WiiM Amp: But Is It Enough Power?
Vložit
- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- Written review/data can be found here:
www.erinsaudiocorner.com/elec...
Buy:
howl.me/clzbSEeyLR3 (Crutchfield)
amzn.to/3wh0H0B (Amazon)
Support the cause:
Patreon: / erinsaudiocorner
Contribute via PayPal: www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
A simple request: If any of you find yourselves shopping for anything sold by the retailers below please consider using my generic affiliate link. These can earn me a small commission which goes a long way toward helping me review items and make content. It is a great way you can help me continue doing what I enjoy doing without costing you anything extra. It is truly appreciated!
Amazon: amzn.to/3v6i6ov
Audio Advice: www.audioadvice.com/?referral...
Best Buy: howl.me/ck2IPpcOp1h
Crutchfield: shop-links.co/cgZmmT81jmh
Newegg: howl.me/ck2IQg52L5b
Samsung: howl.me/ck2IQ5qe16w
Target: howl.me/ck2IRDNsIqn
Thomann: www.thomann.de/de/index.html?...
Emotiva: shorturl.at/pBEU9
Monoprice: bit.ly/3yAY6NH
Arendal Sound: arendalsound.com/store/?refer...
Purchases through these links can earn me a small commission - at no additional cost to you - and help me continue to provide the community with free content and reviews. Doesn't matter if it's a TV from Crutchfield, budget speakers from Audio Advice or a pair of socks from Amazon, just use the link above before you make your purchase. Thank you!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
4:38 - Q&A
9:54 - Measurements
____________________
All of my tests are conducted using KLIPPEL Hardware and Software. KLIPPEL is an innovative leader in providing unique test equipment for electro-acoustical transducers and audio systems. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Wolfgang Klippel, the novel techniques developed for control and measurement systems of loudspeakers and other transducers are the result of over 30 years of fundamental research. This provides more accurate physical models of loudspeakers, micro-speakers and headphones valid for both small and large amplitudes. The focus is on revealing the root causes of signal distortion and defects and giving practical indications for improvements in design and manufacturing of audio products. For information on KLIPPEL products, please visit their site below:
www.klippel.de/company/about-u... - Věda a technologie
Buy:
howl.me/clzbSEeyLR3 (Crutchfield)
amzn.to/3wh0H0B (Amazon)
I just want to say how much I appreciate your interpretations of the data you collect. A lot of the more “scientific” reviewers tend to assume their audience understands how the data translates to what we hear. I also appreciate that you provide use case examples based on the strengths and weaknesses of a product. It seems obvious but a lot of consumers and even “professional” reviewers just don’t seem to consider a use case. Akin to a car reviewer or a consumer complaining that a sports car has an uncomfortable ride or a luxury car can’t handle well on a race track. Engineers typically make good products and I rarely see bad products. What often happens is the marketing team decides to target a demographic that might be more profitable but doesn’t suit the product. I’ll stop rambling, but thanks again for all your really helpful and honest content!
Could you please make a short video on how to use peq?
See if this helps.
Budget Stereo Systems You Will Love
czcams.com/video/6GcFznDiJQU/video.html
I didn’t realize how important EQ was until I started tinkering with the PEQ in my WiiM. I figured “oh to have the highest quality you have to run everything flaaaaat” but then realized that to be a poor stance. Kicked in a little low and boom we’re sitting happy as a clam.
We all like our big bottoms
PEQ should be a standard functionality of modern audio equipment. Such a small thing to add that is more valuable than anything else they can fit in the box.
that's so true .. the big problem is there's these "purists" that think that using EQ is a no no, which is really sad because even if you have the perfect system, if you compare recordings, every recording doesn't necessarily function best with that "no EQ" situation.
It could be a blessing and a curse. Someone who is not experienced with good sound might be inclined to adjust it to the smiley face shape. They may think it sound better when it's actually worse.@@shipsahoy1793
I would imagine that for most manufacturers it wouldn't be an easy thing to do. Many of them are strictly hardware companies and would have to outsource the development of software or pay licensing fees to utilize an existing software. It would likely be a significant cost to them and probably increase the amount of after sale support too. I'd like to see it happen too though.
