The WiiM AMP revisited
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 มิ.ย. 2024
- This episode is brought to you by the PSB Imagine series:
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🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
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0:00 Intro
1:18 Bare essentials
2:33 What about the WiiM Pro, Pro Plus?
3:20 It’s a $100 amplifier
4:31 What about Arylic B50?
5:03 What about A/V receivers?
6:09 What about the WiiM Mini?
7:08 What about the Sonos AMP?
8:34 Twisting with the KEF LS50 Meta
9:17 A €1000 hi-fi system for 2024
👉 As seen in this video...
WiiM AMP
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WiiM AMP review
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WiiM Pro Plus
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WiiM Pro
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WiiM Mini
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Arylic B50
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Denon AVR-S660H
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Sony STR-DH190
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Yamaha R-S202
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Onkyo TX-8220
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Sonos AMP
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Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 S2
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Streaming platform by Roon
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When your review came out I had just got an SMSL A300. I was to return and get WiiM AMP in January. All I can say is WOW. For the price Wiim knocked it out of the park. Even have my record player connected and it totally rocks. I love how small it is and how well everything works. Software is excellent. Now I know I'm dreaming but WiimM please make a 5.1 or 7.2 AV Receiver/ AMP.
I love my Wiim amp. The folks at Wiim are very responsive to suggestions. And, are constantly working to improve things. I can’t wait for what they come up with next!
I have loved seeing fully featured release notes and updates for both the unit and the app. So rarely have I seen a product continue to improve post purchase at the speed and consistency as the WiiM amp. Also fully agree the convenience factor of all the different streaming protocols has been revolutionary 🥰
I recommended the wiim amp to a friend just starting out looking at a $1000 system. We paired it with the Klipsch RM 50's. Very pleased with the results.
From the very happy owner of a WiiM amp. It’s been my daily driver system for about two months now. Only listen to the big rig when I have company over. My setup is the WiiM paired with refurbished 40 year old Baby Advents, and a subwoofer from my discarded/retired Bose Lifestyle 28. All connects to an android TV. I removed the Bose amp and tossed it, installed a 60watt plate amplifier. I really liked the WiiM with the Baby Advents, I freaking love this rig with the subwoofer added. It kicks like a Clydesdale. I stream Tidal, Spotify and TH-cam high resolution audio. The benefit of the subwoofer is clean crisp bass which I limited the lows to 40 mhz. I could go lower.🎉❤. The Advents didn’t go below 60mhz.
What excites me about the WiiM amp is how the competition will respond.
^^this !
Even If it’s not exactly for me, a rising tide lifts all vessels ..
We all know Sonos will respond with a lawsuit
Can’t wait to see how Sonos in particular reacts; several YTers have been rumour mongering for months now that 2024 is likely to see some major upgraded / new models.
Ola!
Be good if it doesn't have musicast brick WXC function
I got mine last week. Had an issue second day, support answered in 6 hours and rolled me to a previous version which fixed the issue. If they keep at it, this will be a success for sure!
Today we gave this Wiim amp some serious listening. It is absolutely amazing. But shines with easy to drive speakers.
This thing really is a fantastic product. Good “go back”. I’ve had many ask the same questions. I’ll point them to this video.
For my living room where my wife couldn't stand a large system, I went with a Bluesound Powernode, I got it for $499 on a deal from BH Photo. I also borrowed a Wiim Amp from a friends garage system and A/Bed it. The Bluesound was a noticeable upgrade, but for 700 extra dollars retail, and 200 extra on sale it should be. They drove my KEF R3 Meta bookshelfs like a boss, the Wiim felt a little muddier bass, and the soundstage wasnt as good. Worth the extra money to me, but I'm not very price sensitive though I do love a good deal.
What I really want is to stick a NAD M33 in that room, but the wife won't cosign that 😂.
I think this opens up the doors for a lot of people at this price point, get this and some nice second hand speakers and you are in business for not a lot of money.
I can’t see that anyone would be disappointed with what this unit has to offer. It punches well above its weight!
It's almost as if you'd buy it on a Wiim.
Ola! Thanks for the package recco at the end. I love that part of it (this combination works well together, etc.)
The Wiim amp has beaten my initial expectations. I love it. The folks at Wiim are great too. I look forward to the next iteration of the Wiim Amp. I bet it will be fantastic.
Appreciate the bloopers and the entertainment!
I have had a pair of Bowers & Wilkins bookshelf speakers for the past 20 years (always connected to cheap/low quality amplifier). I just connected them to my new WiiM AMP and I am totally blown away. I am streaming Apple music to the WiiM AMP and the sound quality is way beyond my expectations. I was considering upgrading my speakers, but so far the results with the WiiM AMP are so outstanding I don't think I need to.
