Choosing an Amp for Warm Speakers – Need Advice

[Mahin]

Hi everyone,

I’m just getting into the audiophile space and recently purchased the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i speakers because I prefer a warm sound signature.

Now I’m looking for an integrated amplifier, but I’m stuck between three options:

1. Denon PMA-900HNE(60k)
2. WiiM Amp(35k)
3. Marantz PM6007 + WiiM Mini(60k)

My usage is fairly simple:

- Music streaming primarily from my phone (Spotify, etc.)
- Connecting to my TV for movies and occasional music playback

I understand there’s a difference between traditional amplifiers (like Denon/Marantz) and newer streaming amps like the WiiM Amp, but I’m not sure how noticeable that difference really is in real-world usage.

I’ve read that the Denon PMA-900HNE has a warmer sound compared to the Marantz PM6007. This brings me to a concern:
Would pairing an already warm speaker (Wharfedale 12.1i) with a warm amplifier be too much? Could it make the sound overly soft or lacking in detail?

Also, considering that the PM6007 + WiiM Mini combo offers more features at a lower cost, would that be a better balanced option overall?

Thanks in advance!

 

[markstein]

I would probably go for the WiiM amp, as it offers EQ capability and lets you set a high pass filter for the bass driver which might be beneficial when listening to bass heavy music. You can also add a subwoofer later.

'Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Review (Speaker)'

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Review (Speaker)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 bookshelf speaker. It was kindly purchased by a member and drop shipped to me. It costs US $399 for a pair. The look and feel of the 12.1 is definitely above the budget category: The back is rather pedestrian but...

www.audiosciencereview.com

'WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Amplifier Review'

WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Amp Ultra stereo streaming amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $529. I was surprised how heavy and solid feeling the Ultra is for its size. I upgraded its firmware which went smoothly and rather fast. I was pleasantly...

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'WiiM Amp Pro Streaming Stereo Amplifier Review'

WiiM Amp Pro Streaming Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Amp Pro networked streaming stereo class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $379. The package is minimalistic in nature and matches the "non-pro" version of the amplifier. The volume indicator is that set of LEDs...

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[Mahin]

I would probably go for the WiiM amp, as it offers EQ capability and lets you set a high pass filter for the bass driver which might be beneficial when listening to bass heavy music. You can also add a subwoofer later.

'Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Review (Speaker)'

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Review (Speaker)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 bookshelf speaker. It was kindly purchased by a member and drop shipped to me. It costs US $399 for a pair. The look and feel of the 12.1 is definitely above the budget category: The back is rather pedestrian but...

www.audiosciencereview.com

'WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Amplifier Review'

WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Amp Ultra stereo streaming amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $529. I was surprised how heavy and solid feeling the Ultra is for its size. I upgraded its firmware which went smoothly and rather fast. I was pleasantly...

www.audiosciencereview.com

'WiiM Amp Pro Streaming Stereo Amplifier Review'

WiiM Amp Pro Streaming Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Amp Pro networked streaming stereo class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $379. The package is minimalistic in nature and matches the "non-pro" version of the amplifier. The volume indicator is that set of LEDs...

www.audiosciencereview.com

In that case won't my 3rd option be good. We get both the eq and the room correction.

 

[staticV3]

I'd also go for the WiiM Amp Pro/Ultra if you want to get the most out of your Wharfedales.

Reason being the internal Parametric EQ with which you can high-pass the speakers, apply room correction, and loudspeaker correction.

Do not sleep on this, when done well that will improve playback fidelity massively.

 

[markstein]

In that case won't my 3rd option be good. We get both the eq and the room correction.

Option 3 is more expensive and requires 2 separate devices, instead of one integrated streaming amp. Also, the Marantz amp does not seem to have a lot of power. Why would you like to go this route?

 

[RandomEar]

I’ve read that the Denon PMA-900HNE has a warmer sound compared to the Marantz PM6007. This brings me to a concern:
Would pairing an already warm speaker (Wharfedale 12.1i) with a warm amplifier be too much? Could it make the sound overly soft or lacking in detail?

Adding to the the good recommendations by fellow members: There is no such thing as a "warm" amplifier. Outside of having the appropriate level of power and being able to drive the impedance of the speaker, the often propagated speaker-amp "matching" is not a real thing. Modern amps (apart from the cheapest class D without PFFB) have a flat frequency response and don't alter the sound characteristic of a speaker.

This was different in the time of tube amps: Due to their high output impedance, they often influenced the frequency response of the speaker. That's not the case anymore and hasn't been for decades, but this audiophile "wisdom" has lived on and refuses to die.

Look for features, power, price and build quality, not "sound".

 

[Redacted]

Warmer, or not warmer? it's more down to room and speakers than down to amps. Get a class D.