@@JosephTongret Well certainly for the first implementation might be tricky to some, but many have apps and streaming support etc included so it ought to be a relatively small addition in those situations.
Separate PEQ for left and right channels is really needed
Thank you very much for starting the amp measurements! I think that 1khz vs multitone power is very clever, i have never seen this test on ASR. I also noted that they are starting to use your test of relative frequency response change at different spl for speakers. Please keep it up with passion and creativity as always!
Ah, ASR the land of 1k sinad determining what is best. The hoard over there will argue until death that a DAC is a DAC, and a $20 DAC is better than a $1k DAC based on 1 measurement.
@@juicebox853 and people will dream. Plug the power cable in with a cryogenic treated fuse. Get an ethernet audiophile switch and some cable lifters. 😂
For $300 and not as big as an AVR it is indeed a great value.
Agree on the PEQ becoming a valuable and easy to include function. As it already has a subwoofer output, it wouldn’t hurt to include buffered pre-amp outs for an upgrade path.
I use the WiiM amp in the bedroom powering LS50 metas and a Martin Logan Dynamo 400 sub. The HDMI Arc makes it sooooo good for that application.
How do you like the ls50 with wiim amp?
I liked it so much I bought a second WiiM amp and pair of LS50s. I have one in the bedroom and one near field at my desk. It doesn’t get super loud but we never listen at more than 85db anyway. That apartment life !
For higher power we can add a WiiM Pro Plus to a power amp, or a WiiM Pro to a DAC + power amp and keep the same excellent software. But WiiM should eventually release a higher power amp based on Hypex or Purifi too imo. Thanks for the great review! Very interesting take on single tone versus multi tone power.
While I agree and do exactly this for bedroom vs living room setups, the all-in-one nature of the Amp makes the bedroom system a breeze to operate which definitely keeps my wife happy! By the time Wiim creates a bigger, more powerful version (with its associated price increase) then they are quickly approaching making a full AVR and all the additional complexity that comes with it and quickly deteriorating the value proposition over the likes of Denon, Onkyo, etc.
Word is they are working on a WiiM Ultra. Amp or preamp don't know. Have a WiiM pro plus into a Fosi V3 amp. great little combo.
@@mdfrick
I somewhat agree. Adorama recently had/has the Onkyo TX-NR6050 7.2-Channel 8K Network AV Receiver On Sale for $299 ($329 Off MSRP).
...90 WPC output (200 WPC "Dynamic", which I'd be curious to see how a test would determine this), but quite a bit more functionality overall, with built-in Streaming/Or use other streaming apps, Tuner, Phono Turntable preamp input, More HDMI/Analog/Digital Inputs, Subwoofer Out, etc.
It's definitely a larger box, but a lot more versatile IMO for the price. It depends on your use case scenario.
... At this point you may as well get something like Bluesound Powernode? But I guess you'll lose out on some equalization features. And people online complain everyday about BluOS (even though it's perfectly serviceable). Ultimately, you can find a solid vintage integrated AB amplifier for $300 and add a Wiim Pro.
@@user-xg6zz8qs3q true but you won't have a sub out w/crossover
Hi Erin. I'm fully on board with the need for EQ in 2 channel listening for two basic reasons:
1. Room acoustics is a dark science and no one no matter who they are will get it perfectly. Even perfection itself is a moving target.
2. Recording quality varies significantly just as no 2 studios are the same, no 2 engineers, no equipment, no two pairs of ears are the same.
Best is to have passive treatment augmented with active such as DSP.
Wiim ought to put a preamp out in next version. This should solve any drive issue with current hungry speakers.
Keep up the good job!
Love your reviews on loudspeakers. Objective and subjective are blended nicely to give us a valuable direction. Looking forward to you building up a strong amp review database! Maybe a comparison of 2-3 Amps at around 1000 dollars/euro would be a nice next one!
Adding a powered subwoofer would go a long way towards addressing the power deficit. Most power is needed down low hence the powered subwoofer.
I was thinking the same thing. I imagine offloading the duties 80Hz and up (or whatever crossover you want) would go a long way in minimizing the demand.
