NO ONE can Compete with the WIIM Amp! This is the Best Music Streaming Amplifier Under $700

[@cheapaudioman]

Head to squarespace.com/cheapaudioman to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code cheapaudioman WIIM Amp Amazon amzn.to/3uyfvaq (Amazon) WIIM Amp howl.me/ck6bchaeyns (Crutchfield) check out my other channel www.youtube.com/@cheapwatchman_official Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON www.rofjdjk3ns.com/33G977/2CTPL/ Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P

[@caseyodonnell6621]

One big feature that this has over a lot of the other stuff from Fosi, Arylic, SMSL, Topping, etc is having that internal power supply. It just makes something like this so much easier and cleaner to setup in a 2 channel soundbar replacement situation not having to find a place to hide a power brick or wall wart. Glad people are finally starting to put e-arc into these little 2 channel amps.

[@ajasen]

SMSL A300/AO300 (amp/dacs, not streamers) and the like have internal power supplies I think. I wonder though, in case if repair, if it's easier to just replace an power supply vs get a replacement for an internal one?

[@jesushuerta9878]

Wiim is excellent for Streaming only users but need to add a better dac-There are a new Smsl amp with hdmi capabilities also.

[@jontpt]

Internal power supplies are not always good things. And you don't have the flexibility to change voltages, currents, etc.

[@caseyodonnell6621]

@@jontpt you are not wrong. But sometimes you need the simple form factor for placement. Some pieces you want to tweak and mess with. Some you just want to set and forget.

[@caseyodonnell6621]

@@ajasen Right. My SU8 DAC has an integrated power supply. Not sure on ease of replacement. I would imagine external is less expensive to replace. That said, I've personally never had a power supply fail internal or external. So, for me at least, I'm not sure that it would ever really be a factor in my purchasing decision. Not having to hide a big brick of a power supply is sure starting to be though.

[@camerong4944]

“It got as loud as I wanted it to get.” This is why I love what you’re doing here man. Thank you Randy.

[@cheapaudioman]

Thank you

[@chuckmaddison2924]

I have an amp that looks like that. A black box and a black volume control on the front right with power switch on the back. It has bolt holes on front corners and 2 handles for rach mounting. Sounds fantastic and only took a few weeks to build.

[@johnmyers6290]

Randy, you are absolutely right: there is something about the nimbleness of the WIIM crew coupled with their attention to detail and insane pricing that is nothing short of remarkable. For the last few years i was a Blusound fan--Ive got everything from some Pulse speakers, the Vault CD ripper/NAS and a PowerNode. But 2024 for me is about downsizing and simplifing. No more multi-room systems or separates for this kid. From now on its FutureFi all the way. Gone are my Bose 901s (cue the giggling) and the required EQ that also requires an old amp with TapeMonitor functionality. Enter The Sevens and a WIIM. The 7s are still in transit but the WIIM Pro arrived yesterday and upon hooking it up (which was easy and sweatless and ACTUALLY easy) i could FEEL the difference in the software, if thats possible. Bluesound has some of the best software around, bar none, but it can get finicky and startles easy. The Wiim software, on the other hand, seemed sure footed by comparison and its integration with music services is actually BETTER than Bluesound's. I think. But more than that, the 10 band EQ is a game changer! Bluesound users have been screeching for real software EQ for years and our entreties have fallen on deaf ears. For that simple enhancement, the last 48 hours or so with the WiimPro have been a treat. The ability to EQ has breathed new life into my 901's (cue more snickering) and from a $120 piece of equipment, mind you. All this from an outfit who, 18 months ago, nobody had ever heard of. The Mini replaced the defunct Chromecast Audio Puck. The Pro set its sights on fuller fledged streamers and the Pro Plus possibly bests the Sonos and Bluesound Node family of streamers. My only complaint about the Pro Amp is that I don't need one. Yet.

[@steadisteve]

agree on the "wish it had an optical out"...future! "alexa built in" is a plus over the 3 unit stack... would love to see a 5.1 version surround version!...Thanks Randy!