 

[Ruediger]

Now I’m looking for an integrated amplifier, but I’m stuck between three options:

1. Denon PMA-900HNE(60k)
2. WiiM Amp(35k)
3. Marantz PM6007 + WiiM Mini(60k)

My vote for a WiiM amp. I think you will be very pleased.

But if you really like the Denon box, why not.

Pairing with a WiiM Mini works too, but the Mini has a few limits when compared to the bigger WiiM devices. PEQ has fewer bands (afaik), only the optical out is really good so you need a good DAC behind it. It has it's use cases, but when buying everything new I see no reason to split it up that way.

 

[Marc v E]

Hi everyone,

I’m just getting into the audiophile space and recently purchased the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i speakers because I prefer a warm sound signature.

Now I’m looking for an integrated amplifier, but I’m stuck between three options:

1. Denon PMA-900HNE(60k)
2. WiiM Amp(35k)
3. Marantz PM6007 + WiiM Mini(60k)

My usage is fairly simple:

- Music streaming primarily from my phone (Spotify, etc.)
- Connecting to my TV for movies and occasional music playback

I understand there’s a difference between traditional amplifiers (like Denon/Marantz) and newer streaming amps like the WiiM Amp, but I’m not sure how noticeable that difference really is in real-world usage.

I’ve read that the Denon PMA-900HNE has a warmer sound compared to the Marantz PM6007. This brings me to a concern:
Would pairing an already warm speaker (Wharfedale 12.1i) with a warm amplifier be too much? Could it make the sound overly soft or lacking in detail?

Also, considering that the PM6007 + WiiM Mini combo offers more features at a lower cost, would that be a better balanced option overall?

Thanks in advance!

The WiiM amp outperforms the two others on all specs that make a difference.
More power, eq possibility, great user experience, sub out.
It may be cheaper but it is better too.

It also has the benefit of providing you with an upgrade path. The next step up, where I noticed a huge difference is adding a subwoofer.

 

[Multicore]

Yamaha A-SN01 plus a WiiM Mini.

Tone control knobs!
And a Loudness knob!!

 

[markstein]

+1 for Loudness functionality

 

[wadude]

Doesn’t the WiiM have loudness? My Pro+ does.

 

[Marc v E]

Doesn’t the WiiM have loudness? My Pro+ does.

The WiiM amp ultra has loudness and dynamic loudness:

WiiM Home App v3.3.9 Update – Oct 24, 2025

Please review the app update release notes below. If you encounter any issues, feel free to reach out to us. What's New: 1. WiiM Sound: - RoomFit™ room correction available during first-time setup (OOBE). - In-app user manual. - Dynamic Bass control. 2. Playback & Display: Audio...

forum.wiimhome.com

 

[Ruediger]

Yamaha A-SN01 plus a WiiM Mini.

Tone control knobs!
And a Loudness knob!!

Def. a nice choice when wanting a classic size box. Superb class AB amps.

The WiiM PEQ dwarves these knobs in functionality though.

But they are knobs, there's that.

 

[Multicore]

Def. a nice choice when wanting a classic size box. Superb class AB amps.

The WiiM PEQ dwarves these knobs in functionality though.

Technically you are right but...

But they are knobs, there's that.

I've got a WiiM and I find the app control of the EQ fussy and difficult. It's not something I want to adjust often. So for compensating for recordings that got the tonal balance wrong the knobs are very useful. Similarly the loudness knob is easy to use relative to dialing in different curves on the WiiM. Convenience is worth a lot. The WiiM's EQ is gr8 but for me at least no fun to adjust.

 

[Ruediger]

I've got a WiiM and I find the app control of the EQ fussy and difficult. It's not something I want to adjust often. So for compensating for recordings that got the tonal balance wrong the knobs are very useful. Similarly the loudness knob is easy to use relative to dialing in different curves on the WiiM. Convenience is worth a lot. The WiiM's EQ is gr8 but for me at least no fun to adjust.

When going back decades I often just use Rock or R&B to have that loudness effect. Electronic or HipHop for more modern stuff. It's a bit of a hassle to use the app for that, but EQ preset selection is also 2 taps on the touchscreen.

Growing up with fullsize boxes and knobs I can perfectly understand the ease of that and why the Yamaha A-S are popular.

 

[Multicore]

When going back decades I often just use Rock or R&B to have that loudness effect. Electronic or HipHop for more modern stuff. It's a bit of a hassle to use the app for that, but EQ preset selection is also 2 taps on the touchscreen.

Growing up with fullsize boxes and knobs I can perfectly understand the ease of that and why the Yamaha A-S are popular.

Futzing with apps on my phone is like doing IT support. Half of my life seems to be wrangling with IT now. And phone touch screens are so awful -- everything takes between 2 and 7 attempts. Some people seem to get along with their phone ok judging from how much they look at it but I find just unlocking the damn thing all the time is draining away my will to live. Ymmv.