Yup and since speakers are lower impedence at lower frequencies that will help a lot. Mine go down to 2.8ohm
@@user-gf7kj5vj3p
While I agree that this might help a bit, and I usually suggest it as well, realistically, don't expect too much gain by doing this.
It wil depend on several factors, but on average, don't expect to gain more than a few dB. This amplifier already has some inherent "output limiting" going on in its design.
Erin,
Not sure you realize this, but multitone signals have a higher crest factor than a single sine wave. If you drive the amp to almost clipping with a multitone signal, the average power is necessarily lower than if you use a single sine wave (exactly half in the case of a 1:1 two-tone IMD test). From a power perspective, multitone tests are easier than sine waves.
I believe higher crest factor in effect means more peak power is required for the same RMS power. Hence your last sentence should be exactly the opposite of what it is. The higher the crest factor the more demanding of power. Erin's test is a good indicator of peak power capability. I think you are confusing cause and effect here.
@@razisnNo actually I am correct in my comments above and discussed this topic last year with Bruno Putzeys from PuriFi over a year ago when I bench tested one of his amp designs. I don't use multi-tone testing for power as a result. I do single tone sweeps as well as CEA-2010 burst testing. That's a pretty standard way of amplifier testing in the industry by professionals.
@Audioholics I'm sorry, but, as I said, your last sentence above does not follow from your, indeed correct, first two sentences. Higher crest factor is more demanding of the amp, not less. Hence an amp may not be able to produce its max rated RMS power when fed with a higher than 1 crest factor signal, as is the case here, unless it has great peak power reserves. Any signal engineer, including Putzeys, will tell you that. You make it sound like a signal with higher crest factor makes less power demands from the amp where in fact it is exactly the opposite. You don't have to use this test for checking peak power of course, there are standardised tests for this. This test though is a good indicator (not measurement) of an amp's peak power ability in relation to its RMS power measured at 1kHz as standard.
@@razisnagain read my comment about average power, not peak power. It's correct.
@olics I'm sorry I don't know what average power is. I understand RMS power and peak power. If you look at Erin's test you will see the amp can sustain its RMS power at low power demand in the multitone test. This is because it has power reserve at that power level. If you were right it would produce less RMS power vs the 1kHz test, even in this unstressful case. At max power demand though it cannot sustain it. For me it is clear as glass. I still think you are confusing cause and effect. You think the amp produces less than its rated RMS power because there is no demand for it, I think that it produces less than its rated RMS power because it can't produce more under this test. Let's agree to disagree. You think you are correct in your last sentence, I think you're viewing things upside down. Until we get a test of an amp with better power reserves (peak current ability) than this one to compare, we will not have proof of who's right here.
I really appreciate the honest down to earth reviews that everyone can understand.
Thank you Erin, I am in the process of researching the WiiM Amp. Your explanations and clarifications were excellent. I feel much better informed. Well done on your presentation. Again, thank you.
Excellent - You have a different take on amplifier reviews, one which adds to our understanding.
Glad it was helpful!
This is so refreshing to see someone taking measurements on the equipment they are reviewing! Keep going with good work!
This was a great review. All of the things you covered especially the loss of wattage for complex signals was on point. I take the same opinion that more is more power wise and I want my audio gear to sound great louder than I can listen to it. Thank you for taking the time to explain why I think alot of stuff out there is junk.
One heck of a review of an electronic product!! Keep them coming Brother!!
I had to look as the list of videos to affirm there were no previous electronic equipment reviews!! 😂.
Great explanation and layout!
Outstanding as always Erin! Thank you for this episode as I've seen mixed reviews on this product. You confirmed my suspicions that it's a small to medium room product only. I own & love multiple WiiM products and if I needed an integrated amp for a small room this would be high on my list. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Glad it was helpful!
Absolutely love your amp testing methods.
Noise floor is really important to me.
Multitone power output results were surprising.
Thank you!!!
I want to test noise but the device I’m using doesn’t have the greatest noise for. Although it is still pretty good. I might look into options for providing that.
@@ErinsAudioCorner I think Archimago and a few others started using E1DA Cosmos ADC/APU/Scaler + REW RTA with great results for a cheaper Audio precision APx555 alternative.
