WiiM Amp Pro is great. Your opinion change is annoying and shill-ish. Your recommendation is to get rid of the tpa3255 onboard and instead buy a different tpa3255? Come on, man.
💯 couldn't agree with you more. I unsubscribe for marketing BS like this. It's as if people are forced to make a video every day selling you something.
I unsubscribed a while ago when his Eversolo vs Wiim video his video and voice said different answers. But in this case it doesnt make any sense, add prices for a pre amp out is not worth it. Its already at a limited price point. Then youd get the Wiim Ultra and this video isnt worth it
It must be incredibly hard for you for you to endure such a free and voluntary travesty. Thoughts and prayers during your times of trouble. 🥱 See you on the next free video where you’ll no doubt get all chapped-ass about some minuscule nothing.
Grow up... he made all of the very same comments in his WiiM Amp Pro review for which he ended with (15:12) "I wouldn't get either WiiM Amp and instead I'd get the Ultra".
@@cheapaudiomanSo you make a review of the product and don't look into one of the biggest features of it? Then you should remove this video since the main theme of it is a blatant lie. Or make an official correction response. Doubt you will.
@@11RESERVERED @cheapaudioman Randy, you missed something in your review video of an inexpensive and useful piece of equipment. Please demonitize your channel. Following that issue an apology and recant in 5 different languages. Then say 10 hail marys and self-imolate. Doubt you will.
Both WiiM AMPs have a digital output, it’s called USB just like WiiM ULTRA… I’m not sure why it was missed. I hooked up USB DAC to my WiiM AMP and can use it as a streamer only… 😉
@everything777 Because WiiM AMP Pro didn’t exist when I bought the WiiM AMP. Also, I take it with me when I travel, as well as my Micca RB-42 speakers and if the internet is slow where I’m at, I can stream my downloaded music library over AirPlay / WiFi. Pro amp has no AirPlay…
@everything777 I use my KHADAS Tea Portable Headphone Amplifier when I travel mostly, but when I drive out to an extended vacation I bring that and the WiiM AMP w/ speakers.. as there are more people I spend time there with and love that they get to enjoy lossless audio a few times a year w/ me and my small gear 😉
I bought the Ultra from Crutchfield a month ago. Super amazing streamer, the room correction is so much easier than the NAD M10 I sold. The other inputs & outputs handle all my needs from turntable, CD player, even cassette deck & I added the Black Ice tube DAC to improve the DAC quality. I run that into a pair of Eversolo A-2 amps in bridge mode to a pair of Maggies. I am very satisfied!
I have bught Wiim Amp about a month ago. I use it with 300w old Vef Radiotehnika X-line speakers + I have a 70W Yamaha subwoofer. It sounds great that's just that simple. I really dont understand why all the reviews mention the lack of phone stage.... I mean I could not care less about that. Also I dont think that lack of outputs is too important. (It might bee cool to have selectable input/output for digital ports on software level) And power... I dont think in the last month I have turned it on more than 70% volume at all. For the value Wiim Amp goes over the roof. As all in one box it is amazing.
For a compact and affordable all-in-one the WiimAmpPro is great. I just think it needs a much better power supply. The Recovering Audiophile exposed the original WiimAmp as utterly lacking power, and I don't think Wiim don't know how to implement the TPA3255 correctly, but they notoriously skim on power supplies, doing themselves and their customers a big disfavor
I asked AR if he had a bad unit or an early production unit of the WiiM amp and he never responded to my comment... I tested the amp (not pro) against the 50W class AB amplifier he raved about at the time... Yes, the WiiM was a bit less loud but still so very loud I had to wear earplugs while testing ! And that's testing with a speaker of only 83db sensitivity... For less than half the price of the other amp AND with a great integrated music streamer. The WiiM amp pro is even better because it doesn't have load dependency issues that some class D amplifiers have (like the original WiiM amp). Meaning it shouldn't get the classic "treble boost" of class D. Also, he had a bunch of issues that I never personally experienced with my unit.
No one with a wiim amp pro has got a record player that doesnt have a phono preamp built in. Wiim ultra plus wiim amp is way more expensive than just a wiim amp pro. The inputs are enough - turntable, streaming, hdmi for tv, toslink for cd, sub out, what else do you really need?! The wiim amp pro makes so much more sense. And the DAC inside is great. It's more than youll ever need.
op amps, oh jeez. Dude you started the vid talking about affordability, now you're suggesting people buy op amps and reclockers. Wiim amp pro is a brilliant product, undoubtedly, for anyone who wants a a high quality all in one. The truth is, its DAC is better than most high end DACS in the ways that matter, amp is powerful and well behaved, and has built in streaming. Far out, now you're saying it should have pre outs so you can hook up external amp. WHyt?!! what would be the point of that?? It's a cheap and high performance all in one. No one buying this is like climbing the stupid audiophile tree.
I bought the WiiM Ultra at the Black Friday price from Crutchfield and still havent cracked it open. This will probably be the last one of these little class D amps I buy and I'm still on the fence about keeping it. I already have a few of the bigger SMSLs (AO200/A0300 I think} and a few Loxjies. I dig how little space they take up but I love the Marantz that I'm running with my Focals. Maybe I'll keep the Ultra for the garage.
WiiM should make a stereo/mono amp in the same typ off chassis with a amp 2X150W 8 Ohm under $350 with good cooling and space for larger OPA swap! That would be a killer!
I need something with HDMI ARC to power an older pair of Klipsch Forte II speakers in the bedroom. I do not use Airplay, so not worried about that aspect. I have focused in on the WiiM Amp Pro as a likely solution.
