The BIGGEST BARGAIN in all of hi-fi
Vložit
- čas přidán 14. 05. 2024
- This video is brought to you by Cambridge Audio:
www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en...
🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🌈 Colour: Olaf von Voss
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 Intro
0:59 Inspirations & attributes
4:51 I no longer have a Sonos AMP
7:52 vs. Marantz Stereo 70s & Audiolab 6000 A Play
12:29 vs. Bluesound Powernode Edge
13:47 Adding a subwoofer
18:15 Nothing is perfect
👉 As seen in this video...
WiiM AMP
🛒 amzn.to/46HOvTf
Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5S 2
🛒 amzn.to/3G1tt6Z
KEF KC62
🛒 howl.me/ciAcSJeEAgc
Speaker stands by Solid Steel
🛒 howl.me/ckbW9947Hdi
Marantz Stereo 70s
🛒 howl.me/ck7pqIxrYE0
Bluesound Powernode Edge
🛒 howl.me/chZe9nBN9A8
Audiolab 6000A Play
🛒 howl.me/ckanjd3sVPi
Streaming platform by Roon
🛒 roon.link/affiliate/darko
Cables and power products by AudioQuest
🛒 howl.me/ckbW8ZBoZAg
Hi-fi furniture and speaker stands by Solid Steel
🛒 howl.me/ckbW9947Hdi
Room treatment by Vicoustic
📖 vicoustic.com/
Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links, which are indicated with a '🛒'.
#spotify #tidal #hifi
__________________________________________________________________
📖 PLEASE READ *before commenting*!
1) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome
2) No URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories
3) All comments here are moderated by a third party
__________________________________________________________________
⏰ How our CZcams videos get made:
darko.audio/2021/10/how-our-y...
Darko.Audio FAQ:
darko.audio/faq/
Why are/were comments turned OFF?
darko.audio/2020/10/why-im-sw...
What the bloody hell am I talking about?
• What the bloody hell a...
How is Darko.Audio funded?
darko.audio/funding/
__________________________________________________________________
🎧 Check out the Darko.Audio podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
open.spotify.com/show/1mnKixp...
/ johnhdarko
__________________________________________________________________
Web: Darko.Audio
Instagram: / darkoaudio - Zábava
![tattoo printer tutorial[제품단순선물]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/g40_GwEJak0/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi, the 'putt, putt' sound John mentioned has been resolved in our latest firmware update, version 5.0.537347, released on 11/30/23. 😊
I love the support! Thank you WIIM. You guys are amazing
what caused it?
What was the issue?
So it was a firmware issue rather than a Darko synthetic underwear issue.
@@thedownunderverse It was a software bug that occured when adjusting the crossover frequency with the App.
Comparatively speaking, your review blows Cheapaudioman’s review of the Wiim Amp out of the water.
😂
I watched him for a good while and finally had to unsubscribe. Same with that Robinson guy.
Cheapaudioman got lazy.
I like Randy's style a lot
Destroyed it in fact.
Great content, great information, plus….plus….plus…..beautiful, artistic camera work, styling, music choices, your poetic style of presentation, gorgeous decor. You are truly an informative, style genius. Thank you Mr. Darko!
Great video. I appreciate the time you took to walk-through all the details and provide actual opinion. Also really nice production value. Great looking video and it sounded good. Much appreciated.
Another enjoyable and informative product review. Thank you for introducing many of us to these new brands and technologies which make quality audio easier to afford and enjoy. John, you've rejuvenated my enjoyment of audio gear and the music to play it on. I'm very grateful. I always say to my wife, "my friend Johndarko (as in all one word) has a new video out!" LOL. She enjoys your video style as well. Thanks again. 🎵🙂
I love this. Getting one! Thanks Darko!
I just realized SONOS upsidedown still says SONOS
Mind; blown
Oh, snap! WIIM too. Wow, just wow.
WoW! This review is as crisp as newly laid snow. It brilliantly highlighted the differences between the components here with 6500 kelvin daylight white clarity. What a gorgeous review. Thank you.
I thoroughly enjoy your content. I always have take aways from your videos, even if I don't have much interest in the product under review. It is just a 20+ minutes of sheer esthetics and casual but so carefully put together entertainment. The music recommendation is a big bonus.
Thanks for this review! I am looking at simplified options for my bedroom and this just made the top of my list.
