The WiiM AMP revisited

[@snznme]

What excites me about the WiiM amp is how the competition will respond.

[@pushslice]

^^this ! Even If it’s not exactly for me, a rising tide lifts all vessels ..

[@cgreenfield6655]

We all know Sonos will respond with a lawsuit

[@fonkenful]

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.

[@brianvportugal1155]

Ola!

[@Ridingnz46]

Be good if it doesn't have musicast brick WXC function

[@TexasShout]

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!

[@badger69badger]

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 🥰

[@johnpischedda6951]

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.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

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.

[@davidchrisman3915]

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.

[@donellox]

Exactly the same for me 👍🏻👍🏻

[@arda_]

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!

[@uribar-ner5055]

Today we gave this Wiim amp some serious listening. It is absolutely amazing. But shines with easy to drive speakers.

[@daoakman2462]

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 KZbin 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.

[@JCF072344]

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.

[@EricBailey-s3y]

Howdy from Texas. First and foremost, thank you, Darko Audio, for your awesome channel. I built a budget 2.1 nearfield desktop system centered around a WiiM Amp for my 10' X 11' home office. I chose a pair of open-box Jamo S 803 bookshelf speakers and an open-box SVS SB-1000 Pro. The true hi-pass/low-pass bass management, phase, Subwoofer & Speaker Sync and EQ simplicity is what sold me. I don't need ear splitting power for a nearfield system... it gets plenty loud, for me and stays under control even with the most demanding dynamic music and movies. After all, I'm the only one who needs to like the sound of my system. Thanks again for the work you put into this channel.

[@KinuGrove]

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.

[@MilwaukeeBlues]

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.

[@libertysoutlook5160]

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.

[@spaminatord]

How does that dac compare to the smsl su1?

[@themarklar8759]

Got my WiiM Amp a week ago and I absolutely love it in my secondary setup!

[@BadVoodoo11]

Paired the WIIM Amp with Elac Solano bookshelfs as a desk setup. This setup absolutely rocks! Some reviewers (not John)seem to insist this amp needs to perform in a large room at over 90 decibels to live up to the hype which is just bollocks but they want to be contrarian for views.

[@Hartnad]

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!

[@nunofernandes4501]

It's almost as if you'd buy it on a Wiim.

[@pjmt29]

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.

[@Another_Audiophile]

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

[@monmioamio]

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.

[@buckaroobonsi555]

I have a WiiM Pro + and it is the best money I have spent since 1996 on audio gear. I wish the WiiM Amp had been out at the time I purchased my WiiM Pro+ even though I was not looking for an amp at the time. At the price point is a no brainer. That said I am so totally happy with it. I have used it with gear from 1979 to about 1996 and it is a welcome addition to my hifi needs! I thought the WiiM Pro + was a steal when I got it.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

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! 😂

[@gregoriolarocca3640]

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_Waraba]

Does the SMSL AO300 have a High Pass Filter? If yes which frequency?

[@veroman007]

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.

[@franknelissen8041]

What old Rotel have you got?

[@veroman007]

@@franknelissen8041 980bx

[@djse7en1976]

The Wiim Amp has a new firmware update, and is officially roon certified ready.

[@brandonburr4900]

Appreciate the bloopers and the entertainment!

[@Nuevo_El_Nagual]

The WiiM AMP is based on TPA3255 amp chip. The same chip is in Fosi V3 @$89.99. But in V3 you can replace stock 32V psu with 48V and have much more power than WiiM AMP.

[@trevorbartram5473]

48V is close to the TPA3255's max DC voltage & long term reliability may suffer. Wiim knew this amp would be popular so the're being conservative. At 48V the power supply will also be much more expensive.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Agreed. The V3 with the bigger Psu is great.

[@jeffreyastjohn]

Ola! Thanks for the package recco at the end. I love that part of it (this combination works well together, etc.)

[@ShakeyNelg]

And this video judges it purely on running it as a single system. The networking ability of the WIIM is amazing, just add a WIIM Pro, pro plus or WIIM Amp to any room and the whole building is streaming the same source from room to room seamlessly. Nobody does streaming like WIIM for the $$$.

[@diemman70]

Thanks for the second look and informational talk. Ola!

[@carstenschneider4932]

What about the KEF LSX II LT which is 999€ in Germany?

[@JoelOman1980]

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!

