After three years of dedicated software development and a rigorous year of beta testing, Qobuz Connect has officially launched on WiiM streamers. This milestone brings high-resolution streaming capabilities to any WiiM device, enhancing the listening experience for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality. The integration allows users to seamlessly transfer music from the Qobuz app on their smartphones or tablets directly to their WiiM Ultra, functioning similarly to Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect.
Qobuz Connect supports all data rates up to 24bit/192kHz, addressing previous limitations found in other streaming protocols like Google Cast. In practical use, the service achieves gapless playback for approximately ninety percent of track transitions, with occasional intra-track gaps noted primarily on specific albums such as System 7’s "Live Transmissions" and Pink Floyd’s "Dark Side Of The Moon." These minor inconsistencies are expected to be resolved in upcoming firmware updates, ensuring an even smoother streaming experience.
Compatibility varies based on device and app version. The latest firmware update for the WiiM Ultra (v5.2.715362) is required, and users accessing the German iOS App Store with Qobuz app version 9.0.0 have successfully recognized WiiM Ultra as a Qobuz Connect endpoint. However, some Android users may need to update their app to the latest version (v8.6.1.1) to achieve full functionality, as earlier versions may only identify WiiM Ultra as a Google Cast endpoint.
The release of Qobuz Connect is expected to resonate strongly within the high-fidelity community, as it offers significant improvements in sound quality and reliability over traditional streaming methods. Users have reported enhanced depth and detail across various audio setups, highlighting the superior performance of Qobuz Connect when paired with equipment like the WiiM Pro and RME ADI-1 FS DAC. This advancement positions Qobuz as a preferred choice among audiophiles prioritizing uncompromised audio fidelity.
For more information and to explore the technical specifications, visit the official Qobuz and WiiM websites. As Qobuz Connect continues to evolve, it promises to deliver an exceptional streaming experience tailored to the discerning tastes of dedicated music enthusiasts.