Awesome review. Finally, a product that makes sense for casual listening without any fuzz or over-engineering that fits the day.. Well done Wiim. And Thanks to you Darko for the detailed review.
I just ordered one from Amazon. Thank you John!
Very comprehensive and detailed review,🔥 love those white Kefs in the background.👌🏾
Great take John. You provided your observations here. What more could I ask for ? Well done.
Hello from Canadia ;)
Great video, thanks! Certainly an excellent all in one option with soundbar killer potential.
Great review John. Love the contrast between you and Randy. Don't change a thing.
After that review I ordered it. Thank you 🙏🏻 just what I have been looking for. I appreciate your content.
The Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 is a streaming amp with even more functions and subwoofer management capabilities. Of course it´s price tag is on an another level.
It's $2600 (US) vs $300. Why bring it up in this review? Instead of a Honda CR-V, how about a Porsche Macan?
Not only is the price at another level, so is the performance. Its a potential end game solution for what is in reality a bit of a bargain
Villalobos’ classic, genre and 2000s defining work. What a pick.
Nice review! I actually bought the Sonos Amp based on your review and I'm still super glad I did. The Sonos Amp, though more expensive, is just reliable like a Toyota Land Cruiser. I don't think I ever lost a connection or heard a weird noise in a year of owning it. Pairs well with my Lintons too. Also that Mountain Goats record is great!
What a groovy little thing, looks very much like a mini version of my Cambridge Edge NQ
Am I the only one who kept hearing WiiMAmp as WinAmp? lol. Love the video Darko!
We're old! 😅
Still waiting for this to arrive on Canadian markets but I'll be scooping it up the minute I find it. Thanks for the review John.
I got mine delivered yesterday. Since having kids a couple of years ago I have been mostly listening on headphones so I moved my speakers in the lounge (wife's domain) my old pre/power setup was too big hence was looking for a streaming integrated amp which was small to fit in the TV unit. I originally purchased a Cambridge Evo 75. But this was a bit too big and poked out the front. I am amazed by this thing, in my lounge (which isn't perfect acoustically and has strict speaker placement allowances) this sounds as good as if not better than the Evo 75. I was really shocked, not expecting much for £300!? For my needs it fits the bill perfectly. Class D seems to have a very low point of diminishing returns now! I was worried it would sound muddy/veiled but not at all! For anyone in my situation or wanting something to power a second system I can't recommend this highly enough! Thanks Darko!!
At last, this is THE review i've been waiting for
Just received my Wiim Pro Plus after black friday discounts and i'm thrilled. Easy to set up and user friendly app is all i need. Integrated dac gives me a deeper bass and wider sound stage.
System is ROTEL A12MKII, WiiM Pro Plus and a pair of Rega Ara bookshelf speakers.
I wanted to say thank you John cause i manage to create my own system by informing myself about hi-fi with your videos. (Next step will be a CD player).👍
Great review John, really useful. Thank you. This sems to do much of what my Powernode does for significantly less. Seems like a fantastic proposition for my (very small) home office, especially as a Tidal, Roon and Chromecast user. All the best 🙂.
It has something of the Cambridge Edge look about it too..........Great review, great product 👍
WiiM amp. It really whips the llamas ass. 😀
This sounds like it will be perfect for my daughter when i upgrade my bookshelf speakers. Thanks as always for your great informative review.
Awesome review. Confirmed what I thought about this little guy. Pretty sure it will be finding a home in my basement rig. Thanks!
WIIM Amp. It really kicks the llamas ass...
One just can dream about the WIIM active speakers!!!!
Thanks for everything John. Greetings from Colombia.
And subwoofer!!
Great recommendation on Laurel Halo Atlas, amazing and gorgeous album, thanks!
Thanks John!
I love Wiim. With the Wiim mini I put together a system that sounds near as good as a new $10k system, for just $2k. Parts = Wiim mini, used Kef R3 speakers, used 480 Watt Yamaha receiver, 2X used Yamaha 250 watt subs.
Wiim Amp. It really whips the llamas ass.
Ha! I almost put something like that in the video.
Underrated comment!
Glad to see you're listening to New Order's 'Substance 1987' digital remaster as well!