[@FrankGjmle]

About amplifier, what about the Aiyima A07 MAX? Sells for around 100$, with the biggest power supply.

[@OskeeWowWowIllinois]

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 😂.

[@josephstark4944]

I guess somehow I have missed the fact it has a high pass filter. Almost nothing in the budget area has that and it’s a huge selling point for me. I might actually pick one of these up to replace my WiiM Pro and Loxjie A30 combo for my home gym.

[@evr67bb]

It depends what you mean by a 'high pass filter'. I think it has no high pass, but a low pass filter voor the passive speakers. It's connected to the crossover frequency setting. Frequencies below the crossover setting will not be sent to the connected passive speakers but only to the active sub.

[@The_Waraba]

I thought the Loxjie A30 had a high pass filter.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

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!

[@mazakokansp]

We can connect Wiim pro plus with Fosi Audio bt 20A amp 300 watts rms. below 100$

[@galessi1226]

Yes...but no HDMI?

[@h3h3umm]

The B50 is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Glad I stumbled upon this video just now

[@wilhelmvonkox]

John, please review brand new WIIM AMPs competitor - Loxjie A40. In theory it is equal / better in some parts, but we value yout opinion regarding usage / software experiance.

[@roaringtourist]

That would be interesting as the A40 also has Phono-In. The SMSL AO300 would likely go in the same category

[@cherylstuart1695]

The fosi audio BT20A amp is a cracking buy 2 channel , rca line in, and can be used as pre amp , no hdmi

[@TodThomson]

Fosi Audio ZA3 w/ 48V PSU is a BETTER (same chip, but more grunt) amp for $136, BUT, you lose the HDMI ARC and sub DSP, which I am sure will be a deal-breaker for some folks.

[@TbagginsMcGee]

Ola! excellent point of view John. Thanks for the great content.

[@jugodenaranja2010]

I wish there would be a way to bypass its dac and being able to use my external dac while streaming from the wiim amp

[@PKWeaver74]

Just buy the wiim mini?

[@anxiousappliance]

optical out

[@jamesarmstrong2726]

Ola! Thanks for the updated review, John.

[@huffsboson]

I was thinking of adding the Fosi v3 to my wiim pro. Is that going to be okay?

[@m4nc1n1]

Yes

[@douglaskeel3008]

Ola! Nice job as ever, enjoyed the bloopers too!

[@ObeseChess]

I guess I don’t really understand what’s meant by “streaming comprehensiveness” - how often are y’all using all those different protocols? I just use airplay if I’m going to stream, why would I use one of these other protocols?

[@stevehutchings4339]

Olá John - first time I found your channel - its brilliant! Learning lots!

[@davidrojas6457]

For a single box to run a minimalist stereo living room setup, there is literally nothing better right now for $300. I know because I've been waiting for this exact product to show up for the past 10 years.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

I hope it arrives soon ! 😂 🙃 🎶

[@markc8773]

The RSL ia255.1 amplifier comes to mind. It can be had for $110. Another great video John.

[@twistyflora]

What I really want to know. How many days during the past 3 months have you actually been using this amp/steamer?

[@DC-bo9py]

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.

[@darthwhit]

There is nothing even close to this that has HP crossover for the the sub out. Closest I can think of is the Elac DS-A101-G with it's current price of $400 but that's also without HDMI ARC.

[@markc8773]

The rsl ia255.1 amplifier comes to mind for $110. Another great video John.

[@reneeversen]

Hey there.... Would it have enogth power to drive the Klipsh RP-600II 100w 8ohm? I really like the compact form, with the HDMI connection.. Greetings from Germany... Rene

[@sunefred]

Cant wait for the contender in the €1000 combo bracket!

[@Big-J-8579]

For those who only or mostly stream and are on a tight budget the Wiim AMP is hard to beat. For those like me who listen to physical media more, it has little appeal. Thanks again.

[@anxiousappliance]

Almost every recording ever made in earth's history is at your fingertips. You could explore (with resolution higher than CDs) and if you find some magic - order the physical media. What a wonderful possibility!!

[@klotzey]

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!

[@davidrocco200]

Marantz NR 1200 for 399 is quite comparable. Not a lot more.

[@yannickm2684]

And you have a screen, and a better power supply…

[@hifi-photo-Brian]

The Fosi Audio BT20A Pro amp sounds great and has more power for $90 Amazon. That is an amp option. Cheers!

