WiiM Amp Streaming Amplifier Review
For the price of an entry-level streamer, the WiiM Amp also offers an integrated amplifier stage — isn’t that perfect for retiring your entire stereo system, except for the speakers and a source or two? Let’s see. Tested at 299$.
The manufacturer is known for its surprisingly affordable network player models: Mini, Pro, and Pro Plus. With the WiiM Amp, new applications open up. It serves as a bridge to traditional HiFi setups for those who want to keep using their passive speakers while transitioning to network-capable systems. WiiM, a relatively young but already well-known brand, relies on streaming modules from its parent company Linkplay for this network-integrated amplifier, just as it does for its network players. This offers several advantages. WiiM has direct access to the proven technology known for regular updates.
Since other manufacturers like Audio Pro also use Linkplay technology, WiiM components can be integrated into a multi-room audio network alongside these products. This is great because the WiiM Home app, available for free on iOS and Android, provides access to a broader range of sound systems, allowing the streamers and amps from WiiM to be complemented by additional products. Currently, this creates a versatile solution for every room or listening zone, though future changes in the strategies of Linkplay’s other users remain unknown.
WiiM doesn’t just rely on the usual app control for its network amp, which is compact enough to be easily hidden. The relatively affordable device also includes a remote control. This remote communicates via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for line-of-sight, which could otherwise hinder hidden installations. It even features a microphone button for voice commands, making it possible to control Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
There are plenty of ways to access music sources. The WiiM Amp can connect to your router via LAN or WLAN, giving you access to streaming services like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Napster, Pandora, TuneIn, or Deezer. You can also play audio files from a USB stick or hard drive connected directly to the USB port. Accessing a local NAS is another option. The HDMI connection with Audio Return Channel (ARC) is also very practical, allowing you to stream TV sound. For these setups, the subwoofer output is ideal for adding punch during action scenes in movies. This setup also supports the built-in Class-D amplifier, which didn’t come across as underpowered in our tests. Keep in mind, the complete streaming and amplification technology fits inside a small, solid-feeling aluminum case.
The quality also extends to the gold-plated, full-metal screw terminals for connecting two speakers. Through a stereo RCA input with gold-plated jacks, you can connect a CD player or a high-level output turntable like the recently introduced Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono, also distributed by Audiotrade.
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The WiiM Amp is perfect for creating a modern system with existing speakers that performs excellently with streaming.
Overall, the package offered for just 299$ seems very generous. All necessary cables are included — from the 4K-HDMI cable with textile coating to the optical Toslink cable to the RCA cable with quite high-quality connectors. There is no headphone output, but the option to pair the WiiM Amp with Bluetooth headphones is available.
The WiiM Home app is well-designed and offers a bonus for those who value individual sound adjustments. Where other providers are quick to tout a bass/treble control as an equalizer, here you have a choice between a graphic 10-band EQ and a parametric equalizer for precise sound corrections.
In the usual flat position, the WiiM Amp was impressive in our listening test. Due to its compactness, you wouldn’t expect it to handle high-end speakers like the Canton Reference 5 with confidence. But since they were already set up for testing, we decided to try it out, and we were surprised. The small device sounded impressively powerful and clean. You could immerse yourself in the recordings, hearing even the piano pedals in some live productions, and generally enjoy a very tangible performance. With a CD through the analog input, there was a bit more warmth compared to streaming. The bass sounded controlled and quite mature, although the WiiM was somewhat restrained in the lower ranges — but for its price and size, it’s truly excellent.
APP CHECK
In addition to the rare 10-band equalizer, a graphic EQ is also available. The interaction with leading streaming services currently excludes only Apple Music. The interface is well-structured, and the operation is intuitive. However, in our test, the amp froze after the initial software update and was difficult to reconnect afterward.
Beyond these numerous features, there are even more ways to play music through the WiiM Amp: AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are also available. The two competing operating systems for mobile devices are thus equally supported. This means that the currently unsupported Apple Music can still be used with the network player. High-resolution playback is possible up to 24-bit/192 kHz, but DSD is not yet supported. With the 32-bit DAC ES9018 from ESS, the WiiM Amp is theoretically equipped for this, and it might be added via a future update. At least Roon servers can be used — a small consolation.
Performance Report
Class D amplifier with a distinctly load-dependent frequency response in the highs (blue, 2 ohms) — not fully suitable for electrostatic speakers. Power output: 2×65/128 W (8/4 ohms, sine wave and music). Low distortion with k3 as the dominant harmonic distortion component (green). Decent signal-to-noise ratio at both analog and digital inputs (100/101 dB, weighted at 10 V). Remarkably, the optical digital input supports PCM audio with a 192 kHz sample rate. The overload resistance of the line input (2 V) and the maximum gain (21 dB) are a bit limited for quiet sources. Fine volume adjustment in 2/3 dB steps. Power consumption: standby 3.5 W; operation 13-280 W.
Audio Rating: 5.8/10
Specifications
Warranty
2 years
Dimensions (W x H x D)
19 x 19 x 6.3 cm
Weight
1.84 kg
Special Features
Built-in streaming player
Verdict
Sound
111 points
Features
Very good
Usability
Very good
Build Quality
Very good
AUDIO BENCHMARK
Overall Rating
111 points
Price/Performance
Outstanding
Who would have thought that in the 21st century, a component thoroughly shaped by modern computer and network technology would evoke the well-worn phrase “small but mighty” from the cliché drawer?
But in this case, the classic fits: what WiiM offers in terms of features, connectivity, build quality, and especially sound quality surprises even seasoned audiophiles who may not have had much experience with the brand.
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The WiiM AMP revisited
This episode is brought to you by the PSB Imagine series: https://www.psbspeakers.com/ Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss ...
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