[@sean_heisler]

Like George Costanza and the donuts, I eat recently tossed, perfectly good items out of the garbage as well!

[@jeromeof]

Did you try subwoofer with the Wiim Amp as that would be one area where I thought it would beat your V3 stack? Though the new Fosi Audio ZA3 is effectively a V3 with a subwoofer output.

[@-loki-7727]

Cool little bit of kit. Add a $200ish sub, some high efficiency speakers and you'd be good to go for a while for under $1000. WIIM Amp Pro: hdmi out for screen art (buy your own touch screen), digital out, pre out/in and some more power. Thanks Randy!

[@fonkenful]

John Darko did a very excellent job on his own review of this piece, in which he coupled it with a KEF sub, and Project speakers. At the rate WIIM is pumping out new models, it might well not be long before some of the minor quibbles reviewers are voicing may be attended to by either firmware updates, or a “Pro” version. A phono input and pre-amp out to accommodate active bi-amping, for example?

[@D1N02]

Actually it has HDMI ARC not eArc. For a stereo amp that doesn't matter. The difference is the bandwidth. eArc has a lot more of it so you can do uncompressed 7.1 Audio. The WIIM does two channels, so plenty of bandwidth. The DAC is the ess9018. A bit old but back in 2017 it was still used in DAC's that cost over $12000

[@allandresner]

he keeps calling it eARC in the video...

[@jasonrunyon9845]

I think a great use for this is for outdoor speakers, where critical listening and high volume isn't really needed. I am running 2 pair of polk atrium 8SDI in parallel, then sending the subwoofer out to a Crown XLS1002 and a Dayton outdoor sub. Sounds pretty good for background music and airplaying TV audio from Apple TV to WiiM Amp.

[@jp93309]

Would love to see native apple music support for bitperfect lossless playback. But definitely a solid recommendation for anyone just starting out.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

In my living room 2.1 system I am running an Arylic BP 50 parred with a Fosi Audio V3 and it sounds pretty awesome! Right now I am using monoprice encore B4 bookshelf speakers, and a monoprice 10 inch low profile sub. Considering the cost it’s a pretty awesome system. For streaming, I just run airplay through my TCL Roku TV.

[@ronsenzel9056]

It’s crazy, there are other audio KZbin channels that I’ve been watching before your channel started that we’re good channels and they’re still trying to break the 100,000 subscriber mark while you’re already over 200,000. That’s great and it’s not only because you do good reviews And your knowledgeable products that the average guy can afford but also due to your quirky humor. The 10 minute rule on Garbage french fries is something I also agree with by the way.

[@TheSujanroy]

I love what you do. Thank you for pointing me at the Wiim Mini. This is good enough for me. Have been running it with an Allo Shanti power source (built nearby in Bangalore, India) last 18 months. Am always thrilled to bits with your suggestion.

[@RedSinter]

Hey Randy and yeah John Darko thinks it's Hot as in awesomeness...and it's an Aluminum Chassis. And it's amperage is excellent. 🎉❤ I think the rated wattage is 80 at 8 ohms to 120 or 140 at 4ohms along with the Ten Band is a Parametric Eq and Sub woofer crossover options. It would not surprise me if Wiim went to small separates next as a logical product process. I could be off on power but it is certainly more than enough for many.

[@RedRyz3n]

I was contemplating the Sonos amp until I saw this video which was uploaded 3hrs ago. I needed something small but mighty for my office that took up very little desk space. I have a NAD C388 that is freaking amazing but is large as hell and takes up too much space. This amp WiiM amp is perfect, and I bought it on Amazon.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I've got the powernode but this is soo much cheaper

[@jimlyall8624]

When are you going to test the smsl ao300?

[@kevinbehnke7149]

Wiim has come out with some great products at very attractive price points, this being another! Excellent comparison and review! I totally agree if they added the pre out and digital out...this product would be fire! If Wiim is listening, I wouldn't be surprised if that happened. It's got my attention..

