DESTROYs WIIM Amp at a Lower Price? They Hope So!
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- čas přidán 16. 03. 2024
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Thoughts on the WiiM Amp VS something like a SMSL DO100/AO100 mini stack? That's my current setup, but I'm wanting a budget option like the WiiM Amp because of the built in high-pass filter, but didn't want this to be an 'accidental downgrade' aside from the high-pass filter aspect.
Hey Randy! I had been researching modern HiFi for a while to get back into it after 35yrs. Worked my ass off in the 80’s to get SAE 101 series components, Nakamichi dragon, Technics SL1200Mkii, and some Cerwin Vegas. Then sold it all to travel. Now married with kids, my wife mentioned how cool a record player would be. So I got her one for Christmas. The dvd player combo sounded so tinny. Then I found you. Honest, to the point, real, and with an opinion. Love it! I knew my wife would not be happy if I went after this hobby full tilt. Needless to say, you lead me to the WiiM Amp and Klipsch RP500M’s. Then I added an Emotiva XS8, and some speaker stands you highlighted, for our very humble and modest 12x14 living (toy) room. It’s awesome! Thank you for what you do, and your links! I apologize for the long winded story.
Kids telling parents to turn it down. Generation has come full circle.
right!
“ if it’s too loud, you’re too young “
My kids in their 20s rolling their eyes at me for getting high, lol...
It’s something that has absolutely confused me. They have no problem cranking up shitty CZcams let’s play videos though. Lmao
A WiiM away ... a WiiM away ... a WiiM away ... a WiiM away
nice. that made me chuckle
In the jungle, the D-chip jungle, the loxjie rocks tonight
I'm writing the tv commercial now..
Aiyiiiiiiiiiiiiiima my way...
This style just blew me away!!! It was so refreshing, and wasn’t dispencing info in a dry personal infomercial. I think you found your style.
Wow, thank you! not everyone is a fan
I prefer the more chilled presentation approach here too, which is ironic since your kids were running amok in the background 😆
I got a SMSL AO300 for $245, MSRP $299. It's been awesome for a tiny box! Speaker amp with advertised 165W at 8ohms, headphone amp, DAC, HDMI, RCA, optical, digital coax, BT, sub out, remote, tone controls (only missing phono stage). It replaced a Marantz MM7025 and I don't miss it. Powers my thirsty ELAC Carina BS.234 very nicely, through the whole volume dial. It would be the perfect unit for a head-to-head comparison.
I have the same amp twinned with Wiim mini and Monitor Audio Silver RS1, sounds great and goes plenty loud. Previously I had a Cambridge Audio amp which was much warmer.
@@stevenhoward3358 I feed it with a SMSL DO300EX for digital sources, and Darlington Labs MM6 phono preamp. My only request would be for it to switch to headphones when plugged in rather than via the menu. Call me a believer in Class D now.
Thanks for harking back to more of the “OG CAM”-type video on a high value and affordable piece of gear. Checks a lot of boxes. I have the Loxjie A10 (little red triangle) amp on my office desk at work, sneakily powering a pair of Klipsch HT600 satellites.
Very similar to the SMSL AO300. Great review sir!!
I like your home, it's very homely.
All the kids stuff everywhere reminds me of my place.
I was going to pick up a little bit but making videos is a better use of my time. Appreciate the "non judgement" usually I just get "Your house is a mess!"
It tells me you love your kids more, in our house we try to help our daughter feel like it's her space too. I guess we could be super strict but I remember as a child what that was like.
Btw I learned today advance Paris has a streamer with tubes, that's just so cool to me. @@cheapaudioman
@@cheapaudioman
Your house is a mess!
So is mine..😅
Back in the day, NAD 3020 was the budget amp that sounds good.
The WiiM Amp is way better because the way that you can access the DAC Streamer is via Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth. Way better sound quality when using Wi-Fi.
I mean, I get it's called a streamer. But can't you just connect it over usb or optical?
I have the Loxjie A40. Pleased with it so far. Have it running my Polk R500s at the moment. Also, liked the phono stage.
I started laughing when you got in the car. Multitasking master. Total dedication to the job!
