WiiM’s products have been creating a tornado of interest within the audio community. They recently released their new amplifier WiiM Amp which seems to have bonded their original streamer with a capable amplifier to create an all-in-one solution for someone who wants to keep their system simple and clean.
I look for value from the products I review. Whether they’re $4000 CD players or in this case a $300 integrated amplifier. There must be a point I reach within my evaluation process where the lightbulb goes off and I have that aha moment. It doesn’t happen with every product, but I’m confident that it will happen with the WiiM Amp at one point or another.
While unboxing the WiiM amp, one can't help but be reminded of Apple's iconic unboxing experience. It seems WiiM has indeed drawn inspiration from Apple, opting for a design that echoes Apple's hallmark of minimalism, cleanliness, and elegance in both packaging and the device itself. This approach not only appeals to aesthetic sensibilities but also resonates deeply with Apple aficionados, offering a sense of familiarity and sophistication.
WiiM included all necessary cables, allowing us to dive right into its setup straight away. I'm embracing it as an all-in-one solution. However, for those with a CD player or an external streamer, the WiiM amp's optical input facilitates an easy connection. While I was slightly let down by the absence of a digital coax input—which is my preferred method for linking components—the optical input does suffice for most scenarios. The inclusion of a subwoofer output is particularly appealing, especially given its HDMI ARC feature, which suggests it's intended for use with TVs. This makes it ideal for a straightforward 2.1 setup, enhancing movies, gaming, and TV content with rich, beautiful bass.
The RCA input caters to those connecting from an external DAC or devices that already have a DAC built-in, while a USB input and Ethernet port expand its connectivity possibilities. A pre-out option would have been a nice addition for those looking to use this as a more comprehensive entertainment hub, allowing for the integration of additional amplifiers for more audio channels. Nonetheless, considering its compact design aimed at 2.1 setups, the WiiM packs a commendable array of features.
The WiiM amp does not come with a phono input which may be problematic for some of you out there who have turntables, but this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to invest in a phono preamp. Or acquire a turntable with the preamp built in. At that point, you can just connect from either the phono preamp or turntable to the WiiM amp using the provided RCA cables directly to the back of the unit.
Honestly, I want WiiM to release a CD player in the same shape and style as the WiiM amp to pair it with one another. Then I’ll have everything WiiM. Could you imagine a CD player by WiiM knowing how good their streamers are?
Ah, one can hope and dream. Â
What you can see is only a fraction of what this amp can do on the inside. Once you download the WiiM Home mobile app, which is the easiest way to control the unit aside from the provided remote control, you can be up and running in under 5 minutes depending on how technologically adept or inept you are. Inside the app, you can decide whether you want to connect Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and almost Roon Ready. I love Roon and how it works so I’ll be primarily using that once the Amp is Roon Ready, however, having all the other options is super convenient as well.
There are a couple of things that stood out to me, one was the PEQ and EQ, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. I like using EQ with my sound systems. Normally I’ll use the one Roon provides but since this is not Roon Ready just yet and it’s in the app, why not? I also really like the fact that you have a full bass management system inside the app for your subwoofer. This makes it super convenient, so you won’t have to get up and turn knobs on the back of the sub.
I looked into the amplifier's performance metrics, guided by the reviews from ASR, where it received their seal of approval. Notably, there was a slight distortion in the lower frequencies, but nothing that would be perceptible to the average listener. The amplifier's overall measurements were impressive, offering reassurance to those who place high importance on technical specifications.
For me, the key takeaway is the assurance that the amplifier functions as intended. While significant distortion or irregularities would raise concerns, the observed measurements affirm the amp's proper operation.
At its core, the amplifier is powered by a Class D Texas Instruments TI 3255 chip, delivering 60 watts per channel (wpc) into 8 Ohms and 120 (wpc) into 4 Ohms. This level of power makes it ideally suited for pairing with efficient bookshelf speakers that don't require excessive power. For my evaluation, I've chosen the Starke IC-H1 bookshelf speakers. Despite not being the most sensitive speakers available, their exceptional clarity makes them an excellent test for detecting any nuances or flaws in the amplifier's performance.
The setup process was astonishingly swift and straightforward, transitioning from unboxing to enjoying music in merely five minutes. This efficiency left me with a highly favorable initial impression. Given the amplifier's $300 price tag, my expectations were moderate, underscoring my preference for assessing products without prior knowledge of their cost. Despite years of reviewing equipment and striving to overlook price when evaluating performance, some bias inevitably lingers. I anticipated decent performance from this amp, but the reality surpassed my expectations significantly. The soundstage was expansive, with exceptional clarity and punch that truly impressed me. Unlike many budget-friendly amplifiers that tend to sound tinny and thin, the WiiM amplifier distinguished itself with its remarkable audio quality.
To tailor the audio experience to my liking, I tweaked the EQ settings, typically favoring a slight V-shaped curve to complement my listening preferences. The Starke speakers, known for their pronounced midrange, necessitated a reduction in the mids. After enhancing the bass slightly, I discovered my auditory sweet spot. This setup has been my companion for the last few hours, providing a delightful soundtrack as I worked at my desk.
The all-inclusive nature of this setup is truly commendable. It's as simple as connecting a pair of speakers, and you're ready to enjoy your music instantly. This ease of use is something I greatly appreciate, making it an ideal system for anyone seeking simplicity. Whether you're new to the high-fidelity audio hobby or just prefer a straightforward approach, this device ticks all the right boxes.
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What stands out to me is the intuitiveness of the app. Considerable time and effort have been invested to create a user-friendly experience from start to finish, catering especially to those who may not be as technologically inclined. This thoughtful design enhances the overall usability of the system, ensuring that it's accessible to a broad audience.
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Given these qualities, I can confidently endorse this amplifier with my stamp of approval. It's a testament to the manufacturer's commitment to delivering a product that combines ease of use with high-quality performance, making it a commendable choice for both newcomers and seasoned audiophiles alike.
Check out the WiiM Amp HERE
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