[@markconway2677]

With respect to Wiim, Randy is the next best thing to a product manager at the company. It really seems like they listen to him, to the point that when he says he wishes a product had a specific feature, it seems to show up in the next revision of that product. It’s also really impressive how quickly Wiim iterates product features. I’d definitely refer to them as “agile” in their product development process. It’s pretty common in a software development environment but very impressive in a hardware environment given how much more work is involved in manufacturing physical stuff.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

since it sounds like multidrivers it might surpass the king

[@Ramzerok]

Thanks for this, especially the little affordable stack comp. I was about to have buyers remorse over my V3, wiim Pro Plus stack but it looks like I've got the win, particularly with the built in DACs considered. Do wish that I had that idmi though.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Why?? Only one thing matters at the end of the day - if you enjoy it.

[@StevenLynn]

Well. I guess I am going to return the Bluesound Node Edge I ordered during Black-Friday/Cyber-Monday. Was looking for something less expensive, or the Node Edge to go on sale. I have the Bluesound Node in my hifi setup. But did not want to spend that much on a bedroom setup to just "boost" the sound of the TV.

[@justbrowsing5279]

Dude. Despite your concerns regarding reviewing and liking some not so cheap equipment affecting your cred as the "cheapaudioman", I think your story about eating fries from the garbage if it's only been 10 minutes since they were thrown away basically cements your street cred. Thanks for the review man.

[@johnfisher3929]

So many questions: Why the 10-minute rule? I think the important thing is whether something disgusting has been thrown on top. How did they get in the trash in the first place? I just told my kids to leave the leftovers on the counter and then ate them for my midnight snack. Does this also translate to the 10-second rule for food that falls on the floor? It certainly should. But I will stop here, for the sake of those with tender sensibilities.

[@vincentw9610]

Thanks for your conent - very good point at the end, also very important for my buy decission..

[@jimbergmann8633]

Replacing a NUVO One that failed. Not needing outputs to push four patio speakers, the WIIM Amp seems like a good replacement. Thank you for an informative video.

[@gregbailer8701]

My new $450 "fine Columbian" ambiance Steely system for the outdoor toilet with some back porch speakers slightly toed in. Not for everyone, but CAM approved and warm fries ready.

[@Andystuff800]

Nitpick: it has ARC, not eARC. It doesn't really matter, eARC on this would be a waste since it's only stereo anyway, but you're still wrong to say it has eARC.

[@cartilagehead]

dang you sure told him

[@fonkenful]

@@cartilageheadDo you think if he just said HDMI input, the audience would understand that a two channel audio only device would likely gain little benefit from HDMI2.1’s 266% increase in bandwidth- unless intended to pass through high frame rate video for gaming? I’ve long held a couple of opinions in the realm of this hobby: there’s no such thing as future-proof; understanding the specific use case for each system is key to pruning the decision tree to a manageable size. addenda; if passive thermal management is really a major design factor, wouldn’t it make sense to have some vent slots on the top of the case as well? If not, then a large sold block of aluminum or more expensive copper in direct contact with the outer case to facilitate conductive rather than convective dispersion would make more sense, but of course that would add significantly to the piece’s cost.

[@ryanjofre]

Dang, that was an MIT Phd grade lecture you gave!

[@acescok]

@@fonkenful The case entire barring the bottom is made out of Aluminium , in case that helps your point on heat dissipation

[@bingewatch3553]

It's silly to believe the person in the video has any substantial knowledge about music and audio, just because he has a nerdy way of presentation.. everyone has different perception and taste for music .. and he reviews audio devices without even showing proper audio playback and measurements, which prompt me to believe that he is being PAID..

[@davidhires7403]

I’m a newbie to audio. Found you recently. You stand clear above the rest in your presentation, production, humor. Love it. I’ve been known to go for the fries too. In my naivety I bout the Wiim pro as a stand alone streamer and quickly learned I needed an amp. I bought the A07. Should have bought Wiim amp? Question is why did you add the DAC to the stack for comparison? Wouldn’t the comparison been better of a stack of just Wiim pro and amp?