Thanks for this review! I’m running mine in our great room with Paradigm Monitor 7s ver3. Don’t need loud so I’m happy with it, so far.
Great contextual review.. very helpful. Thank you..
Thanks for the video. Appreciate you adding amp reviews to your armamentarium. The fact that you are buying is helpful as are your measurements and listening comments. Rock on Erin!
Great stuff, so good to see you venturing into new areas where some honesty is much needed.🙂
As for the WIIM, for it's cost it darn impressive.
Absolutely excellent review sir! I love how you have the tools and knowledge to break down how and just as importantly, why, something produces sound like it does.
I appreciate that!
Andrew Robinson needs to watch and learn.
Context is important toward setting reasonable expectations, and you nailed it! For the price, there’s nothing that even comes close. It’s simple to use and also highly tweakable for those who are so inclined.
You're right. His review was so odd.
I pretty much quit watching the videos of most other reviewers once I discovered Erin's channel.
Context is key. I otherwise found Robinson to be way too high brow.
nah let him continue to be like an rc willies sales person i say
Ya I actually unsubscribed to Andrew Robinson a while back. He and his never seen girlfriend come across very snobbish . They also are heavy handed if you make a comment that differs at all from their view point.
I remember once that he refused to review the Sony sscs 5 bookshelf speaker because he thought it was inferior to waste his time on….
Snob city big time.
This was a very good review, Erin. Hopefully you will do a lot more of amps in the future
Thanks!
Thanks for reviewing!
Well done Erin great to see you moving into AMPs it's an excellent idea and very complementary to the technical speaker reviews. Looking forward to seeing more AMP reviews. thank you!
Great real-world review. Hope to see more amp reviews. Btw, did you ever do a video on the Polk R500s?
Thanks. It's coming. I'm working on that one right now.
Hey Erin- I've never been into measurements but I watch your videos because they're informative yet not boring. Keep up the good work!
A very good test I think. Interesting to get deeper into amps. Keep it up 👍
Great review Erin! Looking forward to more electronics review from your channel!
Well covered here. You provided info that most reviewers haven’t. I appreciate that. I look forward to more content like this. Thank you.
Great review Erin. One detail I have not yet found is the nature of the output volume control. Do you know if the WiiM Amp controls volume digitally, as in the Mini, Pro or Pro+, or is the volume control an analog control of the amp output?
Excellent!!! This review, your first off this type, was FANTASTIC!!!! MORE PLEASE!!!!! Did you say there was a crossover built in to the Wiim software/app?
Thanks!
Yes, when you engage the subwoofer output, you can adjust the crossover from 30 Hz to 250 Hz. The crossover slope is not adjustable but the frequency is.
@@ErinsAudioCorner Sorry, I meant to specify, is there a hi-pass filter for the speakers? Thank you so much for your reply! Made my day! I really enjoy your review and am soo happy you are back and better than ever!
Thanks Erin. I believe you misspoke when describing the 8 ohm frequency response, saying it peaked at "+6dB". Should be +0.6 dB, looks to me.
Great test with relevant info thanks brother !
Great review! Love the format
The features on these Wiim devices are crazy! I got the Amp first but decided to go with the Pro Plus and a separate amp, not because I needed it, but just because I could. I was impressed that you could change the output voltage on the Pro Plus; 2v, 1v, etc and then cap the max volume to exactly match the input of your amp.
Great review!!!! More AMP review to come like this💯
Well done. Looking forward to seeing more electronics reviews.
Great review Erin, refreshing to not hear words like "rich" or "soundstage" overall a nice choice of "success metrics" considering most of the time you review speakers.
This amp fit my needs for a sound bar replacement that is used for music only. Wiim amp, Polk XT60 tower, Emotiva SE8 subwoofer.
Love it Erin! Can’t wait for more electronics reviews. As others have said the multi-tone, both channels driven test is extremely revealing. My take is that because most bass in recordings is mono and makes the most demand in power terms, this test is of upmost importance in assessing an amplifier’s performance.
Regarding outright power, isn’t amazing in this day and age when 90W is considered underpowered for an average size room and average sensitivity speakers…
I was around in the 70s and 80s when all the big manufacturers were bragging about breaking the 25 watt barrier...