Seems like a mistaken criticism given that the wiim amp pro has a usb output and the remaining points of critique are really boiled down to it being an integrated unit with an onboard power supply. To most potential buyers those are all self evident facts and probably upsides since they are in the market for a competent but compact unit. I don't get this episode...
As the callers to radio stations used to say “first time caller long time listener”. Really enjoy the work you are doing. I finally acquiesced to your request and hit the subscribe button. It was overdue. Have enjoyed all the end of year recap videos. Thanks Randy
I love my WiiM Ultra! I've got it running into a Dayton Audio HTA200 hybrid tube amp, and the amp is driving Klipsch RP600M IIs. I'm really satisfied. Someday a turntable may join the fray, but with lossless, vinyl is optional.
Hi Randy, I recently purchased the Wii amp ultra.. hooked up to my baseline Yamaha amp then enjoyed playing around with the wiim interface on my iPad through my Klipsch RP 600M Mk2 speakers ….was kinda ok .. however! I then went on to purchase the SMSL-SU1 DAC, some Ferrite ring clips and a power conditioner lead…and… Wahoo-ha… PoW…! These speakers are singing to me brother..!!😁👍 A big thank you for all your posts through the year.. Have a very Merry Christmas…. and continued success in the New Year with your channel. Warmest regards… K Barrett. (A British happy chappie 🇬🇧..👍)
So the SU1 significantly improves the sound of the Ultra ? Curious if this was just the case with your speakers or is that a general recommendation. Thx.
Yes, it most certainly does in my case.. the internal dac and phono stage are its weak points.. My primary use is as a streaming server. Which it does remarkably well..(the user interface is what attracted me to it. Very functional .) Hope this helps ..👍
@@wallstreetcrash1 It does, thank you. Was planning to get the Ultra myself, so now I have to assume I'd want the SU1 too. Fwiw I want to stream music and be able to connect HDMI to my amp.
I ask last week should I have purchased the pro instead of the ultra which I had already order and it was in the mail. Thx for the video. Still haven't gotten my ultra but hopefully it comes in tomorrow. Love learning about all this.
Not having AirPlay is not necessarily a dealbreaker for me since there are many other devices that have it now. I currently use a WiiM mini, Apple TV and a couple of Roku TVs for AirPlay streaming, and they all work just fine together! Having it built in to the ultra or amp pro would be nice,but it is not required IMO. having said that, I would probably still stick with the WiiM amp because of the value proposition.
Is the Wiim ultra an amplifier too or more of a pre amp? I have a small tube pre amp from my vinyl but I really need to crank it and crank my speaker to hear anything. I need more power to the speaker. (I’m new to setting all this up and learning as I go)
I am just starting the video. I hope you talk about how the Wiim can only see 500 songs in your queue. I have over 7000 songs on my hard drive and it will not recognize more than 500 of them.
The Wiim Amps are basically geared towards non-audiophile listeners or new cheap audiophiles, who want a single box solution for their listening from different sources. I was thinking of giving one to my daughter who is not an audio expert. I think the Pro version is well worth the difference in price over the Wiim Amp. The lack of Apple Airplay is an issue, but if your TV has Airplay 2, you can use it as a transport that sends the audio to the Amp via HDMI.
I don't understand the external reclocker argument. Most DACs will have a usb input with the xmos and do the same thing. Even if there were any measurable differences in the sound quality, I doubt they would be audible on these budget devices
Oh my. You completely misjudge the type of consumer, like me, who wants the win amp pro. I have no interest in having multiple boxes on my nightstand. I also have no interest in an amp that has a screen that I have to cover or turn off at night. I simply want a great affordable amp to power two good speakers in my bedroom. So what you should be testing and opining on is whether the room correction abilities, and overall sound qualities of the win amp pro is worth the money over the regular, or tell us what else would be better.🙃
How does the DAC in the WiiM Ultra Compare to the SMSL Su1 DAC? Would it be worth the cost to upgrade? How is the phono preamp in the WiiM Ultra vs like the fosi X2 or similar?
@@mafoomusic8126 yeah but he says 'the regular wiim amp comes in at $299 an the previous gen goes on sale for $260.' But there are only 2 distinct models right? The wiim amp pro and the Wiim amp.
The Eversolo DMP a6 review was a no go for him. It’s funny it’s got the Apple app, and the Wilm products have none. We won’t mention no XLR outputs or inputs. The benefit to cost ratio. Yes.
Randy Man I contacted WiiM and they said you could set something I forget and the WiiM Amp can function as a Pre Amp? But again I agree that the Ultra offers a better $ value and easier ability to use as pre amp as I eventually intend to do.
I’d love to see a Wiim Ultra Pro Amp. With a phono stage, multiple inputs and outputs, screen. Coaxial and optical inputs and outputs. Pre-Amp outputs. I think this or something better is coming. I just wish they’d do it coz I’d buy one.or just give us an amp to match with the Wiim ultra.
yep, the Wiim Ultra goes directly into my tube amp AND has it's own preamp. Why get a chintzy amp? ALSO, what is a decent 'cheapaudio' phono stage. I currently have the NAD PP2e, but want something with more balls.
I mean, I want an amp for a 2.1 system. 99% of the time I’ll be using Spotify. Is Bluetooth. So how much money should I spend on an amp and speakers for just this application? I’m not going to connect anything else to it besides maybe a tv
He has another video out of how great this product is. He is just putting out content. I am sorry this is my last visit. I tried, but you have people here buying things based on your reviews.
