WiiM Amp Review - Why Pay DOUBLE For Less

📌 Wiim Amp - Available Now: amzn.to/3sYEUcQ
This one is a bargain, 299.99 gets you into a competent streaming platform as well as amplifier (TI3255) with bass management and HDMI ARC. The competition basically all comes in around double the price or more so it's sitting in a fantastic spot in the market.
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[@eriklscott64]

Merry Christmas Matt!!! Thank you for all of your awesome reviews. Your communication is excellent I like your taste in equipment. You enjoy the value of the low end stuff and you still enjoy dipping into the upper end stuff. And you're a pleasure to watch. So I came across something in some of the Ali Express stores and cannot seem to find any sort of reviews whether written or video. Now it's also under cross manufacturer names so it has several names. But let's call it the Aiyima D325x. So the base unit is a balanced, bluetooth,, separate base and treble, built-in power supply, dual vu meters. But it also comes in two different Bluetooth versions one being about $10 more than the other. They range in price from $98 to $120 average. I can copy a link and post it but I didn't know if I should do that here or not without your permission or if it might be against rules or not be allowed. I'm not asking you if you can purchase it and review it but maybe with your knowledge and contacts you might be able to find any information about this. I cannot find any sort of power rating for it whatsoever and with an internal power supply,it doesn't enable you to possibly power supply roll. If you could possibly help with this it would be extremely appreciated!!! So again a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good life!!! Maybe this year we can be more humane to each other. Take care BigE

[@PFBzzz]

Great review, thanks. Suggestions on speakers to match with the WiiM amp that match the superb bang-for-buck value the WiiM provides, preferably under $800? Subwoofer pairing?

[@allunk7969]

Hey Matt! Great review Sir. I am considering 2 of these over an AVR to run 6 in-ceiling speakers (4 in one area and 2 in another). Would you run with these or a AVR?

[@killercushion]

Good review. This looks great for any entry set up. The arc and eq settings especially great.. For the same price though I just picked up a marantz 6007, which will lack the features but bound to sound superior.

[@wickedlammy]

Planning on replacing my Loxje A30 with one of these. Mainly because the remote on the Loxje is next to useless and no good when using it for my TV setup. Can't wait to find out how good it sounds.

[@jeremythevenin6102]

Nice video. How would you evaluate this WiiM versus a VSSL A.3x?

[@goodsound4756]

Interesting, but I‘ll wait for the Wiim Amp Plus or Pro or Ultra, whatever… what I ask for is an option (DSP?) to choose myself it to sound analytical/neutral/warm (not just simple EQ). Or some tube for the pre-amp section. And a USB in (for PC).

[@mikecampbell5856]

Great review as usual Matt. I like the fact that Wiim has realistic power ratings, not 300 watts per channel. I have a Wiim Mini and even an old guy like me was able to set up the app easily. Wiim is definitely making waves in the Hi Fi world.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Super easy setup on these for sure!

[@exequieldiaz6756]

Thanks Matt for another honest and direct review! Got one question. I already have the Wiim Pro Plus. Does it make more sense to add a Fosi V3 to it, or to get this Wiim Amp instead (and sell the Wiim Pro+)? My main concern is audio quality. I have a pair of Wharfedale Evo 4.2 and a pair of PSB Imagine X2T. Thanks!!!

[@MattCoykendall1]

I would say stick with what you have unless you would benefit from the hdmi and sub out or just want an all in one solution. The V3 will be an excellent match with the pro plus as well.

[@deeman1643]

Enjoy your videos. Would you pair the WiiM amp with the CSS Torii speakers that you built?

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yes, absolutely I would and have tried that combo.

[@JonnoAndrews]

I'd be interested in you taking a look inside, like with some of your other reviews, please.

[@brendankaiser289]

Awesome review! I use airplay a lot and will be moving into a new house where I want to have in ceiling speakers for whole home audio. Do you think this would be fine to drive simple 8" two way speakers for that using Airplay 2?

[@MattCoykendall1]

That should work no problem!

[@mikeg2491]

Wonder how this would do as a portable amp for headphones that work better on speaker taps like the Susvara

[@BH-ds3wv]

I've been doing my research on this product, and your review is well done and very helpful. I do wonder however if maybe I would actually miss the 'e'ARC (Darn it! Why didn't they just up that?) Still, have to think I'm going to pull the trigger on this. Really meets my criteria. Saw an interview video with one of the Wiim Reps. He pronounced the name (rather pointedly) as "Wim"

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

i was eyeing on that as well but went full gaming lul

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

ARC does uncompreseed PCM Stereo. Realistically there is really no benefit for eARC here.