Exactly the same for me 👍🏻👍🏻
With my Wii Pro+ I running a Fosi V3 amp. It's in a small room. I also am using a Hsu sub woofer in this setup.
How does that dac compare to the smsl su1?
Got my WiiM Amp a week ago and I absolutely love it in my secondary setup!
Ola! Thanks for the updated review, John.
At that price it's an absolute banger with the feature set it has, I think it has set a standard & price point for other manufacturers to beat.
I have the WiiM amp in my study. I'm completely satisfied with it. It's so easy to stream various apps from my iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Starting a stream also starts the WiiM and when the album is over, the WiiM shuts off--I don't have to get up to turn the WiiM on or off.
Thanks for the second look and informational talk. Ola!
I propose a comparison between the Wiim Amp, which costs 369 euros, and the combination of the SMSL AO300 and Wiim Mini, totaling 367 euros (260€ for the SMSL AO300 and 107€ for the Wiim Mini).
The B50 is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Glad I stumbled upon this video just now
Ola!
Great distilling of the various value propositions.
Ola! fabulous video! terrific commentary.
Ola! excellent point of view John. Thanks for the great content.
Its a great product for getting new people into replaying music at a half decent quality.
For many this will be enough but for some it will be the door to higher quality replay.
Ola! Nice job as ever, enjoyed the bloopers too!
Amazing timing! I was just watching your review of the Wiim amp last night and almost pulled the trigger but was left with a few questions. You just answered all of them! But now you have me wondering what the new potential contender is. You tease! 😂
Olá John - first time I found your channel - its brilliant! Learning lots!
Originally bought to go with my TV, the WiiM Amp unexpectedly has become my favourite squeezebox. LMS on a raspberry + iPeng a great combo with the WiiM amp.
Loved this!!! More budget system equipment reviews!!!!
Ola’. Great stuff! Thank you
Olá, de Lisboa! Looking forward to your future €1000 system video.
I got the WIIM AMP combined with the Triangle BOREA BR03, which has a sensitivity of 90db. It sounds awfully good for the money and in my living room that is fairly small, there's really no need for a subwoofer (also the building is built in the 70s, so a subwoofer would probably have me evicted anyways). I needed both the streaming capabilites and the HDMI ARC in, so it was kind of a no-brainer for a budget HiFi system. Cheers Mr. Darko, thanks for another cool video!
Ola! Nice revisit John!
I am considering the WiiM Amp but I already have the WiiM Pro Plus, so also considering a Fosi ZA3 Amp about $149 US depending. It has a little more power than the WiiM amp and seems by all reports well made, and yes this gets us over $300 total but still cheap for a streamer, a decent dac in the pro plus and a comparable amp to the WiiM Amp. I may go that route thoug i do like the 1 box solution of the WiiM amp.
The fosi audio BT20A amp is a cracking buy 2 channel , rca line in, and can be used as pre amp , no hdmi
This is fun! Thanks!!
The rsl ia255.1 amplifier comes to mind for $110. Another great video John.
Olá! Damn I wished you would do more of these revisited Videos. Just a really great format especially in the landscape of all those initial reviewers that have to get their videos out of the door asap after or even before the official release! Also: I'm currently using the Wiim with a pair of Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 (not the S2) - they're using the same Drivers and are A LOT cheaper than the S2s, take out the drivers, give them a rough scrubbing and throw some matte paint of your choice on there and you might get away with a 500 bucks pairing that looks and sounds wonderful! (excluding cables that is)
thanks again for that great video!
Hola, and great video, as always!
I've just bought an ESCAPE M1 AIR Hi Res streaming dac and it outputs to my Chord Chordette set up. Works like a dream.
The outtakes are great - impressed you don’t potty mouth swear when that happens, when I screw up I sound like an old angry bloke down the pub who’s had a particularly bad day!
The Fosi Audio BT20A Pro amp sounds great and has more power for $90 Amazon. That is an amp option. Cheers!
If you have more content for bloopers include them please haha, makes my day.😂
The Wiim Amp has a new firmware update, and is officially roon certified ready.
Cant wait for the contender in the €1000 combo bracket!
You do great work
Love your content. Keep it up
Great video John. It's great to hear the 'audio management' detail. Lots to learn. Not least - how to connect banana connects😊
Ola! Based on several of your wonderful videos, got a WiiM Amp and set it up with KEF LS50Metas and KC62 Sub. Works quite well - I'm up at 70-90% volume. Also have a Sonos Amp hooked up to KEF R3 Metas and a KC62 Sub. Thrilled with both and definitely appreciate the cost of the WiiM Amp!
Olá. Looking forward to hearing about the upcoming competitor!
