WiiM Amp Pro Streaming Stereo Amplifier Review

[Doodski]

I realize when Amir says "unless you use analog inputs" that one might assume you can get clipping w/ the analog input. But Amir never actually did a power sweep with the analog input. No clipping has been demonstrated, even with analog input. I don't think Erin showed clipping in his review, either, but I may need to go back and re-read.
My perception -- and I could be wrong -- is that Wiim is actively regulating the analog input when it is digitized. The analog input doesn't go directly to the amplifier circuitry; it is first digitized so it can be treated like all the other inputs (equalizer filtering, transmission over the network, etc). It certainly wouldn't surprise me if Wiim "normalized" the input level during this digitization; in fact I would expect that. Once digital, that input is subject to the same gain control as the natively digital sources.

Thanks for the details.

 

[shuppatsu]

You think I am deceiving you, rather than there being a miscommunication?! Why would you jump to that conclusion?

See my post #459, where I quote the review that says no clipping, and I’m clearly quoting it in the context of my setup:

Maybe. My speakers definitely cannot reproduce the low frequencies. I've been saying that over and over again. I don't know if it's clipping. From the (non-pro) review: "Unless you use analog input, the gain settings is designed such that you never clip. This means that the "peak" power is the same as what I have measured above. Spec is 120 watts at 4 ohm and we are achieving that so no issue there. Same with 60 watt specified for 8 ohm." Now, maybe it can't clip on his test, but it can clip if fed a low frequency signal? I don't know enough about audio to know whether that's likely.

Also see post #470, where I say “I have the non-pro amp, which has significantly higher distortion at 20Hz than the Pro, but it’s still -60dB down and there’s no ‘elbow’ all the way up to 0dBFS…” I wasn’t even misleading you, much less deceiving you.

 

[Doodski]

You think I am deceiving you, rather than there being a miscommunication?! Why would you jump to that conclusion?

See my post #459, where I quote the review that says no clipping, and I’m clearly quoting it in the context of my setup:


Also see post #470, where I say “I have the non-pro amp, which has significantly higher distortion at 20Hz than the Pro, but it’s still -60dB down and there’s no ‘elbow’ all the way up to 0dBFS…” I wasn’t even misleading you, much less deceiving you.

I read post #459 and see that you indeed stated that. I can only think that the reason that I discounted your comment is because it is very rare if not very very rare that an amp has such peak power limiting circuitry and you seemed to be a newbie and so I disregarded that commentary. I apologize and I should have asked to be linked to the review web page sooner rather than later. My bad. I thought I was being deceived because we get trolls here at ASR that drag stuff out playing with us. I'm sorrrry...

 

[shuppatsu]

I read post #459 and see that you indeed stated that. I can only think that the reason that I discounted your comment is because it is very rare if not very very rare that an amp has such peak power limiting circuitry and you seemed to be a newbie and so I disregarded that commentary. I apologize and I should have asked to be linked to the review web page sooner rather than later. My bad. I thought I was being deceived because we get trolls here at ASR that drag stuff out playing with us. I'm sorrrry...

Apology accepted, and again I appreciate you and Brad engaging with me on this.

 

[Doodski]

Apology accepted, and again I appreciate you and Brad engaging with me on this.

Thank you. It all fits now the circle of confusion that permeated the commentary. I learned something not only about the Wiim gear operation but also about my own decision making processes and faults. I focused on ensuring my text commentary was properly readable, comprehensive and I forgot to read between the lines and confirm and clarify details with you so that I did not make assumptions based on what is common and not what could be even if out of the ordinary. Mental note to self, "Be more accepting of new ideas, processes and don't make assumptions."

 

[swenak]

Maybe, but when I tested few years ago some combinations (3-4 amplifiers and 3 speakers), it was not "so bad" with any combination, it was only "like / dislike", this combination of Amp + 3030i is for me simple poor and not only dislike (I will testing EQ/PEQ, placement, port plugging). It is realy as "something is wrong", like something is lost. As I wrote, I will try Pro too (at this time is not available at amazon.de), because I like how it look with 3030i (grey), simplicity, fanless, ... . App have some problems and is on some cases complicated, but in generally (except sound) it is Wiim platform usable.

So, few days after I .... sent back Marantz M1. It is better in audio quality and output, all other is worse, than Wiin Amp (for me). Next, what I found is, that when I set pre-gain (now +7,5dB) to input, output is better (for me). Now I wait for Amp Pro, was in stock on Amazon.de, so I ordered and after comparing I stay with Wiim (Pro).