[@jking54544]

I've been waiting for something like this. It ticks EVERY box I have in terms of what I want and need. After Christmas, I will be grabbing one of these. I cannot wait.

[@rich-s6c]

Thanks for the review! I've been looking for something to replace my Acrylic A50. I just hate the speaker connectors on it. This seems perfect.

[@bcrandeis]

Hit the nail on the head at the end. I went elsewhere due to no preamp out. I think they should offer a slightly more expensive model with the features you mentioned

[@Aaron48219]

Old school car audio here. Tens times the wattage for only 3db more. Also need to think about this backwards concerning the speakers, three db less sensitivity is using the same amp but theoretically losing 10x the amps wattage. Don't get me started on cabinet size regarding isobaric loading. Side note, bandpass sucks. Want output, horn load that stuff. I should get off my soapbox now. Good day sars!

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

Agree, Randy! If they’re doing this for $299, let’s see a higher end streamer with a large touchscreen display to go up against (and out do) the Eversolo DMP-A6. I bought one on all the hype and quickly sold it. Let go WIIM! Show us what you can do with an upscale offering.

[@claudiabailey5302]

If you bought the Eversolo on day one I can totally understand how you would have buyers remorse. I did for a while and I stuck with it and the updates and then smoothing out the rough edges has turned this into an excellent device the ripping of Cd’s to create a digital juke box alone has been worth it for me. It’s a shame it doesn’t have HDMI.

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

@@claudiabailey5302 The HDMI issue is another big one. I ordered a WIIM Amp on release day. It shipped yesterday and should arrive tomorrow. I’m anxious to see how it works. I bought it to use with a pair of speakers as a soundbar replacement. Seems perfect for that. I received the Eversolo VERY early (2nd batch that was dispatched) but held on to it through multiple updates including the new parametric eq background. The whole thing just seems too gimmicky for me and the sound quality seemed to suffer at the expense of bells and whistles. It made audible pops noises at power up bd when switching sources/albums. Then something Darko said about the old version of Android that it was built on potentially not being supported sometime in the future as I decided to cut bait. It just didn’t do it for me. I bought a Bluesound Node (newest version) with the intention of buying an external DAC but I’ve not been very impressed by that user experience either. The WiFi connection drops all the time (something NONE of my previous streamers have done) and then it can’t be located by airplay or Spotify when it does reconnect. I’m not impressed. My current plan is to just go back to the Naim Uniti Atom that I was previously using as a streaming preamp. It’s a joy to use, is built beautifully, and its built in DAC is incredible. So musical.

[@Synthematix]

My Aorus X470 Gaming 7 wifi motherboard has an ESS Sabre DAC in it, its the best thing ive ever heard.

[@teh0r4c13]

I am just starting out on my Hi-Fi journey and I think this device would be the perfect starting point for me. But him saying that the stack of 3 devices performing better for a similar price made me doubtful. Does anyone here have any advice on which would be the better option for a total newbie in this field? Thanks in advance! Comfort and convenience are a big factor for me btw

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good afternoon ☕️ I’m running the OG Wiim pro feeding a Topping E50 DAC ..that’s what they need ..more inputs and pre out …RCA and XLR …now you’re talking. A damn good start!

[@MarvelJAM]

Yes on the outputs! Thanks for the content :)

[@robertvsnow]

Shouldn't using the Wiim Amp with a subwoofer clean up the output. The amp will be less stressed once you limit the bass to the main speakers. Wouldn't that help out with the dynamics as well?

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Pre-out AND digital-out would be killer features. It would become the single "go-to" device for all starter systems.

[@ben23a31]

Nice little amp. However, no mention of the Yamaha WXA as a comparison. Time for a mini streaming amp shoot out with all components in the room?

[@bellrobert1978]

I have the wxa and tempted to try this wiim out. I'll do a shoot out

[@ben23a31]

@@bellrobert1978 looking forward to your opinion after the comps. Thx 👍🏼

[@cheapaudioman]

Gotten a few comments about this comparison. What’s being lost is that the streaming software and app integration is the really the major feature of an amp or streamer. The Yamaha doesn’t have the same service. Not all streaming platforms are created equally. Just because one is a streamer doesn’t mean it’s the same.

