WiiM Amp is a terrible HiFi value - Security flaws revealed. Buy this Streaming Amplifier instead !

The most hyped up WiiM Amp is not the greatest HiFi value product. There is a better Streaming Amplifier from a reputed Japanese Audio Manufacturer for less money.
JOIN MY PATREON COMMUNITY: / techieted
AFFILIATE PRODUCT LINKS:
Yamaha R-N303 Purchase Link: amzn.to/3Qi97Mt
WiiM Amp Purchase Link: amzn.to/449TuMR
WiiM Mini Purchase Link: amzn.to/3vU6vO4
WiiM Remote Purchase Link: amzn.to/4d4hQM9
WiiM Pro Purchase Link: amzn.to/49KE0QJ
WiiM Pro Plus Purchase Link: amzn.to/4b5bB8W
KEF LS50 Meta Purchase Link: amzn.to/3WeTklk
Bowers & Wilkins ASW608 Subwoofer Purchase Link: amzn.to/3U9OyCZ
Apple iPad Purchase Link: amzn.to/3QeND30
0:00 Intro
0:26 Mystery Streaming Amplifier Reveal
1:27 Feature Comparison
9:00 Performance Comparison
15:03 Final Thoughts
15:28 Conclusion

[@evr67bb]

I'm VERY happy with my WiiM Amp. The Yamaha has no HDMI-arc, no equalizer and is big. You could use the optical input for TV, but then I can't connect my laptop. So I think it's very personal what is the best for you. I love the equalizer and the app in general.

[@techieted]

Wiim Amp is good if you need those features. Great buy.

[@jungtarcph]

There are also DSP settings in Yamaha Music Cast. But size - well it's personal.

[@Maccaboy1984]

I’ve a WiiM amp temporarily driving speakers roughly 30 times the price, it works great! The WiiM amp is definitely NOT terrible value…

[@techieted]

👍 What speakers?

[@Maccaboy1984]

@@techieted Sonus Faber Olympica Nova

[@Dylan-qn4lx]

Can’t beat the WiiM for streaming service integration, this is why Yamaha are offloading these amps so cheap…

[@bukeksiansu2112]

As old guy I prefer Yamaha

[@mobby1212]

He needs to stop using the term RMS power. The correct 1:47 term is Average power which is the RMS Volts X RMS Amps. Of course the Wim doesn't state RMS power as it does not exist. Hobbyists are rarely engineers.

[@bruceevans3746]

@mobby1212 The Yamaha spec sheet references RMS power. The have a category called ‘Minimum RMS Output Power’. Not saying you are wrong in any way, but how are consumers supposed to be able to distinguish these nonsensical categories? Thanks!

[@auwtomoton]

Can you please do a demo showing how you use Chromecast or tidal connect and Spotify connect and KZbin music with the Yamaha amp specifically? Can you connect to the Yamaha amp from within the native Spotify tidal and KZbin music apps? Or do you have to go into the Yamaha music cast app to play any music from your phone? I can't find any information online besides this video saying that tidal connect and Spotify connect work with this Yamaha. It only says you can use the special Yamaha app which I am not interested in doing. Also can you show a demo of yourself using Chromecast with the Yamaha amp? I can't find any documentation online about that amp having Chromecast. If it really can do Chromecast and stream easily from KZbin music and tidal and Spotify instead of using some kind of Yamaha music stream app that would be amazing. But otherwise it sounds too good to be true. And so I would love to see a demo! Thank you

[@locoism1025]

What about the SMSL AO300 Power Amplifier?

[@vannk73]

The Yamaha's analog outputs are labeled as "line out" not "pre out". If these are proper pre-amp outputs, you should be able to control the subwoofer volume by using the remote control of the Yamaha. Can you confirm this?

[@DirkJanV]

So the only security flaw you mention is that it has an old implementation of Squeezelight?

[@jaimeballester840]

Max output is measured at 1kHz only. My experience with the WIIM lasted only 5 days and I returned it. It sounded quite awful with my speakers. Cheers.

[@trudimcleod5042]

I have the WiiM Pro Plus. I like its features and the fact that the Firmware is continuously updated. I am glad I saw this video about the concerns with Squeezelite streaming. Should it be a problem with the WiiM streamer for a setup not using the Logitech server? Cheers

[@AT-wl9yq]

You just stole 15 minutes of my life. I want them back.