If you have the chance, hook a pair of calibrated power meters up to your speakers and watch just how much juice actually flows in your listening sessions... Mine almost never get over 5 watts on music and might occasionally hit 10 watts on movie special effects.
Great review and totally different to most (if not all) other reviews, and therefore very valuable.
I am running the WiiM amp for my outdoor system, and it is working great so far. It is powering 2 pairs of Polk Atrium 8 SDI in parallel (4 ohms/channel), with a Crown XLS1002 and a Dayton outdoor subwoofer, crossover set at 80 Hz. I airplay the audio from the outdoor Apple Tv to the WiiM amp for TV, and this solved a low volume issue I was having with a Bluesound Node when using the same way. Music sounds good, I've had it at reasonable levels with no shutdowns so far. This seems like a good use case where critical listening and super loud volumes are not needed as it is usually for background music.
Very informative video! Thanks! If I do decide to buy this unit, do I need a phono preamp or I just directly connect my turntable? What about turntables with built in preamp? Will it be a problem? Thanks!
Really good review, you are on to something by looking into amp performance with both simple and complex signals. Most other reviewers do not have this ability or your expertise in speaker design and interface.
You picked a fun little amp to review as it is so versatile. Would like to know how the stereo amp performs when in 2.1 channel mode with lows filtered at about 80 Hz.
Thanks.
I had a subwoofer connected and was quite happy with it. Being able to adjust the crossover on the app from the seat is excellent. Makes dialing the crossover frequency in much easier.
Wow a perfect review. I honestly mean that. I feel like I got all the technical info I needed , and didn't get from other reviewers, and also your honest thoughts on the product while being fair about it's price point and not comparing it to a $5K amp. I have nothing to ask just praise, awesome review Erin!
Well, I really appreciate that.
Excellent review Erin.I got one of these for Christmas and put in my Daughter's bedroom system (Alexa Dot and NHT Super Ones). Your description is spot on. Amp sounds good, I was expecting a bit more output for the rated power and the EQ allowed me to address a few room/speaker issues. I would not make this my one an only, but for a bedroom, dorm room or 2nd system it is a good choice. Special thumbs up for the aluminum case, app, remote with mic, subwoofer out with X-over and EQ.
That is awesome!
This little amp does exactly what I was trying to do with my TV set up. Recently upgraded from an old plasma with RCA to an LG C3 and needed an HDMI/optical in since my old Yamaha receiver didn't have either. Wanted something small, sleek, and powerful enough for 2 monoprice bookshelfs. This thing fit the bill and with the new set up I've cleared my entertainment center of everything but the WiimAmp (Xbox, receiver are gone). One thing I was really happy about is that it allows me to use the LG Magic Remote with no issues.
@ErinsAudioCorner
Great review. Interesting revelation regarding the power output with the multi-tone input signal.
I use the WiiM Pro Plus streamer for the EQ function- so, so useful.
Great job on this review!!!
Thanks! I’m glad it didn’t … stink … (bad pun)
Thanks for this, Erin!
Really informative and objective.
I'm a WiiM Amp user and can attest to your findings regarding the power of the Amp - in smaller spaces, you don't lack power at all.
I've stepped down from an Atoll IN100 amp and, although Atoll is clearly a better amp, I don't feel the little WiiM hasanything much to be ashamed of, especially for 5x less money.
One more observation: I switched from my usual QA 3020i's to a borrowed pair of CSS 1 TD-X's and noticed a significant rise in sound quality. That is telling me that a pair of higher-quality, not-too-bright speakers is in order.
Best regards,
Vlada
The Wiim has a nice feature set. Would be ok nearfield for me, but not enough output for my theater or music needs. Once you own some pro audio gear, you will find a lot of the consumer stuff lacks output. Erin, thanks for another great review.
I am highly impressed with your objectivity, as opposed to subjectivity when reviewing speakers. And now you're analysing a new kid on the block in the shape of a cheap amp. I've just purchased the Rotel A11 Tribute amplifier. What speakers do you recommend to use with this amp? I live in the UK, and my listening room is of average size. Regards.