[@bellrobert1978]

@@cheapaudioman musiccast on the wxa is awful which is why I'm looking for a replacement.

[@bellrobert1978]

@@ben23a31 the icepower amp in the wxa will be tough to beat. The interface will definitely be better on the wiim.

[@themarklar8759]

Just picked it up on pre order. 👍

[@florianmcginer5748]

man, im so happy i found this channel! great content.

[@robertporter1429]

Wish Amazon was selling it now!!!!! I don't think they have it (yet) -- Opps...that comment near the end about "no pre-amp outputs"".....that's a deal breaker...thanks for what you do!!!!

[@randallwoodward5542]

Great review! I have one being delivered today and can't wait to try it out on my DP-400 turntable. however, I think you should be careful saying eARC, this amp does not have eARC. It does have an HDMI ARC connection but not eARC. Thanks again for the great review, love your channel.

[@SnapperX3]

This seems like a great starter system.

[@panjabu9922]

You need to compare wiim amp to smsl ao300/loxjie a40 +wiim pro or wiim pro+. And in the case of AO300/a40 ($230) we have an additional headphone amplifier and all the functionality of a WIIM streamer (150-200$) with a software update.

[@frankluba8747]

That WOULD be an interesting comparison!

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

AO300 is $289 alone. Add a Wiim Pro Plus and you’ve nearly doubled the cost of the super convenient, all in one Wiim Amp. I think it comes down to use case. If you’re trying to build a killer low cost, very flexible hifi system, what you described makes sense. But for someone just looking for a super sleek AIO, just-add-speakers, secondary system or soundbar replacement, you’d be hard pressed to do better (for Les money) than the Wiim Amp.

[@frankluba8747]

But which SOUNDS better. And if you already have the Wiim Mini and just use it to stream while using the amp DAC, the cost isn't that excessive -- especially if the sound is better! Subjective judgement, of course.

[@dannep018]

Would like to see a review of Smsl AO300

[@DarwinGregory]

Just picked up the Wiim, amp for about $250 on Amazon! Looking forward to it.

[@aimeeou812]

Need help deciding between fosi Wiim dac combo or this or Wiim plus Cambridge axa35 amp

[@markleydon4118]

But why no USB input for my computer? Like many people these days I’ve ripped my entire CD collection to a hard drive in FLAC format and use JRiver or MS MediaPlayer on my desktop computer to play through an amplifier with a USB input. Seems strange that WiiM are not allowing for this.

[@peterphan227]

I feel like this is a product that conforms to the needs of the users (HDMI ARC, sub out, remote, Alexa voice control, high and low pass filters, etc.) as opposed to products that force the user to conform to the product that the manufacturer wants to make.

[@D3CL1N3]

I have been using a WiiM amp in my main system to test it out. Powering Magnepan LRS to 70-75dbs no problem. Working seamlessly. Turn on the TV and it wakes up and starts playing sound immediately. Tv remote controls volume. Use the app to start streaming and it will switch over to music. It sounds at least as good as my Rouge Sphinx V2 with schiit Modi 3 did and i never have to touch anything. I might have to order another one for the family room TV now since i don't really want this to leave. Its so easy and convenient .. I Do wish it had pre outs so i could use my big 250w A/B amp with this as a control box.

[@ryanchappell5962]

I like how you tell me to grab a cup of coffee

[@AG-bp3ll]

What a cool product. I'm enjoying having separates so i'll stick with the pro plus but love what Wiim is doing.

[@JBOsurf]

I like it because it DOES NOT have a screen. I do however agree it should have come with pre-outs. How about a $499 product, 80w into 8ohms and 160w into 4 ohms, with pre-outs. No screen. I'd buy at least two. They could also make a stand alone amp in the same sized case. 250w into 8 and 500w into 4. Buy two and run them as monoblocks for BIG power. Game over at that point.