That out of the way, I have a pair of 20 year old B&W 601's that are in storage and not doing anything since my Audio Analogue amp packed it up. It's never seen 'future fi' and this amp/DAC/streamer might just do the trick! Thanks for the review.
This review is sport on. I got one for Christmas and love it. We use the mic in the remote to cue up our Amazon Music songs and playlist. The app is good and having both graphic or parametric EQ and bass management is really nice to dial in the sound of less than ideal speakers. I do wish it had one more analog input and I'm not sure it makes it to 60 watts into 8 ohms as my Maranta NR1506 is rated at 50 watts into 8 ohms and has noticeably more drive, volume and headroom, but that is a class AB amplifier. If you need more power and can spend more, go with he SVS SoundBase. But, yeah this thing is a game changer with all it does and the quality it does it with for its price.
16:20 A Faff and a Kerfuffle is the name of my first jazz fusion album.
I’m still rockin two squeezebox touches 😎
I love that this performance is available at this price, one hell of a bargain.
If I didn't own the more capable systems I have, I'd buy one. But I really love that this exists, even though I'm never going to own one. Nice One!
This is a great great review, very informative. I have a WIIM Pro streamer. Great device, for the money. I really like your review as always. Your one of the best out there.
Wiim are really making waves long may they continue to develop!
A real WIMMER ! Hats off too these guys for making decent HI FI affordable , I can see this amp sharing many an Apple Mac mini set up , I dare say it will scare the Schitt out of a lot of over priced designer boxes .
i love the ending clip :D
Lovely device and great review!
Thank you for this review! You got me thinking!
Zver
Nice to see HPF coming to mainstream home audio, it was so slow to evolve into head units in the car audio realm but what a game changer when external crossovers became obsolete. As much skepticism as powered speakers get, units like The Nines use DSP in lieu of passive crossovers thanks to bi-amping and the HPF is raised to 60Hz automatically when a subwoofer is connected.
Last year I added a Wiim puck into my system; Mark Levinson amp, NuPrime DAC/Preamp, 2nd tube amp, and Tarkus speakers. That tiny $99 thing has transformed my world. As a wifi streamer going into my boring DAC - now it’s exciting. I listen 3-4X more these days. Best cheap upgrade ever!!!
it's great that is has bass management. one nice addition would have been a speaker output for a center channel 3.1 setup, but that's asking a lot for this price point.
OMG I subscribed just because the ref to the Mountain Goats, ur the only other influencer that I know of that ever has! Shout out to Jeff D, what a record that one.
Nice job from Wiim, and very nice video from you @DarkoAudio
A very good all -in-one product.
I already have a Dac and amp, and just bought the little puck. Amazed how easy it is to connect. Most amazingly,the app comes with a graphic AND parametric EQ! It must use really good algorithms, as it sounds amazing. If you want an easy solution to make it sound more full, use the "Acoustic" setting in the EQ. Yeah yeah yeah.. I know EQ is bad...
I bought it, I love it! And I am shocked at the low price, it's capability and the sound quality! Fantastic bargain! A must buy!
This is the amp I've been waiting for since downgrading my living room setup from a 5-channel receiver to a basic 2.1 setup. I've debated getting the Sonos Amp for what feels like years at this point, and I'm so glad I didn't pull the trigger in the end. Every other stereo receiver or integrated amp on the market thus far has either had sub-par HDMI ARC support or costs a ridiculous amount. I never anticipated the amount of features WiiM has included in this little box. I'm anticipating this is going to be a hot item for quite a while.
It’s an absolute game changer
Oh my god, this is what I've been wanting forever. I've had a Loxjie A30 for 2 years now and it's been great but I'd love a high pass filter for bass management and HDMI arc
I just received my WiiM amp and set it up, when I turned it off I got the same noise as you described that lingered for a few minutes, changing inputs didn't affect it. Also it would not recognize HDMI input so I had to use optical. Sound is good through my Klipsch speakers and sub, no problem there.
Excited to get one of these to try; and there is a "Pro" version slated for Q1 of 2024 as well. Other than being rack mountable and IP controllable from platforms such as C4 / RTI, there other differences are not known yet.
God, that Ricardo Villalobos album is going to really hit the spot, great call back. Probably dig up some Thomas Brinkmann afterwards!
It’s interesting to see what companies are doing with full range class D amps attached to streamer & DAC. The price point for quality of sound is making many of them very appealing.