Vielen lieben Dank für diesen aufschlussreichen, Grund soliden und vor allem objektiven Test des WiiM AMP.
Mir hast du sehr bei der Entscheidungsfindung geholfen.
Jetzt nach deinem Test werde ich mir ein Bluesound Powernode und nicht den WiiM AMP zulegen auch wenn dieses Gerät teurer ist.
Beste Grüße aus Berlin / Deutschland
I was really interested in this to replace a mini PC running Foobar, playing my library off an internal SSD, driving a DAC to an integrated amp in a music-only speaker rig. It would allow me to get rid of the TV attached to that to PC, the wireless keyboard, and integrated amp remote and run it all from a 10 inch tablet (bad eyes means a phone is just too small.) Unfortunately the info I find on the WiiM users or other forums to date suggests that even though it should be able to read an SSD in a USB enclosure, there are problems with initial indexing, USB drive disappearing completely, etc.. I also can find no info regarding how one can easily create playlists other than individually dragging each cut into the playlist. That's a deal breaker for me with 16,000 FLACs in roughly 1500 folders. I'm curious to know what you thought about the app. Thanks!
I doubt that cruising an external hard disk is a priority in an IOT device like the Wiim. But for playlists, if you can discover the format (most are pretty simple) that Wiim will play, you can probably create them in a text editor.
Thank you this is great! I will definitely buy one and try it out!
Great idea to test the power rating with multi-tone vs a single tone! Thanks for that addition providing great real-world AND technical review.
I have this integrated amp paired with KEF R3 Metas in my office (Yes, I know it is a mismatch and will eventually move it to replace the soundbar in my bedroom.) I compared it to the SMSL AO300 (thanks Amazon!). My main mode of playback is DLNA over Ethernet using the Asset UPnP server and Bubble UPnP app on Android. (The WiiM app is great, but I mostly use it for device configuration.) My take is the AO300 is better sounding (especially via Bluetooth LDAC which the WiiM does not support) with more connectivity, power, and format/CODEC support than the WiiM. IMO the WiiM is market focused on regular consumers, not audiophiles or engineers (and I am in firmly in both camps). Even, so I kept the WiiM because it supports a subwoofer with adjustable high-pass to the speakers, it has a modest PEQ, and better device and mobile app software support (AO300 has no mobile app). WiiM SW support is automatic and happens behind the scene. SMSL required downloading and installing a driver from a DOS shell. As an engineer, this wasn't anything new or difficult, but neither is it where the market is today.
I listen to this setup daily in both near-field and 6' distances in my office. The power is adequate for that. On compressed albums it gets louder than I care to listen. On audiophile full dynamic range albums, I wish I could turn it up louder. Overall, I enjoy the WiiM and the music it brings to the office. Even though it has limited I/O and power, for $300 I found it to compelling to pass up.
Great review with great tests. So when you set the sub crossover point, it's feeding the mains a signal above that? So not just a crossover point for the sub, but also the mains? I am shocked at all they put into this amp. I would like to see their next amp to provide twice the power and 2 sub outputs - very important for those running subs up past 80 hz. Those are the only two issues I see, except overall sound quality.
That is correct. The crossover is active for the mains and the subwoofer pre-out.
Good info! I'd love to get your impression of the WiiM driving the R500s, as I'm considering them both for a small-ish system.
Brother Erin :) Nailed it, this is what we want to see, can't wait to see more electronic reviews. You aren't that far from me can load up the car and bring some Anthem products and Akitika.
Thanks, man! Those sound good to me! :)
Thank you kindly Erin,, 🌟🙏🌟
Small room, Polk RTi A3, think just enough for me, ordered mine today. As usual, great video and excellent review.
I am pretty happy with mine, I have Kef R3 Metas and a monolith thx sub with crossover set at 80hz. I was planning on moving it to the bedroom and replacing it with the Wiim Ultra when it comes out(Q2) and drive the r3's with Fossi Za3 mono blocks. I listen from 75-85 decibels at 9 feet and it hits at least 97 decibels maxed out which is uncomfortably loud for me.
Great information Erin.
Glad it was helpful!