[@michaelwright1602]

Thank you again Matt, your presentation style is top notch. WiiM is really showing the big boys how it should be done. But, as you stated, the lack of pre outs and a way to connect your own DAC... Maybe on the WiiM Amp II?

[@MattCoykendall1]

I wouldn’t doubt we see a 2.0 down the road, this is a pretty solid first attempt though.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@MattCoykendall1 It most certainly is, especially at this price point. The WiiM products simply continue to impress. I think it is safe to say, we are all expecting great things out of this company.

[@dhahntube]

This is the best review that I have seen of this product. Thank you for your work!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate that

[@jp93309]

Still rocking my Wiim Mini into an an SMSL SU-1 dac. Regular product updates even on the budget Mini is a big plus.

[@MattCoykendall1]

I have a mini in use as well, I have the whole WiiM family here haha

[@laika25]

Great review, man

[@MattCoykendall1]

Much appreciated!

[@sms9106]

Every av receiver from now on ought to have streaming built-in. WiiM should license it to everyone .

[@MattCoykendall1]

Might as well, it’s better than what most offer.

[@khrispeter85]

Nope , then it’s competition. Wiim should expand their range to speakers and soundbars

[@snznme]

WiiM is a brand of Linkplay who do, in fact, sell streaming modules to other OEMs.

[@balooo2863]

They are likely going to, Sonos is doing it now on several high end products.

[@toai2]

How does it compare to the Schiit Vidar amp?

[@user-ud9rn7dw6q]

Hello Matt just a simple question please help me is this wiim amp better than me having Spotify on a phone with Bluetooth to a basic Yamaha amp I take it the Winn would have a better dac and Bluetooth maybe I just want a small amp to hide away and run Amazon Firestick through it to mission speakers and an rel sub

[@limpty]

thanks for the review. do I need a pre amp to listen to a record player? or do I just plug in and go? thanks so much

[@MattCoykendall1]

You will need a phono preamp either external or in the turntable, the WiiM doesn’t have a phono in

[@mrmoonstone2]

Is this a stand alone unit ir can you add it to a hiring set up krshould I look at the pro plus

[@creativechimp03]

Great video as usual. Do you think this could work in a hallway environment paired with a couple of decent speakers. I want an amp for a sub £500 turntable and would like to also use it for Amazon music?

[@MattCoykendall1]

This would be a perfect fit for that type of requirement

[@creativechimp03]

@@MattCoykendall1 thank you Matt, I shall grab one!! Seems a great bit of kit for the money

[@tonymolina7744]

Great hifi breakfast this morning. Thanks Matt! I see a bright future for this little platform. Would love a next or back track function somewhere on the box …

[@tonymolina7744]

I say Weem myself.

[@MattCoykendall1]

I think they went for more of a streamline approach with no controls beyond the volume knob on the front rather than the mini or pro with track and volume control, its a clean look but I can understand how some would benefit from more controls as well.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Same!

[@fonkenful]

Crème de la crème - how about criim of the crop? 😂

[@genemaddux9343]

Good review and I like the product, but non-weenie sub mgmt would've included an electronic high pass for the R/L - as reviewed it's just another homulgation of average features.

[@CapitalDream]

Is it possible to have my tv connected to this and have the tv audio airplay to my Sonos Speakers

[@victorlam9796]

Hi. I’ve just setup my Wiim amp a couple days ago. I realised that the amp goes hot during play and even warm when during standby. Does your amp do that too? I thought class D amps do not get hot? Have a great Christmas!! Vic

[@MattCoykendall1]

Mine is warm at idle as well. I would need to open it up to verify but they may be using the chassis as a heat sink, in that case it would be nothing to worry about.

[@mreddieau]

Does this have internet radio like Yamaha's Music cast Net radio feature? Can you save internet radio favourites? Thanks

[@pauln6803]

Yes and yes. I have found internet radio user presets a bit buggy with their mini and Pro streamers in the past, but Linkplay continuously work on both their app and device firmware, and I think that was fixed in a recent update.

[@richh650]

I have some large floor standing (Legacy Focus) speakers that are very efficient at 98db/w but do dip slightly below 4 ohms in the lower bass region. I wonder how well this amp would be able to drive them running full range.

[@MattCoykendall1]

98DB is extremely efficient, I cant imagine you will have an issue here.

