Recommend 2.1 amplifier for Wharfedale 4.2 bookshelf speakers

[gabbar]

CURRENT SET UP: I use a 2.1 channel Sherwood 4503 amplifier with my Wharfedale Evo 4.2 bookshelf speakers now. Love the sound that this combo puts out. I purchased it from a neighbor for $40. This amplifer doesn't have HDMI and optical cable ports. No bluetooth too. But it does have a subwoofer port which I love. Its connected to a 15 year old POWERED Kenwood subwoofer which works fine. I used to connect receiver to an old TV using an audio cable and sound was more than satisfactory.

CHANGE: I purchased a modern 2025 Sony smart OLED screen TV with eARC HDMI port recently. It also has an optical cable port and several HDMI ports. Thinking about upgrading my amplifier to connect to my speakers.

ASK: I done the research..information is large and I just can't seem to reach a conclusion despite spending several hours. So, I am asking you to recommend a amplifier for a medium sized living room.

Thank you.

 

[staticV3]

I'd buy a WiiM Amp Pro/Amp Ultra, plus a PA Amp for the passive sub (Behringer, Crown, T-amp etc).

The WiiM's Parametric Equalizer can work wonders by fixing response issues in the speakers, like here with the Wharfedale 4.1:


(dashed=stock response)

 

[gabbar]

I'd buy a WiiM Amp Pro/Amp Ultra, plus a PA Amp for the passive sub (Behringer, Crown, T-amp etc).

The WiiM's Parametric Equalizer can work wonders by fixing response issues in the speakers, like here with the Wharfedale 4.1:

View attachment 462656
(dashed=stock response)

Here's Amirm's take on your recommendation. "Just about every measurement has subjective assessment of "excellent" showing the company has paid attention to all aspects of the design. It is in every way improved over the original version which warms my heart. Functionality is top notch with streaming and sophisticated app support. Price is quite reasonable for all this functionality, power and performance. I am happy to recommend the WiiM Amp Pro. P.S. Yes, I have the Ultra version as well. Hope to test that soon."

 

[gabbar]

I need a all-in-one product. Is WiiM Amp Pro good enough for my needs?

I am not going to buy a PA Amp...I am too old and I need something simple since my expectations are simple.

 

[gabbar]

I apologize, I made a correction to my original post. My Kenwood subwoofer is not passive, its a powered subwoofer.

 

[Steven Holt]

I second Static's advice, you can't go wrong with the WiiM. But to answer your question, yes, it is good enough. If you aren't satisfied with the 'looks' of the WiiM, consider the Yamaha 501/701. Sub-out, HP out, phono stage, digital and coax for your TV.

 

[staticV3]

I apologize, I made a correction to my original post. My Kenwood subwoofer is not passive, its a powered subwoofer.

Then the WiiM Amp Pro/Amp Ultra is a suitable all-in-one solution

 

[gabbar]

I ordered the WiiM Amp for $239, it was a prime deal on amazon. I am going to see if this cheaper option will suffice. It has a 30 day return window. WiiM amp without the screen looks just fine. I will find out if this amp is as good a match as the old Sherwood amplifier is with my Wharfedale speakers.

I am hoping that HDMI ARC Port on this amplifier when connected to eRC port on the TV will be enough to make the system work.

 

[gabbar]

I did cancel my order of WiiM Amp because WiiM Pro seems like a better choice for which there is a review by by Amirm. For now, I am able to use my Wharfedale speakers using a Tandex HDMI ARC adapter from Amazon for $20 and guidance from a YouTube video. I had to play with the audio settings on my Sony TV though, took about 10 minutes.

I need to find out the manufacturer warranty on WiiM amplifiers