This is probably a TPA3255 "chip amp" with a nice selection of potentially useful "bells and whistles" on the input side -- as such, it's a pretty decent value and surely the EQ feature can be used to mitigate any FR irregularities that turn out to be audible. It's not something I personally have any use for, but it's certainly an impressive little product for a wide range of use cases -- and it certainly provides a good deal more "bang for the buck" than something like the $800 PS Audio Sprout100.
It is a TPA3255 ... but I suspect they're using current limiting (pin 7) to mitigate a thermal problem with all that electronics jammed into such a small case.
Hey Erin, Is this streamer capable of combining multiple units into a zone audio solution? Is it capable of connecting to a computer via the usb to use as an amp/DAC combo for passive speakers to step up my near field PC listening experience?
I'm glad you decided to do the amp measurements! Great review, 30watts per channel will be plenty for me. Low end provided by a sub. Can't wait, great little amp by wiim!
We need PEQ and a highpass in all amps!!! Also wished this has a pre out, that would solve all power problems.
Thanks, I am considering this one for a small room with only two ceiling mounted speakers.
My question though is have you considered measuring the Fosi ZA3? It comes with a 48 v power supply as an option, can be used in mono mode and has sub out.
This can be used in mono and also has subwoofer out. I like that this has inputs and makes for an all-in-one solution.
COOL, Thx a lot Erin 😎
Great video! Do you think integrating a subwoofer with a pair of bookshelf speakers could make it into the living room without affecting sound quality?
I’m wondering the same.
You knocked it out of the park. All of the relative information without the BS. I'm thinking power supply size on that 30 watt power drop with multi-tone only can do so much with the size and the price. If it had an external power supply that could have been easily tested but everything's a trade-off.
From the specs. I would think it's running on either a 32 or 36 volt, probably 5amp supply.
This reminds me of my old Sony UDA-1 DAC/amp. It was a great product for me, before I experienced good sound...
Erin you can still use a mini dsp with integrated amplifier. USB to DSP to Intrgrated or main pre out to dsp to main cd in.
Yup, agreed - I am using this in my bedroom powering Klipsch RP-600M Mk II bookshelf speakers with a Cambridge Audio Minx M301 subwoofer and the sound is fantastic!!!
Hey Erin do you think that I can use the wiim amp with dali spektor 6 (88.5db sensibility) or Dali Oberon 5 (88db sensibility) speakers? Thanks
Excellent review! Would be great to get a similar one from the NAD 3050
Coming! The tests are all done. I just need more listening time and use-time with Dirac Live.
Works fine on my patio, four speakers. Replaced a NUVO One that failed. SeriusXm via Chromecast. Perfect for my needs.
I love your reviews. You are one of the few people I trust. :)
If Sonos had decent EQ, I wouldn't even be looking at this device. I've had 10 zones of Sonos for about 15 years and I love it. I'm moving to a new house soon and I want step up the quality on everything. My problem is that ceiling speakers sound terrible, and most of the outdoor speakers aren't much better. I suspect that many affordable speakers could sound much better with EQ. For half of my house, the Wiim amp is plenty. But outdoors, and the main living area will need more power. 4 Wiim Pros plus an 8-channel 250w Buckeye amp is still cheaper than 4 Sonos Amps, even after my 30% loyalty discount.
So 10 zones of Wiim (6 amps, and 4 pros) would be $6200. 10 Sonos amps with the 30% discount would be $4900, but there would be no PEQ. To try to use Sonos ports with a mini DSP and an amp would cost a small fortune and be a big mess in the rack and harder to use than the Wiim.
I guess the best solution is to spend stupid money on good ceiling speakers and stay with Sonos.
I still have a few months to decide.
So when the WiiM Pro Plus gets the HDMI input, we are golden.
Does the power output improve if you use a more powerful power supply?
It might. But the power supply is built in on this one.
If you use a subwoofer, and say a 150Hz or 200Hz DSP crossover - does that change the effective power availability enough to make it more widely applicable?
I tried to test this but I don't have the means at the moment. I'd say it is certainly plausible but that doesn't mean it's true, at least in this case.
