Clash of the Compacts: WiiM Pro Plus vs. Bluesound Node Nano

Clash of the Compacts: WiiM Pro Plus vs. Bluesound Node Nano

In the ever-evolving world of hi-fi, the music streamer has become a cornerstone of modern audio systems. It's the bridge between the vast digital universe of streaming services and your beloved speakers and amplifiers. For years, audiophiles had to spend a small fortune to get a high-quality streamer, but that's all changed with the rise of a new breed of affordable, high-performance devices.

At the forefront of this revolution are two heavyweights: the WiiM Pro Plus and the Bluesound Node Nano. Both promise to deliver exceptional sound and seamless streaming, but they come from different philosophies and have distinct features. So, which one is the right choice for your setup? Let's dive in and compare these two compact contenders.

The Contenders

First, a quick introduction to our competitors.

• WiiM Pro Plus: Building on the success of the original WiiM Pro, the Pro Plus is WiiM's premium offering. It's designed to be a complete streaming solution, offering a high-quality internal DAC, a plethora of connectivity options, and an impressive range of streaming protocols. Priced at around $219, it's a value proposition that's hard to ignore.

• Bluesound Node Nano: A more recent addition to the Bluesound lineup, the Node Nano is positioned as a more accessible entry point into the highly-regarded BluOS ecosystem. It's a stripped-down, compact version of the full-featured Bluesound Node, focusing on a refined sound and the rock-solid BluOS software. At roughly $349, it commands a higher price than the WiiM Pro Plus.

Design, Build, and Connectivity

Both streamers are designed to be unobtrusive and easy to place. The WiiM Pro Plus is a small, matte-black plastic box that's functional and unassuming. The Node Nano, while also compact, offers a slightly more premium feel with its sleek, minimalist design and angled touch control panel. The Nano's heftier weight also gives it a sense of quality.

When it comes to connectivity, the WiiM Pro Plus has a clear advantage. It's a Swiss Army knife of inputs and outputs, featuring:

• Analog RCA line input

• Optical digital input

• Analog RCA line output

• Optical digital output

• Coaxial output

• Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth 5.1

This extensive list means you can connect a variety of sources to the WiiM, such as a turntable with a built-in phono stage, or use its digital outputs to feed an external DAC.

The Bluesound Node Nano, in its pursuit of minimalism, is more limited. It offers:

• Analog RCA output

• Coaxial and optical outputs

• USB-A input for external storage

• Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth 5.2 (two-way, aptX Adaptive)

Notably absent are digital and analog inputs, and a headphone output. While this keeps the device clean and simple, it does reduce its versatility compared to the WiiM.

The Heart of the Matter: Sound Quality and DACs

For many audiophiles, this is the most critical comparison. The WiiM Pro Plus is equipped with a high-performance AKM4493SEQ DAC chip, boasting impressive technical specifications like a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and incredibly low total harmonic distortion. Reviewers often describe its sound as "livelier" and "in your face," with a detailed and dynamic presentation. It’s an energetic sound that can make your music feel more immediate and exciting.

The Bluesound Node Nano uses an ESS ES9039Q2M Sabre DAC, the same DAC found in some of Bluesound's more expensive models. This is a significant selling point, as it brings premium audio performance to a more affordable device. The Node Nano's sound signature is often characterized as smoother, more refined, and "laid-back." It's a sound that allows you to "hear into" your music, with a well-defined soundstage and good depth. While it might not have the same punchy dynamics as the WiiM, it excels at resolution and a natural presentation.

Ultimately, the choice here comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer a lively, energetic sound or a more relaxed and refined one? The WiiM Pro Plus is a great fit for systems that might benefit from a more forward presentation, while the Node Nano's sound will likely blend well with a wider range of systems.

The User Experience: Software and Ecosystem

A streamer is only as good as its app, and this is where the two devices diverge significantly.

• WiiM Home App: The WiiM Home app is widely praised for being user-friendly, logical, and stable. It offers comprehensive control over the streamer, including a wide array of streaming services (Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, etc.), multi-room audio capabilities, and a host of customization options like a 10-band graphic EQ and parametric EQ. The WiiM also supports a variety of casting protocols, including AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, making it highly compatible with both Apple and Android devices.

• BluOS Controller App: Bluesound's BluOS software is a mature and highly-regarded platform. It's known for its rock-solid stability, intuitive interface, and seamless multi-room functionality across a wide range of Bluesound products. The app provides built-in support for popular streaming services, and the system is Roon Ready. However, one key omission is Google Chromecast support, which may be a dealbreaker for some Android users. The Node Nano also offers USB input for local playback, a feature not found on the WiiM Pro Plus.

The software experience is a key differentiator. If you're already invested in the Bluesound ecosystem or value a highly polished and stable platform above all else, the Node Nano is a strong contender. If you prioritize maximum connectivity and a broad range of features, especially Chromecast, the WiiM Pro Plus and its versatile app will likely be more appealing.

Final Verdict

The WiiM Pro Plus and the Bluesound Node Nano represent two different approaches to the affordable streamer market.

• Choose the WiiM Pro Plus if: you want the most features and connectivity for your money. Its impressive array of inputs and outputs, broad support for streaming protocols (including Chromecast), and versatile app make it a fantastic value. The energetic and dynamic sound signature is a great bonus. At its price point, it's a true "game-changer" in the hi-fi world.

• Choose the Bluesound Node Nano if: you prioritize a refined and sophisticated sound and a premium, stable software experience. The Node Nano's sound is more natural and less fatiguing over long listening sessions, and the BluOS platform is second to none for multi-room audio and reliability. While it's more limited in connectivity, its focus on core performance is a testament to its "less is more" philosophy.

Both are excellent products, and neither will disappoint. The right choice depends on your specific needs, your existing audio system, and your personal taste. The WiiM Pro Plus is the undisputed champion of value and versatility, while the Bluesound Node Nano is the more elegant and sonically refined option. In this clash of the compacts, there's no single winner—just two great options for bringing high-resolution streaming into your home.