Hola, excelente, productos calidad precio. Es bueno saber que en esta época el buen sonido se ha "democratizado ".
John I really enjoyed this revisit of the Wiim amp. I have a Wiim Pro.
Wiim pro
SMSL Su-1
Fosi Audio BT 20A Pro I got for $80 USD.
Re the outakes at the end...thanks for being human, John.
Ola! I'm intrigued by the Wiim Amp Pro + and am attracted to the streaming comprehensiveness too. It just seems like a fun audio device, fun being something that is missing in more serious streamers, dacs and amplifiers.
It’s amazing we live in a time where you can get an incredibly good hi-fi set up for under $1000. But as a guy that buys used equipment I can tell you my $2500 set up with an old rotel amplifier some LRS plus speakers and a smoking dac with a lot of settings I’m happy. As an older audio file it’s amazing what technology has done. I really enjoy your reviews. You have a rational and entertaining way of explaining this.
What old Rotel have you got?
@@franknelissen8041 980bx
Ola
Nice follow up. This is a very keenly priced amp.
Love this video
I am currently using the Arylic BP50 - which is an HDMI ARC preamp that cost around $100. It also has a subwoofer output with built-in crossover. I have it paired with a pair of Swan OS10 powered speakers, but one could also use a power amp along with a set of passive speakers. It also has an optical output volume control, so one could also add their own DAC into the system for a further upgrade. I am not sure if this is a better sounding set up than the Wiim amp, I have not heard the Wiim, but it sounds pretty good to me and I like the flexibility of adding my own DAC and amplifier.
Let me try this again. Thanks for the follow up, and thanks for not breaking the bank with this recommendation. Thanks to your entertaining and very thoughful reviews I own the Denafrips terminator dac, and more recently the Monitor Audio 100 7G in Heritage Green. They both sound very, very good, and I have zero regrets. Perspective is what's needed especially after all the slings, and arrows from the so called "experts."
I’ve just setup the Denon CEOL with a pair of KEF LS50 Meta’s. The denon surely is a good alternative.
It sounds spectacular
Ola! Your analysis is correct, but forgive me. After watching the original video I did buy the WiiM Pro Plus and a $65 second hand receiver. Yeah no HDMI - ARC, but very happy with the results/budget. Love the App and equalizers. Now I want a pair of Focal Chora 826's to go with it.
Olá John. Been using a Wiim amp for a couple of months now in my home office. It's easy in use, works flawless and sounds great considering its price. And it looks good 😊
My alternative to the WIIM amp plus speakers would be the WIIM Pro coaxed to the Vanatoo T1E Plus active speakers, having 2 x 100W amps to the "woofers" plus 2 x 20W to the tweeters and includes a sub-out terminal. The cost of that combo is USD800 presently.
Greetings from near Berlin.
I got the Wiim amp with the LS 50 Meta and I'm very happy with it. The HPF was the main reason. I just can't find anything comparable that can do that even at twice the price.
I notice its low power though. At my max listening levels there's very little headroom. But that just means I'm looking forward to the Wiim amp pro or whatever will come next.
Space was also a consideration! And a physical volume knob.
I really like the idea of the WIIM AMP. I already have a WIIM Mini for two years and I became kind of a Loxjie Fan in the last years, rocking their small D10 and A10, Dac and AMP with my WIIM. I just upgraded to their new A40 AMP and D40 DAC: The A40 AMP is 240€ in germany, has HDMI ARC, COAX and Optical in, as well as Phono and RCA inputs and a SUB out. Sadly no SUB Management. The Loxjie plus the WIIM Mini is 30€ more than the WIIM AMP. Maybe that would be a contender!
Olá, love my Wiim amp. ❤ Powers my Elac DBR62's just fine for my listening needs, with a Q Acoustics 3060s sub in a mid size room with speaker placement constraints. I get full WAF and a EQ to make it sound good! All for £1100!! Music to my ears. Also paired seamlessly into an Audio Pro home Wi-Fi setup for the full Sonos experience at a fraction of the cost. Thanks for your content, it helped.
Are you saying you can get a Sonos-enabled amp without the Sonos AMP? I’m currently sticking with the Sonos mainly because I want the multi room with other Sonos speakers and don’t want to invest in a Sonos Port for that
Ola! Love this Channel!
Ola thnx John
Great points🙏🙏🙏
lol must be frustrating making them.. at times
ola john i luv the wiim amp unit thanks for the reviews
Olá Great video!! Hard to beat in terms of all out streaming capability and all-in-one value. For people not interested in 2nd hand or do not want an AVR this is a terrific option.
thank you for mentioning Chromecast. its so overlooked and highly used.
Interesting versatility from the Wiim amp
It's all the amp I need.