How about the SMSL AO300? Amplifier, DAC with HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, USB C, RCA analog in, and Bluetooth 5.0, plus headphone amplifier, Sub out, and 165W x2 at 4 ohms and 85W x2 at 8 ohm output.
I have one in my living room now, and I love it. Looking at the Loxjie, it looks like it’s nearly identical, but without the phone stage, which for me was fine, I already have an external phono preamp.
I'm currently using an Aiyima D05 amp to drive a pair of Kanto YU passives and a Kanto 6" sub for my PC speaker setup. Would the Loxjie A40 be an upgrade, or more of a side-grade? The wattage is more than the Aiyima, but otherwise has the same features. I am less concerned about price than about space, since this goes on my desktop, space is limited and this seems like a good fit.
Wish this had been available when I set up my latest desktop system, as I might have considered it. Currently running the SMSL DL200 out of computer USB and feeding it through the Fosi V3 into a pair of Polk R100s or the Sundara closed backs most of the time. Would be nice to have the phono stage, and the HDMI audio, but I have a workaround feeding BluRay and CD through the screen's toslink back to the SMSL. The Loxjie would be a cleaner solution with less sitting on my desk, but not worth it right now unless I feel the need to repurpose that current gear. Looks like a great man cave device though!
Thank you for finally reviewing this bad ass amp I absolutely love mine..I have a pair of Q acoustics concept 20s and the sound stage is amaze balls!
Also play the new Black Crowes Happiness Bastards very loudly and you will love it!
SMSL has a new all-in-one product that improves on the AL-200: It's called the AO-300 and it has the same chipset except it also includes an upgraded headphone amp chip and a subwoofer output. I bought it about four months ago and I absolutely love it and, really, it's not unfair to say that I got it on the recommendation of this channel for the AL-200.
This one is basically an a0300 with phono stage and not as good ui/ screen. Much better value though.
Love the 'slice of life' video style!
thanks!
Interesting. I have the A30, been very happy with the sound . Have it hooked up to the tv optical for late night headphone listening. A40 could do it all 🤔
Hi can you please give an advice which to choose in playing fps game between smsl m300se and Fiio k11. I mainly play on iems.
Hi cheapaudioman, the smsl m300se upgradet I purchased from Amazon was a pain... crushing noises if You use coax nearly destroying my speakers, havent you checked its coax ? I Gott a second ohne, same issue crushing noise like a damaged chainsaw sent both back,
I also have this A40 and the DL200. I originally got the DL200 to try out as a headphone amp/dac for the HD600 and the Moondrop Para. What I found was on the DL200, to drive both to decent loudness levels, the volume on the DL200 was around 65 but I was surprised that the same level of volume on the A40 was at just 30. The A40 does not have a high gain function so I wonder if its set to high gain by default but the moondrop para headphones which are just 8 ohms at volume 40 on the A40 were pushed to the edge and everything was distorted unlike on the DL200. I am only new to the hobby but I do not know what is going on here. The A40 definetally is "nicer" looking than the DL200 but I dont think the A40 is a true headphone amplifier. My ultimate question is, do any of these replace something like an EF400 Hifiman or nowhere close power output wise for headphones.
Can I hook up a Chromecast to the Loxjie via the HDMI (ARC) port to feed a digital streaming signal in, or does it only play the (e)ARC signal?
I have the a30 in oir living room with a bk electronics active subwoofer. Sounds really good generally but i really with there was high pass control on the main outs of the amplifier.
Hi Randy, what is your prefered phono preamp right now? Thanks
Love ribbed tweeters they make a big difference to high range sound.
Soda enthusiast here - Ever try Zevia? Zero calorie company and what a good smack of flavours. Found them a few years ago and what a surprise.
Thanks for the tip! I'll check them out
Does anyone know, is the 6.3 jack on the amp balanced or single-ended and could I connect 3.5 mm terminated smartphone headphones to the loxjie A40 amplifier? The store suggested to use single-ended 6.3-male to 3.5-female adapter (TRS), but it sounds like no common wire is connected or like right phone is connected in counterphase to left one
Thank you!
This is using the same amp chipset as SMSL AL200, it would be cool if you could compare the A40 directly to it as right now the AL200 is the best sounding of affordable class D amps out there in my opinion and if I remember correctly left a pretty high impression on you as well.