[@fubearchu865]

lol Sonos’s software is HORRIBLE. Worst networking system ever. It’s a joke.

[@DATApush3r]

I concur.

[@vsalasarcr]

Hola, excelente, productos calidad precio. Es bueno saber que en esta época el buen sonido se ha "democratizado ".

[@michielroom]

Fosi V3

[@kenneths.perlman1112]

I thought about it. But then I had to buy a Streamer. I wound up getting the WiiM Amp.especially on sale.

[@dal2258]

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 😊

[@robertcowart2456]

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."

[@sajeeladameonwildsugar5698]

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.

[@davebk1031]

Ola! Great distilling of the various value propositions.

[@Stahlly]

If you have more content for bloopers include them please haha, makes my day.😂

[@andystobbs597]

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.

[@julienpa3]

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

[@ramondelgado6778]

Loved this!!! More budget system equipment reviews!!!!

[@russelljohn5258]

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.

[@adsph]

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.

[@siphonsnob]

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.

[@markcook9084]

Ola’. Great stuff! Thank you

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

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.

[@ronjoiner]

Re the outakes at the end...thanks for being human, John.

[@VikramSudarsan]

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!

[@simonward14011968]

Great video John. It's great to hear the 'audio management' detail. Lots to learn. Not least - how to connect banana connects😊

[@TheNightPortal]

thank you for mentioning Chromecast. its so overlooked and highly used.

[@aridembo1693]

Ola! fabulous video! terrific commentary.

[@andyononlaw]

Ola! Nice revisit John!

[@Zhiloreznik]

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.

[@eugenefudge3685]

I added the Wiim ultra to a 20 Watt class A amplifier from AliExpress and you won't believe the sound quality and functionality you get.amazing.the amplifier cost less than $300 US.

Which Amplifier exactly?

[@PFBzzz]

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.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

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!

[@garethsnaim8174]

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.

[@MindfulProgramming]

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.

[@34332]

Can you explain more re. the 12v trigger behavior?

[@ptg01]

So hard to beat the value provided by any WiiM products... Sometimes, good enough is good enough.... Well done John.

[@gerardphilippetuazon491]

OLA! John and thanks for the follow up review. For me the WIIM AMP is already a must have in a budget system. The only problem I have is choosing the right speakers that will match well with the WIIM AMP. The Project speakers you mentioned is not available in my country 😅

[@lvi3818]

I just matched some PSB Alpha P5's with the WiiM. Great sound, good price and 89db sensitivity. If you're in the EU then Heco Aurora 300s are great speakers. Amazing bass output at 32hz and 90db sensitivity

[@larsisaksen]

I'm going to be trying the amp with a pair of Triangle tituz ez's, they are a bit more sensitive, so I think they might work well. Seen some mention the kef ls50's working as well.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

How about Dali Oberon 3 🤔👍

[@yorkshiredefender1105]

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

[@workshopninjathe1st]

Ola! Fosi Audio V3 amp is $90 on Amazon, sounds nice to my ears… no remote, no arc, but does have a sub out.

[@bgravato]

I have the Fosi V3 and it doesn't exactly have a sub out. It has an output labeled preout, but that's just a bypass of the input (it even works with the amp turned off), which doesn't go through the volume knob. It also doesn't have any crossover to split the frequencies going to the sub and the speakers. The newer Fosi ZA3 does have an output for a sub that is controlled by the volume knob, but AFAIK it also doesn't have any crossover filter. I still think the V3 is a great little amp for the money (mine was a bit over 100€ because I got it with the 48V PSU).

[@geevee1045]

The Fosi Za3 does have a crossover filter, but it's fixed at 300hz.@@bgravato

[@Karhallarn]

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!

[@ktee92]

Have it paired with a silver 100 7g. Love it

[@rippedgeek]

Hola, and great video, as always!

[@JorgedeLumiarFerreira]

Olá, de Lisboa! Looking forward to your future €1000 system video.

[@bellrobert1978]

It's all the amp I need.

[@petermitro3426]

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.

[@tigertiger1699]

Great points🙏🙏🙏 lol must be frustrating making them.. at times

[@tehkik]

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 🤩

[@alfredolim1067]

support sub?

[@robertmyers6917]

ola john i luv the wiim amp unit thanks for the reviews