I have a small "system" in a place where high volume gets a wall pounding from next door. It's growing organically: I got rid of everything (big integrated, subs, floor standers yadda yadda) and got a lepai for about $30 that I could plug my computer into and run through pioneer bookshelves - all good. Now it has a wiim pro plus streamer, which has digital out, and the screen is your phone. But, as cruel fate would have it, the lepai is crumbling after about 12 years (I want my money back!!!) so I'm going to get the rsl IA 255.1 which is supposed to be the new magic. Pretty sure it's going to top the lepai. It's all flexible - can be put in a shoulder bag to go somewhere else if I want, or grow in different directions if I watch too much U-tube, and will sound very good for the purpose. More lo-fi fun under the black sun....but is it lo fi? What a world.
Imo, you gave all the reasons to not buy this amp for those who considered it as their main system amp. That said, me personally (and I would think a lot of others) - I see it as a perfect bedroom amp. This is why I bought the wiim amp and it's doing a great job. And fwiw, I think that for this more likely use of this amp - your reasons to not buy it are not dealbreakers. I mean a record player in the bedroom ? Upgrading a solid bedroom system ? Seems unlikely to me. Regardless, thank you for another great video, and if nothing else - some food for thought.
Wiim needs to come out with a Wiim power amp to connect to the Wiim Ultra. Also, improve the UX in the Wiim Ultra becue it looks improvised and old in comparison to Wiim's app.
Randy, could you do a video explaining how to get High res audio into my Emotiva PT 1 or any Pre amp for that matter. My M4 iPad pro, my iPhone 16 Pro, and my Pixel 9 android phone will NOT do anything over 16/44.1 or 24/48? (might be 16/48?) I am hooking up USB C to ipad etc, to USB B into the DAC on the PT1 using APPLE LOSSLESS. I have all settings on all devices set to go as high as they can. I get nothing over 48k even when the song says it's lossless. I want a SIMPLE way to get high res audio. The FIO R7 and the like are not an option. I want to use Apple Music. And yes, that plays it natively, but it has Android 11 on it and Apple will likely stop supporting that OS soon and there is no guarantee the R7 will EVER get an update to android 15 etc
i sold my wiim amp and bought the wiim amp pro and i am happy. less warm and movie sound feels much better. i also considered the option with the wiim ultra and fosi za3 but in my opinion it makes not sense due to the energy consumption. my wiim amp pro runs at least 12h a day 😉
I picked up an Ultra, now looking for an amp and a set of speakers. Small room, but looking for good bottom end without a sub. I'll be running my Ultra and my Project Carbon in that room. Recommendations?
I have the ultra and run it into a Monoprice Monolith 2100X two channel amplifier. The 2100X is conservatively rated at 90 W per channel both channels driven. It's actually more like 100 W per channel full channels driven. The ultra is a preamp and it works great.
The Buchardt P300’s and a Schiit Vidar would make for a really nice system in a small room with the Ultra. They have really nice base response for small speakers. I also drove the Buchardt 400’s with an older Vidar and a Project Carbon TT in a medium size room (no sub) and it was a really sweet synergy. Best on your mission.
I have to say, WiiM's habit of removing features from higher-end models is kind of annoying. The Mini has Airplay 2, ffs. If it does, shouldn't all their models?
Like a single speaker cable instead of a pair. You don't want to incentivize the practice of posting comments without having watched your videos too much.@@cheapaudioman
One is a Amp , the other is a Pre Amp . So you can spend alot More and buy both a Pre Amp and a Amp or buy a Wiim AMP Pro . Or just Buy a AV for the same price as a Pre Amp and a AMP !
Randy, my favorite cheap audio man using click bait :-))) and it worked for me. But then you state only the obvious. If I didn't like you as much as I do, I would be disappointed.
Getting rid of mine. It would be great if I could change inputs without my phone or remote. Pain in the ass to use with kids that constantly lose or misplace the remote. Just allow the app to change the function of the one button to cycle the inputs and allow me to turn off inputs I'm not using.
i know you gotta eat. but a bit consistency in your reviews would be nice. changing opinions faster then i change socks. but then again it isnt the sincereaudioman.
@mikeg2491 Ha.. Already had a couple of those but I hear you man. I bought the 1250 back in late 77 for a little over 800.00 and wish I'd never sold it.
@@robertwoodward9231 I had this shipped off eBay a year ago, amazed it arrived in one piece. I’m sure the fedex guy hated me dragging it up a flight of stairs.
I love this Fun-Fi stuff but for the love of God manufacturers, get together and decide on a form factor. Nothing fits together, even within a single manufacturer's lineup a lot of the time.
Curious if anyone is using the WiiM Ultra as a streamer and preamp, using a dedicated power amp. I’m currently running the Ultra, going coaxial out into an SMSL-SU1 DAC, then into a Sony STR-DH190 stereo receiver. It’s powering some Pioneer BS22LR speakers, and I’m running the sub out on the Ultra to a Jamo C910 powered sub. The sub out was a bit wonky when I used fixed volume on the Ultra, using the volume on the receiver. The sub blend would change depending on volume. However when I switched to variable volume on the Ultra and setting and forgetting the receiver volume, it sounds much better and the bass is impactful at all volumes. I’m now thinking about buying a dedicated power amp to open up speaker options. Considering the Emotiva A2, Schiit Vidar 2, and the Gallion TS-A75. I’m wondering if anyone has any experience with these setups, or recommendations. Thanks!
I had a Vidar 2 and I really wanted to like it but it was no better than my Marantz integrated amp. I bought the Outlaw 2220 mono blocks and love them! Power and headroom!