The Dr pepper strawberries and creme goes great with rum
Is that the same as a smsl ao300 looks like same specs?
Time to stop pedaling the next thing just because they chuck some free gear at the channel.
yeah. the $250 Chinese amps have so much retail value. not going to sell my soul for a $150 amp. And I give all of it away to my patrons. But thanks for goosing the algorithm
Great review as always
Thanks for watching
The weight is insanely low (5 lb) for an hdmi arc compatible receiver vs a lightweight avr which would be around 15lb at the least, I could see this becoming more popular internationally for budget home cinemas since the import fees are usually weight dependent
I wish smsl could have a high pass filter in all of their amps with sub out. They had it in the a300 so i don't get it.
Just the hdmi arc at this price is pretty insane, its an easy way to upgrade sound audio of a tv without using a soundbar, since most new 4k tv ive seen have janky bluetooth, no 3.5mm port, unreliable optical, and your best bet is an avr reciever. This brand new is way cheaper than most if not all brand new avr.
great point
The loxjie would be great with xlr outs on it.shame I never got it dew to lack of xlr or I would have.
I'm not on a budget. I've got the Kef LS50 Meta and the Kef KC62 Subwoofer. But I just don't buy in to the need to spend much on a DAC and amp. I think the WiiM Pro Plus and two Aiyima A07 Max amps in mono in more than a match for the Kef combo.
They are not. The LS50 Meta keep getting better the better the amp and dac you pair with them they reward you with better sound with strong dampening factor and lots of power. The Hegel H120 has a dampening factor of 2000+ can be bought used for £1500ish. Yes the amp costs more that the speakers but if you want truly amazing sound they will reward.
@@jondonnelly4831 I'm sure they do get better. But the law of diminishing returns has never been greater. My only comparison is the WiiM and Aiyima vs the Bluesound Powernode N330. Got a small improvement in the WiiM and Aiyima combo at a much lower price. My friend borrowed a £2000 Naim DAC and. WiiM Mini (the cheapest version) and was shocked how little difference there was when partnered with his Naim amp and Q Acoustics Reference. I'll probably borrow something expensive at some stage to see myself.
Wiim streaming software rocks!!
Are there any devices cheaper than the Wiim mini that can do both airplay 2 + bluetooth as a streamer? I want to use one for my iPhone but have a few family members that run android
Hey Cheap audio man, have you tried the latest version of the SML AO-300. I am currently using this in my setup, it would be a direct comparison. Cheers
I need to get one in
I forgot you live in TX till I saw your living room. I'm in Austin. Same set up. :)
I’ve been using the A30 for a while and I’m happy with it, if the A40 is even better, it should be awesome. A great place to get started in the world of hifi on a tight budget.
Emotiva is supposed to be integrating Volumio streaming into their amps. I look forward to a review of these.
the stone cold " be responsible and charge it " was the best!
how many remotes must you manage at one time? How may can you manage at one time?
*** Hi
So hey cheap audio man so i have a question for you buddy!!! And it seems like your the only man for my question.
First off i am completely addicted to looking into new audiphile equipment for my speakers. . . And ive had my eyes on buying a rotel 1592 m2 for a long time now because reviews say its very detailed and like a magnifying glass and is very very good but it lacks streaming capabilities.
So what if i want to stream?
So basically if i use a dac or streamer and plug it into the rotel? Does one dac over ride the other?
So does a streamer even matter when it comes to this conclusion?
So a wiim amp as a streamer plugged into the rotel to stream?
Or lets say a 5k streamer plugged into the rotel?
Would one sound better than the other? Or does the dac inside a intregated overide all or do they work together..
Or should i just go a different route…..
streamer and power amp, and leave intregated amps out? Thanks tyler
Why does my Loxjie A40 not work 768kHz on USB only 384kHz? The driver is installed, the maximum is 32bt/384kHz everywhere.
Dudeman audition the Adam T5V or T8V's studio monitor flat but I think a Emotiva killer and they are powered. They make my B&W 607S2 seem very small
Great dad video today all the very best cheap audio man
Glad you enjoyed
If your kids aren’t telling you it’s too loud, it’s not loud enough. Dads rock! Crank it up!