[@Sergio83Hi-resAudio]

98db/w ?))) dude you dream, no in reality you are so sensual

[@anthonycyr9657]

Have a wiim pro, supposidly it pushes 60 watts per channel, but easily distorts when cranked with major compression, my 70 watt per channel yamaha easily goes way louder with no distortion running same cerwin vega xls 12s

[@balooo2863]

to be fair you need to compare SOUND not just price Wiim vs Sonos, Node for example. Your augument is like saying all you need is the least expensive $349 Yamaha intergrated amp because it is just as good as the the most expensive $7,999 intergrated sold on Cruchfield. Both intergrated amps but do they perform the same? No. I will say this is going to be a nice stocking stuffer for younger folk...gotta strart somewhere!

[@Fred-ck1gh]

Optical out and a bit more power like 2X100W into 8 ohm would be a no brainer as I would use my own dac! Otherwise, it seems pretty good!

[@MattCoykendall1]

I believe the next product we will see from them will be a preamp so adding more power will be on the table.

[@theokappatos9573]

Simple question how does the wiim pro plus compared to the wiim amp without the anp? Is it the same system? I have 20 year old denion amp cant decided between buying the amp or buying the wiin pro +

[@MattCoykendall1]

Its likely the WiiM can do everything and more than the Denon it might be replacing here, it may come down to what features or connections are needed for your setup.

[@kalilka5697]

It's going straight to my bedroom!

[@MattCoykendall1]

Good spot for it, streaming and tv duties I imagine

[@johnshepherd708]

Who is the manufacturer of the TV tripod that you are using? Thank you....

[@MattCoykendall1]

amzn.to/3T4EEnr FITUEYES is the brand.

[@limpty]

Thank you very much

[@MattCoykendall1]

You are welcome!

[@SyntheticCompany]

What is the volume knob feel like? Does it have indents? Does it stop or keep turning? Thanks!

[@MattCoykendall1]

No indents, keeps on spinning. The lights on the front indicate level.

[@SyntheticCompany]

@@MattCoykendall1 Thank you!!! Been trying to get the answer to this for days.

[@mreddieau]

How would this go with an old set of Bowers and Wilkins CM1's?

[@pauln6803]

Can't say from personal experience but the newer chip based amplifiers coming out of China are supposed to be pretty transparent. If you can wait for the Audio Science Review community to put it on the bench for some measurements to see how the amplifier performs vs the claimed specs, then I'd do so. They've already tested all the WiiM streamers and have given the Pro plus a thumbs up, but judging by the specs I doubt there would be any issues with the CM1 pairing. The WiiM app includes an EQ, but it can inject audible distortion into the signal (don't know if Linkplay can or have fixed/reduced this via updates). I noticed the sound degradation with my own ears messing with the EQ when using the digital output on my WiiM mini into a better DAC (the mini and original Pro streamers have 2nd rate DACs but offer genuine bit perfect digital output), but it's not an issue with small tweaks. As long as that amplifier section measures alright, then it should be a nice little combo.

[@bjrnulstrup5420]

Would this be a good solution for my elac b6 with 12 inch sub for metal and rock in my living room

[@MattCoykendall1]

Yes as long as it’s not a really large space.

[@bellrobert1978]

Does the EQ EQ the signal to the sub out frequencies as well?

[@MattCoykendall1]

I will have to get back to you on that when I get home.

[@bellrobert1978]

​@@MattCoykendall1thanks

[@bellrobert1978]

@@MattCoykendall1 did you get a chance to check it out?

[@engineer4862]

Would it be a good idea to pair Wiim Amp with KEF R3 Meta speakers?

[@MattCoykendall1]

It could easily handle that, a bit of a price difference in gear but yes, that would be no problem.

[@Bloodysugar]

Indeed, why paying 300 for not having a massive MP3/Flac storage, no tactile screen, only 2.1, and a weak amp, when you could have more with a Raspberry + DAC hat hooked to an good old amp (or to your car amp when you take the road for hollidays) ?

[@fofocho71]

This guy is a mix between the singer of Sigur Ros and the singer of Smashing Pumpkies

[@jimbo4203]

Im old school and have a few stereo systems and new to all this , I still don't understand why or what I would use a wiim for ? I have powered speakers that I can listen to via there Bluetooth function, i also bought a Fosi BT 20 A to play with and it also has Bluetooth , why would I want this too ?

[@pauln6803]

Bluetooth can be a highly compromised transmission method for audio. In addition to Bluetooth, this is a LAN capable streaming device that integrates all major music streaming services, internet radio and playback from files stored on a NAS if you prefer to own your music. Working off the assumption that this device shares the same chipset and implementation (arguably more important) as the recently launched WiiM Pro plus streamer, it also has a very high quality DAC. Since I don't own this particular device I can't speak of the quality of the amplifier section, but nothing can touch the WiiM streaming devices in terms of sound quality, ease of use and flexibility at their price points. The app is bloody good too.