I've got the same question. I think a lot of people have this question. If paired with a powered sub, will I be happy with the power output since presumably more power would be available for the main speakers. For testing, could you just plug an RCA into the sub out, set the crossover and measure the decibel output with the crossover engaged? (Meaning you wouldn't need a sub to test this)
I'm debating between this and an SMSL AO300 + a WIIM Pro. I've got a pair of ELAC debut B6's, so they're 6ohm and this would give 90W per speaker. The SMSL AO300 would give 125W per channel. Would that actually make a material difference?
Hi Erin, many thanks for your videos and your modest attitude, you really stand out from the crowd of the hifi youtubers! One naive question: could the Polk Xt15 be good with wiim amp?
Yeah. Just use some EQ based on my data (on my site) and you can get some killer sound at a good price.
Thank you so much Erin! I found the x15 at 100 euros and i thought it's a great value
Im on the verge of buying another bluesound device for upstairs. Have a NODE X downstairs that I love, and thinking about getting a powernode or powernode edge for a small system upstairs in my loft area. Id love to see a review of one of those.
Very fair review - nice work. I had expected more negativity,but this review is a pleasant surprise. Thanks for keeping it real.
Great to see the electronics reviews. It would be great if you could get a hold of a Yamaha RN1000a or better yet a RN 2000a for measuring. 👍🏻
good job on the review Erin.. would've been interesting to compare the WiiM amp's speaker driving capability to say a Cambridge Audio AXA25 or AXA35 .. that would've been interesting, but great review anyway..👍
I think adding a powered sub should help in minimizing the output concerns.
Though I think if WiiM launched a more powerful version and/or one with Pre-outs and charged more, I would buy it yesterday! If they BOTH a stronger amp (comparable to the PowerNode) and pre-outs, I'd be more than fine paying 2-3X the price.
Great review, Erin! With 10 band PEQ at this stage?
Hello. What speakers do you recommend with this box? KEF or maybe your Emotiva b1+ or something else. Thank you.
Check out the KEF Q150:
howl.me/chErfTFc1On
I plan to discuss this topic soon.
I have 800 € of budget for the entire system (speakers + amp) and i live in a small room of about 9x9 feet, what would be your best sugestion? thanks in advance.
I'm curious about the reliability of the ARC input. I have an Arylic B50 and the ARC is fairly useless. About half the time the receiver won't turn on when the TV turns on which kind of defeats the purpose of ARC...
I only had the demo unit for about 3 weeks so I can’t speak to long term. I have asked to buy the review sample they sent but haven’t heard back yet.
Hey Erin
Is this a bit perfect streamer like others out there ie fiio 7 or the eversolo dmp-a6 ?
One more thing , I’d like to use my Apple TV as well, did you use the toslink back to the television? You said the hdmi from Apple TV to the wiim correct..
I’m not sure about bit perfect.
I actually used this connected to my TV via HDMI ARC. The appletv was the source. Sorry I didn’t make that clear.
@@ErinsAudioCorner
Ok thanks
I’m guessing it’s compressed 48kh.
What is the tone of the amp/dac
Sharp , warm etc. or do you not buy into amps or dacs having unique signatures
@@BMWliterbikes4lifeunless someone can do a double blind test and reliably pick out the difference, I remain a skeptic about anyone being able to hear the difference in DACs. Unless, of course, the design is "broken".
Interestingly enough I'm looking for a amp for the following situation. Wharfedale Diamond 12.2, matched with a powered sub, my Technics SL1200 MKII. My room size is 15 feet deep, 11 feet wide, 7 feet tall. Enclosed finished basement. I sit 6 feet from my Wharfedale and sub. So, would this little amp be able to handle this setup? Also, I'm supposing I'll need to add a phono pre-amp.
I’m not in the market for an amp…that being said…I was anxious to see what Erin had to say about this affordable amp…
and I was not disappointed…
I’m no longer a “newbie” nor do I consider myself an audiophile…but I have learned over the years that ya gotta be careful which Hi-Fi CZcamsr’s to trust…so for those who are here to research this amp…and U like what Erin had to say…I feel very confident that U can trust what this man has to say…just my humble opinion…
we appreciate ya Erin!
Simple rule ... No measurements? It's *advertising*