[@jordanrussell345]

Good assessment agreed on all points.

[@mightybenaiah9076]

I appreciate the comparison to the stack you chose. That stack is my reference to which I gauge the value and functionality of every budget system whether it's a stack or integrated amp with a Wiim mini.

[@ZeroSumDile]

Is there a video going over the stack in this video? If not can you list the components?

[@adsph]

Perhaps their finest product to date. Great value. Thanks for sharing your observations Randy. Well done.

[@ericksonjustinAK]

I like this, but a wiim mini with an optical out and that stack is the same price. What I would like to see WiiM develop next is a more highend WiiM mini that has a lcd touch display that can be used to play music and see album art while music is playing.

[@mangotamhk]

Hi. May i ask if yhe bluetooth support LDAC or still like the othe wiim product just the SBC? Thank

[@ziggy8757]

hopefully next iteration they include the preouts, and particularly more power....that would make it a perfect product.

[@ryanchappell5962]

It would be cool if you start sticking a magnet to binding posts of amps and speakers to see if they are using steel nuts(which degrades quality)

[@De132an]

Hi Randy, can you help me with a question pertaining to Wiim products using just as a streamer? Between the Mini, Pro or the Pro+, if used just plugged into an external dac and solely as a streamer, will sound quality get better up the Wiim chain? Will the Mini sound as good the rest? Used as only a streamer saving me the cash going up the product line? Thanks cheap audio man!

[@paulredman4884]

I use the Mini going to a Schitt DAC to a McIntosh MA2275 to Klipschorns. It sounds great! I’ve not seen anyone claim that streaming itself gets better with the pro.

[@antelopepoop]

Going up the Wiim chain, yes, your sound will improve from the mini to the pro bc the pro has a better DAC than the mini. Think of it like this, the mini is a streamer and a cheap DAC. The pro is a streamer and a good DAC. Edit: I just deleted some misinformation since I don't know much about the pro+.

[@lanruisen]

The SMSL AO300 has lots of power and HDMI ARC. Also, the Wiim Amp has ARC, not eArc.

[@michaelmarcin1003]

Does your stack have a subwoofer out? If not, how does that compare to the amp using a sub with the high pass filter?

[@Feliciano12v]

This is a great unit for a bedroom or secondary location. One can wish for a Center channel amp output, but this is a great deal as is.

[@D1N02]

Center channel isn't needed with decent speakers.

[@Dealuvsbill]

? For you, can I pair the fosi v3 with this wiim amp to make a stack. I don't stream allot. I would like my records and some streaming plus TV to be multi room though. But need the sound as good as I can get on a budget in at least one room. Do I need the added dak unit?

[@Vandophoto]

Would have been a nice money saver if it had been available when I bought 4 Sonos amps for my multi room setup! Looks like a good piece of kit for this type of setup.

[@jesushuerta9878]

Another cheap strategy fo DAP users is connecting their dap (eg. Hiby) to stereo amplifier and controlling the Dap streaming /internal Sd music storage from distance from phone with wifi connection (mqa,dsd,flac etc),,Wiim doesnt do dsd but its a great value device.

[@lanx0003]

Right now, you could get wiim pro plus decent used unit for $160. Plus fosi v3 (I prefer 32 volt smps, cleaner than 48 volt and does not generate much heat), the total comes out to be $250. The dac inside pro plus is, imho, better than su-1. Over time, you will appreciate the dynamics coming out of the stack than wiim amp.

[@daviddrake6875]

With Micca RB-42 the 48volt supply sounds pretty clean to me.

[@bencarignan2711]

If the fries are sitting on top of the trash, they're technically not IN the trash😉

[@andrecosta6508]

@cheapaudioman thank you for another great video. I am looking to setup an hifi system in my living/dining room that can operate in 1) vinyl player, 2) streaming from spotiy/tidal and 3) connect to samsung tv for home theatre. I have read multiple reviews and videos but difficult to come to a conclusion. Where can i find help in designing a setup that works for me /my room?