[@jimbo4203]

@@pauln6803 I only use blue tooth to explore and find new music , I have CD players and records etc... but still not sure i need a wiim

[@claudiabailey5302]

Sorry for this question but I have 6 ohms speakers is it possible to use them with the WiiM amp as that would be perfect for me. Thanks again

[@MattCoykendall1]

That should be fine.

[@winkingwolf]

go a pair of dali sensor 1s, should be ok?

[@MattCoykendall1]

No problems there.

[@NotElvis]

Good review and good product. Limitations I see: 1. No display. While the WiiM app is fine, I want to see things like a volume number (more than a few lights), EQ and current input selection from across the room. 2. No digital out. I like to route my streamed sources to other devices like headphone amps and other DACs. In the instance, the WiiM Pro works better. 3. No left right balance. My left ear needs help these days. Few Class D amps have L:R controls 🙁. 4. The WiiM remote is very limited. I end up using the WiiM app 100% of the time with my WiiM Pro. For my use cases, I would prefer a WiiM Pro with digital out and the physical packaging of this amp (no power brick and hefty aluminum case) and a better front display. Class D amps are improving so fast, I will likely buy another amp before upgrading my "streaming transport".

[@MattCoykendall1]

I think the more premium built streamer only option you mention would be popular too.

[@marioplus321]

it does NOT have lefr/right balance??? The amp that does not get it???

[@PeterMacPL]

Comapre to Loxjie A30 in sound quality

[@kristianrasklindstrm7724]

hi, can you connect several Wiim Amps together to get a passive surround setup?. I know you can do it with Sonos

[@MattCoykendall1]

Nope, not possible at this time as far as I know, only syncing for multi room capabilities

[@freepat101]

Sonos can also control two Sonos rear speakers wirelessly using the Sonos Amp. I’d say that’s another advantage.

[@rand9994]

From all the other reviews I’ve seen, it appears to have an internal grounding issue.

[@Openeyesopenheart42]

Wiim fixed the issue with a firmware update.

[@jayem1826]

After living in Japan 27 yrs, all "I" 's have a sound like I in machine for me. Weam

[@SergioGarcia-jg3yy]

1:16 Never enough! 😂

[@vincentchi56]

We need to contact with PC by USB interface for Most Desktop & Laptop users.

[@Birmingham_racing]

If I didn't have a powernode I would buy one

[@givemethejob3293]

Why?

[@winkingwolf]

what does it use for internet radio?

[@winkingwolf]

got a marantz mcr510 and basically you have to pay to use vtuner now, the marantz tech support team and site is the worst one i have ever encountered

[@pauln6803]

​@@winkingwolf It has vTuner - no activation required. Marantz are screwing you over.

[@pauln6803]

​@@winkingwolf Linkplay (the company behind the WiiM products) have been pretty good at listening and reacting to their customers. I've owned a mini for a bit over a year and a Pro (original, not the updated DAC plus version) and have seen a LOT of updates and the app has been heavily refined from mostly functional but a bit clunky to pretty slick and very stable. DNLA for accessing files stored on NAS is definitely an area for improvement, although QNAP practically brick the damn thing and corrupt my drives every firmware update, so I'm not too critical of Linkplay on that issue (!) and that is one of the things on their "to do" list of future improvements.

[@devanand3704]

Will this struggle with an 4ohm speaker.

[@MattCoykendall1]

No, you will be good to go, I didn't have any issue.

[@devanand3704]

Powering a martin logan 35xti, i was thinking to get svs amp or Wiim. Thanks for the info.

[@palmito22]

Akm 4493, preouts and take the 3255 with dual mono elevating the wattage.

[@MattCoykendall1]

That would be neat for a later model or if they had multiple tiers at different price points but this one really does well at 299.

[@as-wl1uy]

Id like a Ultra version of Wiim Amp, wait and see, a revolution is comming

[@rajendrabareto8065]

Chinese amp with same chip are available for 100!usd with more power output.except they don’t have digital inputs.

[@MegaOwlster]

This *is* a Chinese amp, probably among the best. But I doubt any of the other (cheaper) Chinese amps has better app or commitment to firmware.

[@pauln6803]

Yes, but they are standalone amplifiers. You're essentially dropping an extra £/€/$50 over the excellent WiiM Pro plus streamer for including an amplifier section.

[@ryanlee6157]

Nice! I'd pronounce it WiiM.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Good call!

[@bellrobert1978]

I have the wxa-50 and musiccast sucks. I'll be ordering the wiim and doing a comparison.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Right, musiccast doesn’t stack up against the WiiM software.