Entertaining and informative review of a product with all the connections desirable today for an unbeatable price.
The speaker connections are awesome but I would be more interested in a DAC streamer with a headphone connection, maybe on the next revision of the pro plus 🤞🏼
Would the performance delivered by the two-way Bluetooth be sufficient?
These day reviewers are the best source of finding new music. Thank you, The Mountain Goats sounds great.
Great review. It’d be good to see a follow up with a pre-amp and turntable.
Also, I know it’s not Darko’s
Bag, but does anyone have experience using the WiiM with vintage speakers?
Great review! I've been waiting for this one, by YOU. Thank you, Darko! I was ready to purchase until I heard the PUT, PUT, PUT......issue. That's a no, no. WiiM, get on this!!!! Merry Christmas, good sir!!!!
I bought the WiiM amp when it was released and have been using it for a few days now. Initially it was purchased for another room but i was testing in the main system to see what it can do. Magnepan LRS will play plenty loud with the Wiim. It does get a little warm after a session but nothing major. My favorite thing is the system is essentially "always on". When my wife turns on the TV it wakes up and plays the sound from HDMI with the LG remote. If I want to play music I just take out my phone and press play and it will switch over to the wifi and stream apple music.
The sound quality is good. With the EQ trick(spoken word) it actually makes the speakers sound BETTER than a Rogue Audio Sphinx v2 with a schiit modi 3. My Hegel Rost still sounds a bit better but the retail price on that was 10x the Wiim, and there's no bass management. I am seriously considering getting a 2nd one because I don't want this to leave my main system. Its so easy and convenient to use. No multiple boxes to turn on or multiple remotes to lose.
I've been looking for something like this for years!
Remembered me about the mp3 player of 1997 WINAMP 😂
Canadia !! Yes
I feel like these are going to sell exceptionally well. For all those that want similar functionality to the Powernode or Sonos amp but for significantly less. It's certainly got good looks too IMO. Had this been available a year or so ago it absolutely would have been on my shortlist.
Hi John. I greatly respect and admire you. You're one of my earliest reviewer subs.
Hear me out cuz its quite common for audiophiles to shun eq or tone controls for that matter.
Been doing this since late 80s and there are 3 problems we're dealing with:
1. Room acoustics
2. Imperfect gear, speakers mainly and
3. Variances in recording quality.
We can solve no. 1 only to an iffy extent but necessary nonetheless. No. 2 is basically a constant no matter how much money u throw at it and for No. 3, we are completely helpless, beyond our control.
Given the overwhelming odds stacked against us, my view is we should embrace any helpful tool available.
Room treatment is passive. It is never exact to begin with and hardly enough, so it needs to be augmented with an active tool, yes, tone controls or an EQ device, hard or soft.
Its success depends on the quality of the tools themselves. I have found these "transparent" tools plus a few parts upgrades, mainly capacitors, cabling and op-amps, they altogether solve all 3 problems to an unexpected high degree even for a bargain sub 1000 gear, all in, in a smallish space.
More power to your channel.
Yes, EQ can be a VERY useful in solving problems, especially rooms modes. But in my experience, you cannot EQ one amp to sound like another. EQ is the icing, not the cake.
@@DarkoAudio Well, the goal never changes. Like all else EQ is there to serve music.
The reason why more expensive gear sounds better is because of better parts basically. This is where parts upgrades come in.
Of course you're there to review products as is. I'm saying what's achievable in bargain stuff.
I just got the Bluesound Powernode N330 from eBay a few weeks back but will be buying this to compare it. Feeding it in to the Kef LS50 Meta and Kef KC62 Subwoofer. The fact that you think the WiiM slightly beats the Bluesound Edge then I'm keen to see how it compares to the Powernode. Particularly given that the WiiM has the high pass filter. Add the fact that it has parametric eq for room correction then surely it will beat the Powernode if I out in the effort.
This sounds like a great option to simplify the audio in our new to us 10 year old motorhome. The only thing missing is sync features so both sound systems in the bus play the same music. Might be a use case for my old SONOS 1 Connects.
WIIM is kicking ashe! I have all three streamers. Now a little integrated? Roh-roh...
It may take quite some time to become Roon Ready. Hegel took years.
Great review.
Great review!