[@wattspeakers]

Cool video! First time I’ve caught your channel, but I like the casual style review, yet it delved into details other reviews don’t touch… like volume adjustment lag on HDMI ARC, or ability for sustained power delivery, and the “body” of one vs the other. And something I’ve not heard elsewhere, that coincides with the commonly accepted “D class is best suited for near field” mantra. You mentioned the soundstage, (and I agree that comes from power and the speakers movement which the A/B is proven to be a workhorse)… And bigger is almost appears better. I’m planning a video on essentially the same topic, so this was very helpful thanks.

[@arty8478]

Really great informative video! Love that you were straight to the point and broke down the individual components like Dac & Amp class. Keep up the good work!

[@techieted]

Thank you!

[@joeshmoe7485]

I love Yamaha and have had several of their integrated amps in my living room over the years (I have the A4A now). They consistently make very high quality components, even at their lower price points. I think a lot of people like the Wiim for it's small form factor and in choosing something to compare it with you should have picked something that was similar in size. I think a lot of people use these in a desktop setting where space is very limited. Very valid concerns over the old software in the Wiim. Good video overall.

[@madcrabber1113]

I recently purchased a brand new Yamaha RX A2A home theater receiver to use as a 2 channel preamp. I paid $475 during a very short lived sale at Adorama. I registered it online with Yamaha which increases the 3 year warranty up to 5 years. I have not purchased a separate power amp yet so have been using the internal 2 channel amp in the A2A and am very happy with what I am hearing. There are too many features to list but suffice it to say there are a ridiculous amount of them. I find the sound of the built in streaming feature via Qobuz and Tidal to be extremely good although the interface leaves a lot to be desired. The amount of dsp and equalizer options make it very easy to tweak the sound to your liking. A bonus is that if I need to use it as a home theater receiver if my main unit needs repair I can do so. I am using Qobuz and Tidal with the built in MusicCast app so not sure why this would not be the case on the Yamaha that you are reviewing but maybe do an update to the app?

[@jacksonranch]

I read that the Yamaha was not 4 ohm speaker compatible (Accessories4less). You found otherwise? Love Yamaha products and I have the new YAMAHA R-N1000A. As for the form factor of the class D products, I can see the appeal but I struggle with keeping them secure on the shelf with cables and wires tugging at them. I have the Wiim Amp for the record and the streaming integration is good. I also prefer the traditional A/B amplification in general. Nice summary and I have subscribed.

[@techieted]

Yamaha R-N303 is 4 ohms compatible. Yamaha spec sheet: usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/r-n303/specs.html#product-tabs It drove my KEF LS50 Meta which dips below 4 ohms easily and was cool doing so. The Wiim Amp got hotter though.

[@BoBobo-sc4wf]

I’m just waiting for WiiM Amp Ultra.

[@318ishonk]

Looks like a good alternative in the world of budget-fi. I'd be missing the Parametric EQ (to overcome the bass mode in my room), but I guess most users wouldn't know how to use a PEQ anyway.

[@montauktimelord]

European viewers should note that the R-N303 has only FM and MW tuner, the European version (R-N303D) has DAB+ instead of MW, but costs significantly more. Also note that the specs of both show minimum speaker impedance of 8 Ohms, and measured THD of 0.036% below clipping, compared to Wiim amp's 0.002% and minimum speaker impedance of 4 Ohms.

[@manikdesilva1]

My firewall flagged the Wiim Pro for multiple security vulnerabilities. It really is a concern I am not sure why more people are not talking about it. YAMAHA R-N303BL is over 300 USD.

[@bruceevans3746]

The Yamaha appears even more powerful than you describe here. Seems all manufacturers like to hide common specs that buyers would like to know. The number for 4 ohm Yamaha power are off. Your number itself does appear on the Yamaha spec sheet (so thanks for the research), but you show a drop in power from 8 ohms (140w) to 4 ohms (125w). I have not yet seen a speaker that drops in power for 8 ohms to 4 ohms. Normally, this number increases by 33 to 100 percent from 8 ohms to 4 ohms. This all boils down to manufacturers not being transparent and agreeing on standards. Yamaha itself list yet another power stat for 4 ohms as 165 watts for ‘dynamic power per channel’, so this amp must produce greater than 115 watts. Maybe others can shed light on this? I really enjoyed your review!