I've recently bought a fosi v3...nice little amp with a sub out (no sub management)..that with a Wiim Mini is a nice minimalist system for around 220 Euros. Nothing stellar of course, but you get quite a lot for what you pay, especially if paired with speakers with decent efficency on the warm side.
I got a wiim amp just because its so cheap did not really have a use for it, but ultimately its replaced a pair of M2 meridians, A gustard dac and Node. Connected to pair of naim nSats and a rel sub.
I wish I saw this amp a year and a half ago when buying a setup for my TV, it would've been perfect. I ended up getting powered speakers with optical-in instead.
Ola! Most excellent!
Hooking mine up today.
Replaced a NUVO One which failed. Pushing four patio speakers, beautiful. The technical data isn’t really important to me, I just need to hear the speakers. Good unit, good video.
How can you drive 4 speakers with the Wiim Amp?
Bought a WIIM Amp month ago to replace an ancient Denon AVR2808 and REALLY happy with it. Funfact; PLEX integration is also coming soon to the WIIM streaming suite 🤩
support sub?
Crazy value for the money. I’d buy the same package for 5 times more if it had Hypex level amplification. So something like NAD does in recent masters series but without the screen and lower price.
So hard to beat the value provided by any WiiM products... Sometimes, good enough is good enough.... Well done John.
This seems like an exciting product to me. I incidentally just purchased the Pro Plus to use as a streamer/DAC. I may not be a seasoned audiophile, but it sounds pretty damn good to me. I’d be interested to hear this amp.
Spot on. HDMI + Sub out + Diverse streaming + compact, attractive packaging + price point = there is no competition.
I'm running mine with some Elac Debut bookshelf speakers and an Elac sub. Great for streaming Tidal audio as well as Video with Apple TV and video panel. Really good budget combo for my secondary video/music setup in a smaller room.
Perhaps the Wiim will energize the market, and maybe even some legacy AV amp manufacturers to re-think their offerings and offer a 2+1 system with less crap nobody uses any more plus better streaming in a smaller package at a great price.
Olá! So fine content here 🎉
Hi John, if you don't have a smartphone, the Echo Link plus DAC of your choice & Fire tablet for control & display works great.
I was looking at the Russound MBX-AMP and the Bose Music Amp for a hide-it-away, control-with-phone solution for my garage. I then found the Wiim Pro and got one and looked for a suitable amp and had narrowed it down to the Fosi BT20A Pro with a 48 volt power supply for $USD119.99. But reviews said the DAC in the Wiim Pro was a bit dull and the BT20A Pro has analogue inputs only so I put it all into the too-hard basket. Then the Wiim Pro Plus came out, which would have suited the BT20A Pro more due to the better DAC but whilst in analysis paralysis the Wiim Amp appeared, which solved my problems completely. If I needed a higher power output I'd go the Wiim Pro Plus and BT20A Pro 48v combo, for which Fosi says you'll get 110w into 8ohms.
The Wiim Pro Plus and the Fosi Audio ZA3 w/ 48v power supply is $348 combined. Also you can upgrade the OpAmps on the Fosi. But there is no HDMI, as on the Wiim Amp. But you can add a better DAC in future on the Pro or Pro Plus which you can't on the Wiim Amp. Really hard decision.
Ola. Great content
You gotta come back for the "Hello everybody"😅
I am a wiim pro + smsl su1 = pro+ user.
John. When making the estimation of what component in the amp you should consider that the streaming part doesn't cost as the retail price 😉. Still quite a piece of gear for regular passionate, the Wiim amp 💪🏻.
There are a lot of (good) options available for amps built around the same chipset and at around $100, maybe less even. Fosi Audio V3, Aiyima a07 max are some of the most well regarded. If tweeked i'm sure they can sound even better. Smsl and sister companys also have some good options. If you wait for some sale season (there are several) you can get these even cheaper or other options may arise. Lets see what the upcoming wiim ultra brings to the table!
I tried a WiiM Pro + Fosi ZA3 vs WiiM Amp. Nearly equivalent price between the two setups. Decided that the ZA3 is overkill in the power section, and has WEIRD on/off 12v trigger behaviors. Also considered the OSD Audio XMP100, but the WiiM Amp setup is just so clean and tidy.
Can you explain more re. the 12v trigger behavior?
It’s a great little package which would have been unthinkable 5 years ago. This is the kind of devices we need to bring new and younger audience to HIFI
I use my Wiim pro plus with a Yamaha RX860. It’s amazing
I am used to buy directly from factory manufacturers in China. I think I found an Egolden WA-8 60watt amp, dac, streamer for 140 euro. Next week I get it and I test it, let you know the tesults
Ola! Agreed with many that the ayima A07 max is a good sub $100 amplifier. It also has upgradable op amps and mono bridge modes.