Bad experience with Loxjie.DAC failed after a month. Money back, so could have been worse, but I have to ask if build quality has improved?
How are ether of these compare to the Yamaha RN303BL, please?
Randy!!!!...You Goonie!!!
You have goto get a long term mens hair restoration sponsor.
Appreciate your content and your comparisons! Real quick, center speakers, the Emotiva XC2 or SVS Ultra Center? Not necessarily directed to @cheapaudioman directly but anyone else who care to share. Thanks!
My D40 Pro has filled my ears and soul with musical happiness and usurped my SMSL D300. Thanks for your time and efforts to review and share this with us all. I think Loxjie brand is rather under appreciated, imo. Stay well, brother.
thanks, brother
The D40 or the A40 are not true headphones amps though right like a EF400 hifiman. I feel like I am going down the wrong path if my main goal is headphone amp/dac combo only
@@funplaymix7710 I don't use the D40 Pro as a headphone amp, just a DAC/Preamp with a Topping A90 Discrete as my headphone amp.
Is the old "NAD 3045" amp sound better?
Hi, i have the wiim amp and i see It has often firmware and software update . For HDMI arc It seems very important to be compatible for TV and other HDMI device. It loxije software upgradable? .. i think It could be a big difference
No coupon, ships in one to two months... Oh well. Love the kids... Looks like a busy household. ;-)
Sounds like a quality pc desktop amp for those that want to upgrade their Logitech or Razr audio.
Loxjie is bad of QC and lack of support. I sent them email about their D50 Dac problem. None of reply back !!! Really bad bad support !! 😂 bear in mind .. I got a d50 & d40pro with loxjie. Wiim is the way to go with streaming support
Thanks for this info. I was having a hard time deciding which to get.
Does the A40 have a streaming function?
Why can't any of these at least have an input select button on the front? Why is that so hard. I don't want to find the remote or open an app. Just let me push a button to cycle through them and use the app to turn off sources I'm not using.
This or Fosi Audio V3+SMSL SU-1?
To go with Dali Oberon 1.
Nice watch.
Loving the JonTron clips 😂. Worlds collide.
What model is that turntable?
The review I've been waiting for!
Step 1) Got SSC5S used for $46.00 from Goodwill. Waiting for their arrival. Next step ....?
I wish those Sony speakers were available in the UK as they appear great value for their performance, but all we get in the way of speakers from Sony are all just Bluetooth speakers and soundbar systems.
This is the SMSL AO300 with a phono stage. Very good, not great. WAY better than a sound bar. If you’re on a budget like me and don’t have a separate phono preamp, this may be for you.
Can’t believe how far you’ve come along with your video production. Keep it up Randy!
lol. well thank you, my friend. you're too kind. pales in comparison to my peers though.
I wonder how the wiim and loxjie compares against ps audio sprout using the same speakers
I learned to know more about this streamer, but I mis a few thing I cant find. I will explain: i had a Yamaha WXA-50. Realy nice in sound quality, but as soon i went for a night of music listening with friends, and switched from Spotify, to CZcams, to netwerk streaming, sometimes the device could not be found. Also after updates in app or netwerk, i had to start over again with the Yamaha. Frustrating! You Come home, put on some Spotify to relax, and it's gone, i have to make a new install... also with a new phone: same story, no device detected, reset everything... so finally my question about the WIIM: is it that versatile that i can switch from source to source, always, and never have to reset everything, after an app-update or a phone change? Please inform me about those things, because i am convinced about the quality, but don't like the frustrating things like with the Yamaha WXA-50. (Which was about €599).
The Wiim is a streamer amp for 299$. The Loxjie with a Wiim Mini costs 255 + 80 = 335$. However, it has in that combination more features than the Wiim amp. But I don't see why the Loxjie is in any way "cheaper". It looks more like it has almost the same price (feature/price comparison).