[@blinkingmanchannel]

At about 14 minutes, you kinda cut short your eval of the on-board dac... kinda. I'm ordering the amp anyway BUT here's my use case for you: I already have a Klipsch PowerGate amp. Been using orig Chromecast audio for streaming through analog port of amp. Hassle factor growing... Already have two remotes to run TV volume and Roku box.... But Geshelli dac? 🎉 But still hassle factor too high. Could you go ahead and benchmark the WIIM amp's dac please? I have FOMO on sweet tradeoff between cost, forward compatible gear, and reduced hassle factor. 😮

[@wvjon75]

It looks cool but why buy this over a Marantz nr1200 for $349 on Accessories 4less?

[@Zircon10]

That’s all and good if you can any service out of them. I have a bricked WiiM Pro that continually reboots itself in close-packed sequence. It will take no commands…cannot do a factory reset, cannot do a firmware upgrade. I’ve submitted two help tickets. The first was unhelpfully answered. The second, crickets, no reply. You get what you pay for.

[@doppy2006]

Hi Randy thanks for your inspiring videos. I have a rather old (secondhand) Wharfedale Tower Diamond 10.6 pair of speakers. Do you think this WIIM Amp will be able to drive those speakers? The previous owner paired them with a nice Marantz Amp (PM 6007). Pls advise.

[@MountainAdventures1]

As a user of the Wiim Pro, my biggest concern for this integrated amp would be the dac. The Wiim Pro's dac is below the lowest standards in my opinion (for instance, it's far inferior to the almost 20 year old Burr-Brown in my HT Reciever). I was going to return it, but I decided to run it to an SU-1 instead, and am glad I did. The dac in this amp would have to be a quantum leap from the one in the Wiim Pro for this to be worth the buy.

[@D1N02]

It is. the ess9018 used to be a flag ship DAC chip until it was replaced by the ess9038 (and now ess9039). But as with every DAC chip implementation is crucial. This is a machine for convenience with good sound quality, if you want more, go for separates.

[@AG-bp3ll]

The AKM in the pro plus is pretty good. Not sure why that wasn't used in the amp.

[@aceofspades6667]

Love my wiim pro but have no need for this amp. Still great to see them continue to push the envelope

[@fofocho71]

You could use a Wiim Pro PLUS and Fosi Audio V3, saving the SMSL dac

[@cheapaudioman]

You could for sure. I wasn’t loving the internal DAC on the pro plus though. Maybe I need to revisit it

[@kaneserver]

Just watched the bit from 5:19 thank you for acknowledging that. Takes a big big man to admit their faults. 😂😂 Thanks and on with this awesome review

[@dustinstorey6779]

2 questions, well 3. 1. Is the streaming as good as the Wiim Pro Plus? 2. Does it sound better than the SMSL AL200? How do they compare as far as sound?

[@cheapaudioman]

That’s right. I entertain and inform and compare stuff. Do you keep changing your username. I thought I’ve blocked you about a dozen times.

[@cheapaudioman]

The streaming is identical. Used the same platform. I’d imagine the AL200 would probably sound a bit cleaner. So you could just buy a pro plus and the al200

[@jaydubbaya]

I have the SMSL AO300 and Wiim Mini (and pro, and pro plus) in boxes and the Wiim Amp en route. Love the Wiim Amp form factor for a one room to rule them all situation but kinda hate losing physical headphone connection. Any suggestions for how/what to add to the Wiim Amp to get the headphone amp I’d be missing in the AO300 setup?

[@rachonlepatron1720]

Hi there, what about power supply to your speakers in comparison please, sorry for not helping on your side

[@1974best]

Just ordered mine, i'm replacing a Harman Kardon Citation Amp, which actually sounded good, but had heat issues (a fan going on/off constantly and ruining the experience when watching movies)

[@arvinpaunil7265]

is it a good pair with Polk R100 or R200?

[@perfect12ful]

I can’t get any sound out with tv connected, I can get with my android stream device. Can you help? The status light is orange.

