPower X to your arsenal?
  • @enduro500sp
    Thanks for the review! Does the result of the test also apply to using the wiim with the digital outputs? Best regards!
  • @barlow2976
    Hans, you're a star (as is Tarun, The British Audiophile). I have a WiiM Pro Plus hooked up to a Mojo, which fed my Denon PMA600ne amp. I could barely hear the commercial freezer/compressor/pump come on in the barn through my Br03 speakers, but when I acquired my Grados it was more obvious, and then I started thinking I could hear a very,very faint hiss. Imagine my joy when I saw your video, which could have been tailored for me. An iPower 2 was just delivered which I've plugged into the WiiM. I am staggered by the difference , I'm not even going to ask my wife to keep swapping over power leads, the difference is incontrovertible. On the strength of that I've ordered a 6-way power strip that won a What HiFi magazine award, for a modest £40. Fortunately my pockets, and my wife, will prevent this from becoming an obsession, but I can't figure out how the barn circuit is getting to the house circuit. Forget it and turn the music up! A million thanks.
  • Hi Hans. I bought the Sbooster 12v for my Nokia Streaming Box 8010. I was curious and skeptical! After I connect Sbooster I ear immediatly the diference for much better!! You know, the sound is more rich, pleasant, more bass freq., more delicious. NO FATIGUE.NOW I ENJOY LISTEN FOR HOURS!!! THE VIDEO ON MY LG IS NOT FATIGUE FOR MY EYES AND BRAIN!!! These days only listen to youtube music videos! APPLE music is spleeping now. Thanks for your GREAT REVIEWS!!!!!!!! I USE A RX-A6A>AT4007>FOCAL826D
  • @agteresnet
    Many thanks for this test, very informative. In the past, you have reviewed a number of Allo brand products. I was wondering if you have experience with their linear power supply, the Shanti.
  • @jonpatrick66
    Hans, you're the,"Real Deal" in the Audio Equipment World. Thank you
  • Great 👍👍👍 Video I use my on adjustable power supplies , with my scope the best sound is possible
  • @mw12387
    Hello...nice review, and thanks for tip...I have Wiim pro, via coax out to Marantz hd dac1, via analog out to my amp Musical fidelity m5 si, with b&w 703 s2....Today i get ifi I power mkIi..., and I can say it is a big difference in sound...really big improvement....👍
  • @deadline7610
    Nicely Done. In my setup I'm using the Wiim with an external dac. If I add the IFI ipower 2 would it be better used with the external dac or the Wiim ? Thanks