Interesting alternative to the sonos amp (which i bought refurbished couple of weeks ago). But what i really dislike of this wiim amp is the lack of decoding of dolby digital and dts. This means you have to rely on the pcm downmix capabilities of your source. Here I found, that very often the LFE channel („.1“) is omitted in the downmix.
You are the best audio reviewer in Germania, at least the best originating in Englandia.
That's the spirit! :D
Via Australia!
@@kraminbris6980 Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
That’s gold. And yes via Australia or Australiania
John, if your Patreon included Apple Music playlists of all your recommended and tested music I’d subscribe today! Great work as usual, this WiiM looks like a real contender.
It does. He sends out Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and Qobuz lists 👍
Regarding the ticking it sounds like the digital inputs aren’t muting when they lose sync clock source, ie turning tv off. Explains why it’s on HDMI and toslink. I wonder if on boot it’s happening when previous input used was one of those two, and when you power on if the source device is not on. Would be a good test. Still it seems like an incredible gateway product for people to get into hifi, and for second rooms holiday homes etc.
Great intro man
Wiim is definitely my streamer of choice with the Pro and Pro Plus. Not sure I'll replace any of my amps with this but it's a great idea.
thanks for this ;) .
always on point J' .. ps. would love for you to revisit the mixer (dj) topic ..
Great video. The Poweredge looks good as an alternative. I think personally I’d forfeit a small amount rather than the glitches
Wiim is really knocking out of the park.
Hi, nice review! Ordered mine immediately after seeing your quite positive review and cheepaudiaoman’s. Just one question here: it’s AirPlay 2 on WiiM, does it mean if using my iPhone Apple Music’s AirPlay input I could only get a lossy music source (according to your other great video explaining the AirPlay)?
Just a quick note about static charges: With certain shoe soles (mostly rubber-like) I can generate a sort of cardiac infarction to my Mac Mini by building a charge with just a few steps across my carpeted room. Everything goes dark and quiet for about 3 or 4 seconds, then pops back on. It can't be good for the Mini, and I ground myself now before I touch it. Both the winter months and forced air heating are the culprits here causing very dry conditions. As an aside, I'm not a big fan of all kinds of mac mini design copies springing up like weeds in the garden.
9:12 Thank you for this recommendation!
Got mine yesterday. One thing I would be interested to hear your thoughts on is the output level.
I initially tested the WiiM Amp with my Cornwall IVs and the very lowest volume setting on the WiiM Amp resulted in SPL levels in the mid to high 40 db range. That’s far too loud for the lowest volume.
In all other respects it’s really great - truly incredible for $299. And the build quality is just exceptional.
Two great recomendations. The WiiM amp and some mountain goats.
The Wiim does sound good, I use Mission 702 old speakers with an Nad amp, the reason why is I live in a condo and love my old Mission speakers.
Thanks for trying to remind people that once a while you should just relax and enjoy the music not focus on the next best tech....;) That being said... After 10y with kef r300 and arcam a19 (+irdac) i am thinking for update..money for value due you think that r3 meta or new amp would bring a bigger difference for me. I am thinking for yamaha rn2000a... appreciate your opinion. I have followed your advice for the wiim mini and i am more than happy...i hope that i could have another good advice now ;) happy holidays..
The filtering available for the sub makes me think that they could implement DSP driven equalization of the subwoofer based on microphone input to the phone running the app, which would make it a total killer product, incorporating not just app control, streaming, and EQ, but also bass room correction.
precisely my thoughts soon as I looked at the EQ. Wiim can even implement possibly an interface to get EQ tuned to personal liking based on data points with an interface like those of the Sony headphones. The possibilities are huge here
canadia always gets me XD
Darko Audio , Thanks Much !.......
Cool review! 😊
Fantastic review. I bought one and it's really good. Better than the Sonos amp which I could A/B. Your written review was the most helpful source for this device on the internet. Thank you!
Love your content. Things are explained so easily. Was originally going to get Klipsch Sevens but looking at the WiiM amp now. What would take place of the Sevens as a comparable if not better speaker to combine with the WiiM amp?
Cheers
RP600M II if you want the improved Klipsch sound with no sub. RP500M II has a much more neutral signature paired with a sub. But since you have 1000$ for the speakers if you keep your original budget, I would go for a set of used KEF R3s or the Ascend Acoustics Sierra line.
Great review.