@@blue6point62 thank you for feedback! I’m pretty much thinking A2 or save a little more for the Gallion. The Gallion paired with some Elac UB52s may be special. Kind of a gateway to holographic from what I hear. The slight v shape of the Gallion may wake up the Elacs too.
Air play is really a big deal, some use that , of course, much better quality than bluethoot audio trash, much more convenient you can stream what ever source you want.
I'm upgrading from an cheap active 2.1 setup used for tv (headphone out) and audio streaming (Chromecast audio) to a better passive one. This fits perfectly
quite a few AVR's out there that sound god awful for music. I'd say the form factor, and ability to have an all-in-one box with actually competent streaming software are two big wins. HDMI ARC. I know quite a few people that don't even have shelf or cabinet space in their living rooms for an AVR.
@ not sure which ones your talking about but mine sounds great I have no use for a small form factor my avr like I said does everything I need and more guess I’m not the intended audience for these and if I was I wouldn’t get a wiim I’d get a svs prime wirelesss soundbase
@@danemoreno88 right! But your use case and budget are daunting for a lot of people getting into audio. I'm looking at your setup and it looks great, I have the 12S too, but that AVR is bulky and also at least 799 refurbished. SVS Soundbase Pro is also a higher price bracket. The Wiim Amp looks like Apple products, it's stupid cheap, it sounds pretty good, my girlfriend can figure out the app easily. By that point, the barrier of entry being lower are why people take the plunge and buy Wiim products. I would recommend more people buy a Wiim Amp than say my Wiim Mini>Geshelli J2S>Schiit Freya S>Fosi V3 Mono, even though that sounds considerably better it takes up a good chunk of space. All I know is that my Yamaha (TSR-700) and Denon AVR's below $500 sounded rough and were cumbersome to use.
Come on Randy. You are a professional now - act like it. If you give advice , make it considered. Don’t change your mind. Disrespectful to your community.
I don't like Chinese! No body fullness in sound. No guarantee. Cheap build quality. Will add a few dollar more and buy marantz, denon or yamaha. Even denon M41 is better.
WiiM Amp Pro is great. Your opinion change is annoying and shill-ish. Your recommendation is to get rid of the tpa3255 onboard and instead buy a different tpa3255? Come on, man.
💯 couldn't agree with you more. I unsubscribe for marketing BS like this. It's as if people are forced to make a video every day selling you something.
Yeah I’m unsubbing for this video. WiiM amp pro is just fine.
I unsubscribed a while ago when his Eversolo vs Wiim video his video and voice said different answers. But in this case it doesnt make any sense, add prices for a pre amp out is not worth it. Its already at a limited price point. Then youd get the Wiim Ultra and this video isnt worth it
Strange complaint
It must be incredibly hard for you for you to endure such a free and voluntary travesty. Thoughts and prayers during your times of trouble. 🥱
See you on the next free video where you’ll no doubt get all chapped-ass about some minuscule nothing.
Would love to see a Wiim ultra extras video. Run down how to get the most out of the ultra, dac, amps, airplay workarounds etc.
I unboxed one of these 3 days ago based on YOUR happy wiim video ~~ WTF
@sandman900rr are you really following his "product reviews " ?
For gods sake don't listen to youtubers lol
Grow up... he made all of the very same comments in his WiiM Amp Pro review for which he ended with (15:12) "I wouldn't get either WiiM Amp and instead I'd get the Ultra".
@@jasonemanuel9070who would you listen to?
@@bzboii his own sense of superiority XD
Both Wiim Amp and Pro have the digital output via USB. Same logic as Ultra, double function USB port
I didn’t know that. That’s awesome. A bit of a work around to get digital out
@@cheapaudiomanSo you make a review of the product and don't look into one of the biggest features of it? Then you should remove this video since the main theme of it is a blatant lie. Or make an official correction response. Doubt you will.
@@11RESERVERED @cheapaudioman Randy, you missed something in your review video of an inexpensive and useful piece of equipment. Please demonitize your channel. Following that issue an apology and recant in 5 different languages. Then say 10 hail marys and self-imolate. Doubt you will.
Both WiiM AMPs have a digital output, it’s called USB just like WiiM ULTRA… I’m not sure why it was missed. I hooked up USB DAC to my WiiM AMP and can use it as a streamer only… 😉
Why didn't you just buy the Wiim Pro then?
@everything777 Because WiiM AMP Pro didn’t exist when I bought the WiiM AMP. Also, I take it with me when I travel, as well as my Micca RB-42 speakers and if the internet is slow where I’m at, I can stream my downloaded music library over AirPlay / WiFi. Pro amp has no AirPlay…
@@HiFiMods nice. You take speakers with you when you travel? Or use as headphone amp?
@everything777 I use my KHADAS Tea Portable Headphone Amplifier when I travel mostly, but when I drive out to an extended vacation I bring that and the WiiM AMP w/ speakers.. as there are more people I spend time there with and love that they get to enjoy lossless audio a few times a year w/ me and my small gear 😉
I bought the Ultra from Crutchfield a month ago. Super amazing streamer, the room correction is so much easier than the NAD M10 I sold. The other inputs & outputs handle all my needs from turntable, CD player, even cassette deck & I added the Black Ice tube DAC to improve the DAC quality. I run that into a pair of Eversolo A-2 amps in bridge mode to a pair of Maggies. I am very satisfied!
Same here. Works great as a pre-amp for everything and I ran it through my A/V receiver.
99 percent of people buying the WiiM amp pro or ultra are not worried about any of these issues. They are not changing anything
I have bught Wiim Amp about a month ago. I use it with 300w old Vef Radiotehnika X-line speakers + I have a 70W Yamaha subwoofer. It sounds great that's just that simple.