[@pike1138]

I think it we are gonna have any talks about leading people on KZbin who even begin to understand audio equipment-- and risk their balls trying to bring us the FACTS and the TRUTHS--this is our man. Thank you.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

This guy destroys Cheap audio man, what a dude 😎

[@vendelius]

Good video... I like your music choices..

[@SMccrate01]

Without HDMI Arc, the Yamaha is not a comparable device. I want to build an audio 2.1 that supports TV output. The Yamaha is a nice affordable entry level integrated amp, but not really the same.

[@Saurcons]

Please don't "blast music (bass)" at way louder volumes randomly. Good video and appreciate you're review otherwise. I also heard it shuts down at high volume.

[@carminedesanto6746]

I went with the OG Wiim pro streamer feeding my new Denafrips 12-1 Ares DAC ..and it’s damn nice. Also the Wiim software/app is great.👍

[@rastislavledaj3110]

First realistic wiim review with comparison “apples to apples”. Big thanks. 👍

[@jasonromich9919]

Bought the yamaha V385 for around $300 and a pair of klipsch rb81s. Sounds great.

[@gilbertlessard4380]

Neither one are even close to being hifi. Just looking at the specs gives a good clue. Eg: Yamaha power rating only starts 40Hz and not 20Hz. Also, peak power given at 1000Hz only. This would typically translate into a true power of +/-25 Watts if tested to modern standards. The specs for Wii’s Amp are even more vague… but what can you realistically expect for $300?

[@bpalpha]

Is the R-N303 still widely available? Excellent entry point stereo receiver with a lot of bells and whistles. I like the look of these inexpensive Yamaha units too. I have a WiiM pro and a nice Denon receiver.

[@techieted]

Yes it’s available. Please find the Amazon product link in description.

[@chrislj2890]

One other thing the Yamaha has is native support for SiriusXM. WiiM products do not, and you can only access it using the SiriusXM app on your phone and stream via Bluetooth. That's why I'm usually using my Yamaha WXC-50 streamer instead of my WiiM Pro or Mini. Other than that I really like my WiiM products. I don't really think this is a logical comparison with a streaming amp against an actual receiver, and I can see people having the need for either one. Personally I would go with the receiver, but I'm a big Yamaha fan anyway. On another note, your video and audio are rather annoying, with audible drop outs and the crazy auto focus. If you are using an actual camera just use manual focusing and that won't be a problem. I don't know about the mic issue. Anyway, an interesting video. Thanks.

[@sanjinin]

Hi pls tell which app you used for green screen for this video, pls

[@earthoid]

Hey Yamaha - if you add Qobuz support I'll buy one.

[@johannesterl9083]

Only the HDMI slot makes the Wiim worth to consider over the Yamaha

[@lksznwk]

So what are the ACTUAL security flaws?

[@Ty-qj6ws]

Like the video.. but i have the hifi value king hands down the onkyo txnr 6050 routinely $300 on amazon and adorama

[@lehsu]

The Yamaha is too big. Can’t they make a smaller one?

[@killbot1963]

Something to think over. good video Sir.

[@MrStingraybernard]

I have both of these and the Yamaha 385 and the WiiM sounds way better then both ,the day in the WiiM is w ay better a has slot more detail and stereo separation

[@jimbergmann8633]

WiiM pushes Klipsch 600M II just fine. Robust app, $800 investment, sounds good to me. Lose the wig and cheap sunglasses.

[@chri_zockt]

Why give away the fucking WiiM? We want to win the Yamaha. 😂 Nice Video! Peace

[@teaearlgrayh0t]

Australian Yamaha web site listing it as discontinued..

[@stayfree870]

Probably is getting replaced with something new.

[@tedroybal5231]

You used the wrong word. You said "reputed." You meant "reputable."

[@DPSingh-px4xu]

Hype....how to get easily influenced humans to buy things based on marketing....one more cheap dac/amp/streamer...based on class D chips is just another fast food burger in the home audio industry.....5 billion sold hurry get one fast

[@thinkIndependent2024]

Smart=$

[@Martin_why]

Max output is good for nothing...