And the WIIM amp has A WIIM pro plus in it, not a mini 😉
When the kids don't have to go to school the next day we let them take their ipads to bed. All day I keep telling the kids to charge their ipads before bed time. Then bed time comes around and they are crying to me about their ipads not being charged. Think going forward I'll just start charging the ipads myself and then charge the kids for my services 😄
Anyone watching this on their phone needs to watch it again with a subwoofer
Video style like Ealan did recently .. Nice change up.
I had the SMSL A0300 and returned in and got the Wiim Amp. For me the Wiim is much better. If the SMSL had Wifi and was a proper streamer it would do everything I needed.
But no streamer so just buy the Wiim amp is my take.
I have the wiim, my friend has the loxjie, the loxjie has more power - more oomph - add the wiim mini and you're at $345. So $45 extra for more power. Either solution works great, we live in good times!
your voice-over audio level needs to be brought up quite a bit. the background music stuff is fine, but your voice stuff is lower than everyone else's channel. if i leave my room while your channel is on and say Zeos or Andrew Robinson's channel comes on in my absence, it scares my wife and daughter half to death with the audio level differences. just saying.... love your channel man!
Just one question, why not SMSL AO300? Okay, it doesn't have phono and it costs more for some reason (that deserves an explanation). Anyway, everything is exactly the same. But if we rely on our eyes, the AO300 is the winner for me, because the A40 is like a bad time travel. To today's eyes, this cover that evokes the past is ugly, although I think I understand the intention behind it (but still small-scale industrial). Looking at them from the inside, you can see that the Loxjie is not pretty, it has the effect of a handmade. SMSL is at least trying to create a premium feel or effect. Let's just say that I basically don't understand how these two types can live side by side, when one offers more at a cheaper price, but is ugly in return, and the other offers less at a higher price, but at least it looks like something.
That’s was absolutely the right thing to say 🤷🏾♂️
If nothing else, you are the master of droll.
Thanks Randy! I hope you had a good weekend in Dallas.
Can you drive those sonus fabers off the WiiM? Missed you at the show. It was too bougie for me. Was hoping JustAudio was go have a room…. Want to hear some Denton/Lintons… maybe the SuperDenton. Sigh
I like see HDMI(ARC) on these things, hopefully be able to use my gaming PC as a source soon. However, I don't understand how to get 5.1 surround + sub out of these. Are they all only 2 channel left & right?
Just tried it through HDMI on the SONY OLED, this thing does not have eARC and the sound did not work. This is not a 5.1 system, its a 2.1 too bad.
I like you. You are pretty awesome at this CZcams gig.
Wow, thank you!
Curious about something - These electronics straight from China - Oh dear oh my, how would any warranty work? All of the way back on a slow boat to China, then trucking? And the round trip back. 😱
you nailed it. I prefer people buy these products from amazon as it's a super easy return. most companies will make you send it back. when it gets there sometimes they say nothing is wrong and then it has to be shipped back to you again. I like people to be safer. Apos audio also sells a lot of these and they're us based so it's better to buy from them than straight from china. actually I'll see if they have a link for this
I would like to see more of your videos.. but the question marks on the video captions are clickbatey and really annoying
Really?
Honestly I have the feeling than a rega io at a good price (450€) or second hand (350€) would be a way better buy on the long term, way more durable.
And I’m also pretty sure that if you use your ear , a rega io sounds better than a Wiim amp …
Great points for sure. Would be awesome if everyone had access to a nicely priced used one.
In Germany or France or uk it’s very easy to find
no LPF or HPF... I'd rather have the SMSL A300 (not the AO300) or the WiiM Amp
Chart found!!! 👍
My reference is still your design with one amp for each speaker, plus the smsl streamer (or maybe the Gishelle with best op amps?) In terms of perishable, I feel like I need to unbundle the streamer after all… But things evolve too so Wiim “good enough” for now!👍
Usually ship within one to two months😆
they're in stock in China which would probably ship and get to you way quicker
Wait! I thought the Wiim went over the top because it is a “streamer and…” but I didn’t hear “streamer” in your list of features…?
I made charts and everything
@@cheapaudioman You’re awesome dude. I’ll watch it. Just trying to keep my budget for perishable electronics down. My Wiim is not even a year old yet. 🤪🫣
My takeaway from this video is I need to get the Sony SSCS5s.
I wonder can I daisy chain any of it these?