I really dont understand why all the reviews mention the lack of phone stage.... I mean I could not care less about that.
Also I dont think that lack of outputs is too important. (It might bee cool to have selectable input/output for digital ports on software level)
And power... I dont think in the last month I have turned it on more than 70% volume at all.
For the value Wiim Amp goes over the roof. As all in one box it is amazing.
You are in that 99 percent
@@Nordraw can't argue :)
Just got a Wiim Ultra. It's great! Highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Both the Wiim Amp and Wiim Amp Pro have a digital USB-Output so you can connect an external DAC that has a USB-Input 👍
Or you can buy a Yamaha A-S301 for $350 and add a WIIM Mini for $80 and have all the inputs you need.
How about i dont buy anything you recommend and just enjoy what i allready own?
For a compact and affordable all-in-one the WiimAmpPro is great. I just think it needs a much better power supply. The Recovering Audiophile exposed the original WiimAmp as utterly lacking power, and I don't think Wiim don't know how to implement the TPA3255 correctly, but they notoriously skim on power supplies, doing themselves and their customers a big disfavor
I asked AR if he had a bad unit or an early production unit of the WiiM amp and he never responded to my comment...
I tested the amp (not pro) against the 50W class AB amplifier he raved about at the time...
Yes, the WiiM was a bit less loud but still so very loud I had to wear earplugs while testing ! And that's testing with a speaker of only 83db sensitivity... For less than half the price of the other amp AND with a great integrated music streamer.
The WiiM amp pro is even better because it doesn't have load dependency issues that some class D amplifiers have (like the original WiiM amp). Meaning it shouldn't get the classic "treble boost" of class D.
Also, he had a bunch of issues that I never personally experienced with my unit.
No one with a wiim amp pro has got a record player that doesnt have a phono preamp built in. Wiim ultra plus wiim amp is way more expensive than just a wiim amp pro. The inputs are enough - turntable, streaming, hdmi for tv, toslink for cd, sub out, what else do you really need?! The wiim amp pro makes so much more sense. And the DAC inside is great. It's more than youll ever need.
reclocker?! noooo wtf are you talking about. Far out, you're as bad as the others
op amps, oh jeez. Dude you started the vid talking about affordability, now you're suggesting people buy op amps and reclockers. Wiim amp pro is a brilliant product, undoubtedly, for anyone who wants a a high quality all in one. The truth is, its DAC is better than most high end DACS in the ways that matter, amp is powerful and well behaved, and has built in streaming. Far out, now you're saying it should have pre outs so you can hook up external amp. WHyt?!! what would be the point of that?? It's a cheap and high performance all in one. No one buying this is like climbing the stupid audiophile tree.
I bought the WiiM Ultra at the Black Friday price from Crutchfield and still havent cracked it open. This will probably be the last one of these little class D amps I buy and I'm still on the fence about keeping it. I already have a few of the bigger SMSLs (AO200/A0300 I think} and a few Loxjies. I dig how little space they take up but I love the Marantz that I'm running with my Focals. Maybe I'll keep the Ultra for the garage.
WiiM should make a stereo/mono amp in the same typ off chassis with a amp 2X150W 8 Ohm under $350 with good cooling and space for larger OPA swap! That would be a killer!
I need something with HDMI ARC to power an older pair of Klipsch Forte II speakers in the bedroom. I do not use Airplay, so not worried about that aspect. I have focused in on the WiiM Amp Pro as a likely solution.
Seems like a mistaken criticism given that the wiim amp pro has a usb output and the remaining points of critique are really boiled down to it being an integrated unit with an onboard power supply. To most potential buyers those are all self evident facts and probably upsides since they are in the market for a competent but compact unit. I don't get this episode...
As the callers to radio stations used to say “first time caller long time listener”. Really enjoy the work you are doing. I finally acquiesced to your request and hit the subscribe button. It was overdue. Have enjoyed all the end of year recap videos. Thanks Randy
Is the WiiM Amp Pro going to perform much better than the Basic WiiM Amp?
I love my WiiM Ultra! I've got it running into a Dayton Audio HTA200 hybrid tube amp, and the amp is driving Klipsch RP600M IIs. I'm really satisfied. Someday a turntable may join the fray, but with lossless, vinyl is optional.
Damn...I just bought a Wiim Amp Pro based on your other super positive video...
Dont buy this amp, buy a more expensive dac and then buy an amp... obvious
Hi Randy, I recently purchased the Wii amp ultra.. hooked up to my baseline Yamaha amp then enjoyed playing around with the wiim interface on my iPad through my Klipsch RP 600M Mk2 speakers ….was kinda ok .. however!
I then went on to purchase the SMSL-SU1 DAC, some Ferrite ring clips and a power conditioner lead…and…
Wahoo-ha… PoW…! These speakers are singing to me brother..!!😁👍
A big thank you for all your posts through the year..
Have a very Merry Christmas…. and continued success in the New Year with your channel.
Warmest regards… K Barrett.
(A British happy chappie 🇬🇧..👍)
So the SU1 significantly improves the sound of the Ultra ? Curious if this was just the case with your speakers or is that a general recommendation. Thx.
Yes, it most certainly does in my case.. the internal dac and phono stage are its weak points..
My primary use is as a streaming server. Which it does remarkably well..(the user interface is what attracted me to it.
Very functional .)
Hope this helps ..👍
@@wallstreetcrash1 It does, thank you. Was planning to get the Ultra myself, so now I have to assume I'd want the SU1 too. Fwiw I want to stream music and be able to connect HDMI to my amp.