[@bellrobert1978]

@@MattCoykendall1 I'm not sure the chip in the wiim will match the icepower chip in the wxa-50 though but I've had enough of musicast.

[@thedownunderverse]

@@bellrobert1978does spotify connect at least work ok on the Yamaha?

[@marioplus321]

@@MattCoykendall1 as far as I am concerned, I have never complained on MusicCast so far.

[@sabrowenie]

Like many, I watch these reviews as infotainment. Great reviews without the heavy metal intro of reviewers presented as a conversational manner.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Glad you like them! I appreciate you watching

[@DJMikeron]

Looks like they copied the Argon Audio SA1 and NAD amp 1 . The Argon is a fantastic Amp for the money .even has Pre Out and Subwoofer out Phono etc

[@WhatEver-dx3eu]

For the price an impressive product BUT... The venerable TI TP3255 chip is known for it's non-linear behaviour with different speaker impedances. Also, no information seems available on the damping factor of either the chip or its implementation in the WiiM (I searched, couldn't find info on what is a usual amp spec). To me that sounds that end results may vary quite a bit. A large speaker with a port or drone cone may sound very different compared to a proper linear amp with half-decent damping factor. Speaker-load dependent amplifiers really are passé. Hope someone will do proper measurements, technical analysis and publish.

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

_"The venerable TI TP3255 chip is known for it's non-linear behaviour with different speaker impedances. "_ Ah yes, the typical Audiophile "tempest in a tea cup"... It's not the chip. It's the output filters, just like on any other Class-D amplifier. The filters are a 2nd order low pass generally tuned to about 35khz. The output variances you will find are in the order of 1 or 1.5 db at about 25khz where nobody is going to hear them. Generally the impact in the audible spectrum is less than 1db of nonlinearity. Which, again, nobody is going to actually hear. Damping factor is not important on Class-D like it is on Class AB. The output filters typically have a DC resistance in milliohms... equivalent to damping factors over 500.

[@halrichard1969]

Weeee-M like two words.

[@SnapperX3]

Weem

[@sneakyds]

No WiM. That’s how their employees pronounce it…

[@lekmannen9990]

Eeh I’m pretty sure it’s ”w-ay-ay-m” guys. Yer welcome

[@marioplus321]

@@lekmannen9990 it must be [wi:m] ;)

[@Ferbeldeyberb]

I pronounce it “Wiim”

[@fonkenful]

This little guy is getting enough good press that even the more elitist reviewers may need to reassess their view regarding budget HiFi. While not even the most fully featured piece of audio / home theatre gear will likely ever satisfy the FOMO addicted surfers of the bleeding edge of technology upgrades, it certainly looks to pack a ton of performance value. I wonder how much of its cost is in the very Apple-esque packaging?

[@MattCoykendall1]

I hope others take notice as well, it’s not perfect or for everyone but it certainly brings a very high level of value to the table.

[@fonkenful]

@@MattCoykendall1 Indeed, of course there will be those elitist snobs derisive of any product not made in ‘murica. Just noticed that they have a forum in which among other things they elicit suggestions for “what would you like to see in our products” - who else does that? So watch this space.

[@francisdelacruz6439]

Why? Likely better QC signified by lack of atrocious noises when there is no music, better, service and legal oversight during production including as needed third party auditors making sure there are no worker abuse during production runs like Nike.

[@tessie4204]

It's just missing USB audio connection for PC, there it would be used the most.

[@estusflask982]

nintendo wii...m

[@sneakyds]

No, it rhymes with win, not wii. At least that’s how their own marketing/sales guy pronounces it in a KZbin vid by AV Nirvana taken at the recent Cedia 2023 hi fi show. As he works for WiiM, I’ll say he’s in the best position to say how it’s pronounced :) And they claim it stands for wireless internet music ;)

[@marioplus321]

@@sneakyds contrary to the name, the unit is fantastic:)

[@thedownunderverse]

"Includes paid promotion"

[@bankruptfilly]

It's hard to find a audiophile reviewer that doesn't have this disclaimer. Makes you wonder how genuine some of the reviews are

[@thedownunderverse]

@@bankruptfillyThis doesn’t have the disclaimer - but it should.

[@offtom]

Do you do much work for free??

[@ramencurry6672]

Audio reviewers can be like politicians but some are legit

[@AllHandlesHaveBeenTaken]

It's a shame they made it so ugly looking

[@MattCoykendall1]

I guess I dont mind the looks, at least we get some rounded corners to jazz it up a bit.

[@1974UTuber]

Those are a terrible amp. Weak and lacklustre