[@kengrieve5374]

...my favourite you tube guy cheapaudioman, however here in Canada wiim amp 400 dollars plus import fees. Yamaha V4 ..479 dollars canadian at crutchfield. My V4 is most bang for buck, easily, plus bi amping aswell.

[@SrinivasaRaoGurram]

Hi I am looking for grouping rounding sound and extend my sound bar; I have Sonos arc with Sonos SL speakers; but Sonos has a limitation to group more than two Sonos SL speakers; do you have option where I can group 4 Sonos speaker as surround sound along with arc; do you have any other amplifiers which can does

[@Gurra1980]

I like that you wear a Tudor gmt with the white dial! I work at a Swedish retailer and I can say you got a great watch for your money! 😍

[@cheapaudioman]

Thanks for noticing

[@pkn5607]

Would like to know how the Wiim amp would compare to a Wiim pro plus plugged into a Fosi ZA3. Mainly focused on music. If anyone has real world experience I love to hear about it

[@ibjamnndazone1255]

I have a question that I cannot seem to find the answer too. How well does the wiim amp and I'll call it the wiim connect with each other? I wish to replace 4 sonos amps and 3 sonos connects. They are all Gen 1. My friend has one and it sounds great but it's just one. I love the zones or room feature on the sonos. I can play the same music on all with no latency. Please advise.

[@docox27]

Great t-shirt Randy!

[@remihuber]

Hi there. What if I like the whole WiiM Amp concept but I want to have a sound that is more flattering mediums, vocals, guitar strings ? To be precise for music like Queen, blues, folk, Supertramp, Genesis, Micheal Jackson. Should I consider using it with an external DAC (perhaps an idea?) ? Should I consider another set up / Amp / Streamer ? Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@r423fplip]

I use wiim in my sixth system with naim amp and Harberh speakers. It sounds very good. I may get one of these for my seventh system.

[@gacekk87]

@cheapaudioman do would you suggest Wiim AMP or Wiim Mini plus smsl SU1 and Aiyima A07 Max?

[@tomlindalewis2146]

Hi Randy, I picked up a Marantz NR-1711 used. Is there anything that the WIIM Amp does better? I know there are many differences with I/O, but with regards to streaming or DAC. I think the rated power for stereo is similar. Stereo is how I usually use the Marantz.

[@lukasgrega1943]

I currently own SVS Wireless pro, but find the treble to be a bit laid back, acoustic guitars and vocals sound too muddy to my taste. I also have it connected to my TV through HDMI Arc for movies. Would you recommend getting the Wiim Amp with a pair of stereo speakers instead? Can it match the power of the SVS Wireless Pro and is it going to sound good with movies too ? My living room is 15x17ft. Thanks a lot!

[@RJW998]

WiiM kind of reminds me of NAD in the early days, quick to develop new inovations and top sound quality for the price.

[@larshann3412]

Hi! Great video! I have a marantz sr7015 at home. Do I get better sound from this Product if I connect it to my reciever? Kind regards!

[@RajReviewsDualSportPhotoGadget]

Thoroughly enjoy watching your reviews. 👍👌

[@inmouchar]

With the Wiim Amp being so new, my only concern is durability. Compared to the more traditional, bigger amplifiers that have been around for decades and are almost guaranteed to last for many years, do you think the Wiim Amp is built to last as long, or does it seem like it's more fragile and more prone to fail in the long run?

[@Struttin75]

Can this amp drive a Q Acoustics 5040 or similar Floor-standing speakers?

[@MattSantry-gp5uv]

So I have a Yamaha TT-S3030 turntable and just bought a WIIM Amp so I can listen to vinyl and digital. I have a couple of Polkaudio RT3 speakers. The digital content sounds great. Really happy with the set up. However when playing records the sound level drops way down. The TT-S303 does have a preamp but it just doesn’t have anywhere near the same volume as Spotify. How can I fix this, do I need a better phono stage or is the WIIM just not going to give me what I need for phono?

[@AnthonyToth-t5v]

Buy a project phono pre amp job done you’ll like it

[@petervanderham4725]

How about coupling it with something like the Buchardt S400 II?