I ask last week should I have purchased the pro instead of the ultra which I had already order and it was in the mail. Thx for the video. Still haven't gotten my ultra but hopefully it comes in tomorrow. Love learning about all this.
Not having AirPlay is not necessarily a dealbreaker for me since there are many other devices that have it now. I currently use a WiiM mini, Apple TV and a couple of Roku TVs for AirPlay streaming, and they all work just fine together! Having it built in to the ultra or amp pro would be nice,but it is not required IMO. having said that, I would probably still stick with the WiiM amp because of the value proposition.
What watch are you wearing today, Randy?
Is the Wiim ultra an amplifier too or more of a pre amp? I have a small tube pre amp from my vinyl but I really need to crank it and crank my speaker to hear anything. I need more power to the speaker. (I’m new to setting all this up and learning as I go)
Can you recommend a DAC/Amp solution with room correction and supports various movie formats?
Totally Agree! The Wiim Ultra is a must. It can be paired with other amps and you will have a killer system!
The wiim amp pro has digital out from the usb
Does this brand use a crossover for the subwoofer out?
I am just starting the video. I hope you talk about how the Wiim can only see 500 songs in your queue.
I have over 7000 songs on my hard drive and it will not recognize more than 500 of them.
@@therealboofighter use roon or audirvana or even plex.
The Wiim Amps are basically geared towards non-audiophile listeners or new cheap audiophiles, who want a single box solution for their listening from different sources. I was thinking of giving one to my daughter who is not an audio expert. I think the Pro version is well worth the difference in price over the Wiim Amp. The lack of Apple Airplay is an issue, but if your TV has Airplay 2, you can use it as a transport that sends the audio to the Amp via HDMI.
I bought the WiiM Ultra and now I want the Bluesound Node Icon 😩
I don't understand the external reclocker argument. Most DACs will have a usb input with the xmos and do the same thing. Even if there were any measurable differences in the sound quality, I doubt they would be audible on these budget devices
Oh my. You completely misjudge the type of consumer, like me, who wants the win amp pro. I have no interest in having multiple boxes on my nightstand. I also have no interest in an amp that has a screen that I have to cover or turn off at night. I simply want a great affordable amp to power two good speakers in my bedroom. So what you should be testing and opining on is whether the room correction abilities, and overall sound qualities of the win amp pro is worth the money over the regular, or tell us what else would be better.🙃
How does the DAC in the WiiM Ultra Compare to the SMSL Su1 DAC? Would it be worth the cost to upgrade?
How is the phono preamp in the WiiM Ultra vs like the fosi X2 or similar?
do all the fossi and nice little cheap amps make a loud pop when you turn them off?
I already have an Ultra and want to stream to other unpowered speakers in other parts of my home. Why not use the Amp Pro? i don’t need airplay
Arggghhhhhhh noooooooo, I just bought a whole pallet of the buggers. What am I going to do now?
Darn! Look, I hate that has happened to you, so I’m willing to help you out. You can ship it to me and I’ll properly dispose of them for you! 😅
not happy with the WIIM Ultra subwoofer control - went back to using the sub out on my amplifier - better volume control on powered sub.
@@markgoessling8704 cuts the audio out on mine.
wait what's the previous gen of the Wiim AMP and how to distinguish them from one another?
The original is just called the wiim amp (I.e. not the pro model)
@@mafoomusic8126 yeah but he says 'the regular wiim amp comes in at $299 an the previous gen goes on sale for $260.' But there are only 2 distinct models right? The wiim amp pro and the Wiim amp.
The Eversolo DMP a6 review was a no go for him. It’s funny it’s got the Apple app, and the Wilm products have none. We won’t mention no XLR outputs or inputs. The benefit to cost ratio. Yes.
Randy Man I contacted WiiM and they said you could set something I forget and the WiiM Amp can function as a Pre Amp? But again I agree that the Ultra offers a better $ value and easier ability to use as pre amp as I eventually intend to do.
I'm running a pair of Focal's with a Wiim Ultra and a Fosi Audio ZA3. It's a fantastic setup.
Next month there will be a wiim ultra plus. What to do... what to do?
I’d love to see a Wiim Ultra Pro Amp. With a phono stage, multiple inputs and outputs, screen. Coaxial and optical inputs and outputs. Pre-Amp outputs. I think this or something better is coming. I just wish they’d do it coz I’d buy one.or just give us an amp to match with the Wiim ultra.
If you want audiophile class D then you should look for power amp on Hypex Nilai or Purifi and separate DAC/Streamer. Apollon, Boxem... etc.
What watch are you wearing. I want it so bad.
yep, the Wiim Ultra goes directly into my tube amp AND has it's own preamp. Why get a chintzy amp? ALSO, what is a decent 'cheapaudio' phono stage. I currently have the NAD PP2e, but want something with more balls.
I mean, I want an amp for a 2.1 system. 99% of the time I’ll be using Spotify. Is Bluetooth. So how much money should I spend on an amp and speakers for just this application? I’m not going to connect anything else to it besides maybe a tv
He has another video out of how great this product is. He is just putting out content. I am sorry this is my last visit. I tried, but you have people here buying things based on your reviews.
I have a small "system" in a place where high volume gets a wall pounding from next door. It's growing organically: I got rid of everything (big integrated, subs, floor standers yadda yadda) and got a lepai for about $30 that I could plug my computer into and run through pioneer bookshelves - all good.