 

[Ruediger]

At least the Ultra makes it easy.

 

[peng]

Hi everyone,

I’m just getting into the audiophile space and recently purchased the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i speakers because I prefer a warm sound signature.

Now I’m looking for an integrated amplifier, but I’m stuck between three options:

1. Denon PMA-900HNE(60k)
2. WiiM Amp(35k)
3. Marantz PM6007 + WiiM Mini(60k)

My usage is fairly simple:

- Music streaming primarily from my phone (Spotify, etc.)
- Connecting to my TV for movies and occasional music playback

I understand there’s a difference between traditional amplifiers (like Denon/Marantz) and newer streaming amps like the WiiM Amp, but I’m not sure how noticeable that difference really is in real-world usage.

I’ve read that the Denon PMA-900HNE has a warmer sound compared to the Marantz PM6007. This brings me to a concern:
Would pairing an already warm speaker (Wharfedale 12.1i) with a warm amplifier be too much? Could it make the sound overly soft or lacking in detail?

Also, considering that the PM6007 + WiiM Mini combo offers more features at a lower cost, would that be a better balanced option overall?

Thanks in advance!

Those talks/posts one could read all over the internet are not good reference because they are mostly opinions/impressions based on sighted listening under various conditions.

Once you get pass the diminishing return, there won't be such things as Denon sound, Marantz sound, WiiM sound, those who reported such sound signature they perceived would not be able to tell those amps apart if compared under the same use conditions, volume matched and blinded.

Amplifiers could in fact sound audibly different to a lot of people if they do have relatively high output impedance, that is low enough damping factors, but not the amps in your short list.

There may be some, but not too many such posts (about the different brands sound quality you read) on ASR but you could read a lot of them on other forums such as the AVS forum. It may be better if you make your choice based on specifications, manufacturers marketing information that are verifiable by bench tests with results you can see/read. It is your time and money, so if you believe in those posts about the Denon amp's warm sound vs Marantz PM and WiiM, or vice versa then if the Denon has the features you need, it could be safest choice for you.

 

[davmol]

Hi everyone,

I’m just getting into the audiophile space and recently purchased the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i speakers because I prefer a warm sound signature.

Now I’m looking for an integrated amplifier, but I’m stuck between three options:

1. Denon PMA-900HNE(60k)
2. WiiM Amp(35k)
3. Marantz PM6007 + WiiM Mini(60k)

My usage is fairly simple:

- Music streaming primarily from my phone (Spotify, etc.)
- Connecting to my TV for movies and occasional music playback

If you are buying a well made amp, regardless of class, it's going to sound the same, so focus on the power requirements, functionality and aesthetics that you want / need.

I used to run Wharfedale Diamond 9.1s and tried them with a Yamaha A-S301, an Aiyima A07 Max, and a Teac A1-101DA, and they all sounded good, but by far the biggest improvement came from room correction / PEQ, when I pulled in the WiiM Ultra. I then tried many many DACs and they all sounded the same as the Ultra when level-matched, so again, if the DAC (whether internal or external) isn't broken / flawed by design then it's not worth spending more, other than for features (like PEQ / inbuilt headphone amps etc).

Given your use case I would urge you to consider going for something with an HDMI input, and if you might want to venture into multi-channel audio (as you mentioned movies) or if you might want to add a sub later, because for me if that was the use case I wouldn't go for a stereo amp with a WiiM mini - it's just going to be a frustrating experience. Also consider that your room correction / PEQ with the WiiM Mini is going to be limited to streaming only, so your TV and movies watching (assume via optical input from the TV) won't be of the same quality (no room correction), whereas with the WiiM Amp / Amp Pro / Amp Ultra etc, it will cover all your inputs.

My opinion would be as follows:

1. If you could stretch to a WiiM Amp Ultra, you are probably one and done, with all the functions you need, more power than you are likely to need all in one box, and options to add a subwoofer (any active), and/or wireless surrounds and centre in future (from the WiiM range).
2. If that is too much of a stretch for your 60k budget then I would go for the WiiM Amp Pro for similar reasons (just a little less power that you likely won't need or notice, and no screen, which is largely just aesthetic anyway given you will be using your phone).
3. Don't rule out the WiiM Ultra preamp + a good quality budget price / high value separate power amp, like a Fosi ZA3 or 3eAudio A5, which you can tuck away out of sight.

If however you like the traditional full rack look and the traditional brands, which I fully understand, then I like the Marantz option purely because I have seen and heard it and my friend that owns it has reported no issues. However my friend does not use it with a TV, so just be aware of the limitations as per above, particularly as both of your options have no HDMI input, which can be a hassle for decoding movie audio and for basic things like controlling power on/off and volume control e.g. when connecting over optical.

Enjoy picking what you want, as only you can decide what you want to look at and listen to in your home.