Now it has a wiim pro plus streamer, which has digital out, and the screen is your phone. But, as cruel fate would have it, the lepai is crumbling after about 12 years (I want my money back!!!) so I'm going to get the rsl IA 255.1 which is supposed to be the new magic. Pretty sure it's going to top the lepai.
It's all flexible - can be put in a shoulder bag to go somewhere else if I want, or grow in different directions if I watch too much U-tube, and will sound very good for the purpose. More lo-fi fun under the black sun....but is it lo fi? What a world.
Low fi today. ....was midfi 30 years ago!!!
I took a shot every time you said Wiim and I’m totally knocked out now.
Since the subject has become fashionable recently, how about a review of "re-clockers"???
Imo, you gave all the reasons to not buy this amp for those who considered it as their main system amp. That said, me personally (and I would think a lot of others) - I see it as a perfect bedroom amp. This is why I bought the wiim amp and it's doing a great job. And fwiw, I think that for this more likely use of this amp - your reasons to not buy it are not dealbreakers. I mean a record player in the bedroom ? Upgrading a solid bedroom system ? Seems unlikely to me. Regardless, thank you for another great video, and if nothing else - some food for thought.
Wiim needs to come out with a Wiim power amp to connect to the Wiim Ultra. Also, improve the UX in the Wiim Ultra becue it looks improvised and old in comparison to Wiim's app.
Would it make sense to hook the ultra up to my marantz 2325 to stream and my cd player? Is that even an option with vintage gear? 🤔
Why not to buy any "integrated amp", not only de WiiM Amp. And the cost of having different equipment for streamer, DAC, amplifier, may be pricer.
Randy, could you do a video explaining how to get High res audio into my Emotiva PT 1 or any Pre amp for that matter. My M4 iPad pro, my iPhone 16 Pro, and my Pixel 9 android phone will NOT do anything over 16/44.1 or 24/48? (might be 16/48?) I am hooking up USB C to ipad etc, to USB B into the DAC on the PT1 using APPLE LOSSLESS. I have all settings on all devices set to go as high as they can. I get nothing over 48k even when the song says it's lossless.
I want a SIMPLE way to get high res audio. The FIO R7 and the like are not an option. I want to use Apple Music. And yes, that plays it natively, but it has Android 11 on it and Apple will likely stop supporting that OS soon and there is no guarantee the R7 will EVER get an update to android 15 etc
WiiM isn’t going to be happy about this video
They might stop sending you free gear.
They tell him what to say that's why he made a 360 😂
i sold my wiim amp and bought the wiim amp pro and i am happy. less warm and movie sound feels much better. i also considered the option with the wiim ultra and fosi za3 but in my opinion it makes not sense due to the energy consumption. my wiim amp pro runs at least 12h a day 😉
The PRO version is better for watching movies? I buy a pair of Polk R200 , and i cant decide to go for WiiM AMP or for the PRO version.
take the pro one..
I picked up an Ultra, now looking for an amp and a set of speakers. Small room, but looking for good bottom end without a sub. I'll be running my Ultra and my Project Carbon in that room. Recommendations?
I’m adding the Mission 778X and a pair of Elac Debut 3.0s to my WiiM Ultra.
I have the ultra and run it into a Monoprice Monolith 2100X two channel amplifier. The 2100X is conservatively rated at 90 W per channel both channels driven. It's actually more like 100 W per channel full channels driven. The ultra is a preamp and it works great.
I’m still enjoying my Tekton Lore-S in a secondary system. No sub required.
The Buchardt P300’s and a Schiit Vidar would make for a really nice system in a small room with the Ultra. They have really nice base response for small speakers. I also drove the Buchardt 400’s with an older Vidar and a Project Carbon TT in a medium size room (no sub) and it was a really sweet synergy. Best on your mission.
I was thinking the elac 3, but the Canadian prices are way higher than the US even including the exchange rate.
What about the fact that the Wiim Amp Pro has WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 which None of the other digital amplifiers or streamers do??
I have to say, WiiM's habit of removing features from higher-end models is kind of annoying. The Mini has Airplay 2, ffs. If it does, shouldn't all their models?
I see people posting about being first commenter. Do I win a prize or something?
You won my scorn.
@@D1N02 😂
I should run a contest and give something away
Like a single speaker cable instead of a pair. You don't want to incentivize the practice of posting comments without having watched your videos too much.@@cheapaudioman
My Wiim mini does everything I need!
I hate the 'clickbait' video-titles. You don't need it.
One is a Amp , the other is a Pre Amp . So you can spend alot More and buy both a Pre Amp and a Amp or buy a Wiim AMP Pro . Or just Buy a AV for the same price as a Pre Amp and a AMP !
Randy, my favorite cheap audio man using click bait :-)))
and it worked for me.
But then you state only the obvious.
If I didn't like you as much as I do, I would be disappointed.
Getting rid of mine. It would be great if I could change inputs without my phone or remote. Pain in the ass to use with kids that constantly lose or misplace the remote. Just allow the app to change the function of the one button to cycle the inputs and allow me to turn off inputs I'm not using.
the Wiim Amp Pro also have USB output for a external DAC.
Hey i started the hi-fi since a Little Time and i don’t understand why use an external dac when the dac in the wiim amp pro is great ??
i know you gotta eat. but a bit consistency in your reviews would be nice. changing opinions faster then i change socks. but then again it isnt the sincereaudioman.
I love my Wiim Pro! I use it every day. Game Changer as far as I'm concerned!!!
Buy don’t Buy, make up your mind man!
This is what happens when you put out videos just to put out videos because it's getting him paid.
I dont like any amp that weighs 3 lbs.
My 60 lb. pioneer m90 amp would give you a heart attack lol
@mikeg2491 Ha.. Already had a couple of those but I hear you man. I bought the 1250 back in late 77 for a little over 800.00 and wish I'd never sold it.
@@robertwoodward9231 I had this shipped off eBay a year ago, amazed it arrived in one piece. I’m sure the fedex guy hated me dragging it up a flight of stairs.
I have that same mentality. I just got the Schiit Tyr Monoblocks at 55 lbs each. One day I’ll go Class D I suppose
Hmmm… this is also the first one with a headphone jack.
The WiiM Ultra is not an amp. It's a streamer, DAC and pre-amplifier. There's no power amplifier in the ultra.
You’re correct
So, don't buy 80% of integrated amplifiers. Same argument applies. You can't upgrade them...
Wimm AMP pro has a USB digital output I have just tried it by connecting the usb output from Winn Amp Pro to the usb input of my DacMagic
Hey Randy I’m your neighbor I’d love to meet you in person. I love watches hifi and been a long time sub.😊
Jam on it ... Get out of your seat and Jam to the beat
your pc and the dac/amp you already have is just as good.
the pro is literally half the price, leaving lots of money to buy something else to go with it
I love this Fun-Fi stuff but for the love of God manufacturers, get together and decide on a form factor. Nothing fits together, even within a single manufacturer's lineup a lot of the time.
Curious if anyone is using the WiiM Ultra as a streamer and preamp, using a dedicated power amp. I’m currently running the Ultra, going coaxial out into an SMSL-SU1 DAC, then into a Sony STR-DH190 stereo receiver. It’s powering some Pioneer BS22LR speakers, and I’m running the sub out on the Ultra to a Jamo C910 powered sub.
The sub out was a bit wonky when I used fixed volume on the Ultra, using the volume on the receiver. The sub blend would change depending on volume. However when I switched to variable volume on the Ultra and setting and forgetting the receiver volume, it sounds much better and the bass is impactful at all volumes.
I’m now thinking about buying a dedicated power amp to open up speaker options. Considering the Emotiva A2, Schiit Vidar 2, and the Gallion TS-A75.
I’m wondering if anyone has any experience with these setups, or recommendations. Thanks!
I had a Vidar 2 and I really wanted to like it but it was no better than my Marantz integrated amp. I bought the Outlaw 2220 mono blocks and love them! Power and headroom!
I'm running the Ultra on a Advance Paris xa160 evo and I'm loving it! Would recommend.
@@blue6point62 thank you for feedback! I’m pretty much thinking A2 or save a little more for the Gallion. The Gallion paired with some Elac UB52s may be special. Kind of a gateway to holographic from what I hear. The slight v shape of the Gallion may wake up the Elacs too.
@@markbovee4783 down the rabbit hole I go! Haha.
I’m really intrigued by the Gallion paired with some Elac UB52s.
Where did you get that price for the win ultra you said they're going to be on sale where😊
It was a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale on Amazon and Crutchfield. You missed it by a couple weeks.
hy jejeje guys I had ifi ZEN DAC 3 , shirt ASGARD and The henheiser hd650 ,...sound great but what's wrong with...
You win some... You lose some... Oh well
The mini is the best streamer. I like my separates.
The ultra has no speaker outputs which sucks
It’s not an amp. Why would it?
Air play is really a big deal, some use that , of course, much better quality than bluethoot audio trash, much more convenient you can stream what ever source you want.
Never understood why people buy these like what is it used for ? If you have an avr why would buy this
I'm upgrading from an cheap active 2.1 setup used for tv (headphone out) and audio streaming (Chromecast audio) to a better passive one. This fits perfectly
quite a few AVR's out there that sound god awful for music. I'd say the form factor, and ability to have an all-in-one box with actually competent streaming software are two big wins. HDMI ARC. I know quite a few people that don't even have shelf or cabinet space in their living rooms for an AVR.
@ not sure which ones your talking about but mine sounds great I have no use for a small form factor my avr like I said does everything I need and more guess I’m not the intended audience for these and if I was I wouldn’t get a wiim I’d get a svs prime wirelesss soundbase
@@danemoreno88 right! But your use case and budget are daunting for a lot of people getting into audio. I'm looking at your setup and it looks great, I have the 12S too, but that AVR is bulky and also at least 799 refurbished. SVS Soundbase Pro is also a higher price bracket. The Wiim Amp looks like Apple products, it's stupid cheap, it sounds pretty good, my girlfriend can figure out the app easily.
By that point, the barrier of entry being lower are why people take the plunge and buy Wiim products. I would recommend more people buy a Wiim Amp than say my Wiim Mini>Geshelli J2S>Schiit Freya S>Fosi V3 Mono, even though that sounds considerably better it takes up a good chunk of space. All I know is that my Yamaha (TSR-700) and Denon AVR's below $500 sounded rough and were cumbersome to use.
Thanks Randy!!!
Come on Randy. You are a professional now - act like it. If you give advice , make it considered. Don’t change your mind. Disrespectful to your community.
I prefer an onboard PSU. Much cleaner.
I wouldn't buy it because wiim is going to release the wiim amp ultra.
I really really really cannot understand why you are comparing the WiiM Amp Pro with the WiiM Ultra. The Ultra is no amp!!!!
I don't like Chinese! No body fullness in sound. No guarantee. Cheap build quality. Will add a few dollar more and buy marantz, denon or yamaha. Even denon M41 is better.
Buy FOSI or Aiyima amp.
OK - I'll not buy it - as long as Wiim - ordinary - is working 🤷♂ Nice watch !