 

[Emiyanez]

So, few days after I .... sent back Marantz M1. It is better in audio quality and output, all other is worse, than Wiin Amp (for me). Next, what I found is, that when I set pre-gain (now +7,5dB) to input, output is better (for me). Now I wait for Amp Pro, was in stock on Amazon.de, so I ordered and after comparing I stay with Wiim (Pro).

Just pure curiosity... In which sense is the M1 better in audio quality? Could it be related with the frequency dependency on the vanilla WiiM Amp? Are your speakers above 8 Ohms in the treble region? This may be the most obvious difference apart from the difference in power that would make the M1 sound slightly louder.

I am also a big fan of the WiiM Amp and, if the power is sufficient for your needs and your speakers, I think it's hard to beat as a package.

Thanks!

 

[Snuffalo_Bill]

Deciding between this or zd3 + v3 monos. What are the chances I can hear an audible difference between the two?

 

[mike70]

Deciding between this or zd3 + v3 monos. What are the chances I can hear an audible difference between the two?

I think only with underpowered speakers.

 

[shuppatsu]

I think only with underpowered speakers.

Yeah, V3s go to 240W/4Ohm@1%, vs the pros at 120W/4Ohm. So it can get 3dB louder, which is not nothing, but also not huge.

 

[MelodiousThunk]

So, few days after I .... sent back Marantz M1. It is better in audio quality and output, all other is worse, than Wiin Amp (for me). Next, what I found is, that when I set pre-gain (now +7,5dB) to input, output is better (for me). Now I wait for Amp Pro, was in stock on Amazon.de, so I ordered and after comparing I stay with Wiim (Pro).

Did you notice much difference between the WiiM and M1 in stereo separation, soundstage and dynamics? I would really like to hear you opinion on the Amp Pro when you get it.

 

[MelodiousThunk]

I received a loaner WiiM amp (non pro) earlier today. I hooked it up to my Definitive Technology D15 towers and Descend DN6 subwoofer. Right now it is in a small room (15’x15’) and is hella loud for my needs. I mostly listen to jazz, classic rock, and acoustic based music. I wish the soundstage and separation was a bit better (but that probably has more to do with my room and speaker placement). The WiiM app is fantastic and easy to use. I really would like to try the WiiM Amp Pro now.

 

[swenak]

Just pure curiosity... In which sense is the M1 better in audio quality? Could it be related with the frequency dependency on the vanilla WiiM Amp? Are your speakers above 8 Ohms in the treble region? This may be the most obvious difference apart from the difference in power that would make the M1 sound slightly louder.

I am also a big fan of the WiiM Amp and, if the power is sufficient for your needs and your speakers, I think it's hard to beat as a package.

Thanks!

I have 3030i from Q Acoustic, 4-6 Ohms. M1 was clear in stereo, instruments, dynamic range. Without any special settings (and M1 don't have nothing special, simple EQ, not PEQ or so) M1 sound better for my ears and I was not forced to searching something better in settings (inlucing speakers possition, port plugs). Wiim Amp was (and still is) for me hard to configure for my ears (sometimes it is pain). At firts, some distorsions. Something like "disintegrating milk foam". Stereo and sound is not so clear, sometimes it is only "some cluster of sounds", same problem in vocals (movies and TV shows). What must say is, that I listening TV (80%) and local audio (20%) in low volumes, sometimes whole day like at night, Wiim is in bedroom. I don't need hight volumes, so, power is not a problem. Maybe this is one of problems, that in low Wiim volume I hear higher source volume more, than low volumes (so environment from movies and TV shows is "lost"). While I listening my local music, M1 was better too. But, after latest firmware update and app update (where was improved room correction), it is "not so bad". Still not good and I still testing settings, but now "I can believe", that will possible to find goog settings for my sources (local stored music + TV) and for that price it is acceptable. What I love is size, form factor, build quality and how simple it look (but I mean, that sound must be on first place).

 

[swenak]

Did you notice much difference between the WiiM and M1 in stereo separation, soundstage and dynamics? I would really like to hear you opinion on the Amp Pro when you get it.

Yes, as I wrote before, it was better on M1. But, I'm not audiophile, son my opinion is not relevant. And of course, only can tell, what my ears telling me and with my QA 3030i, nothing more When I receive Amp Pro, I will test it few days, but I mean, that I will send back Amp and Pro will be my device as "future proof". Not only better audio (I hope, that not worse than Amp, but better for my ears), but have better cooling (bottom have more vents, higher pads), some internals maybe too (+250g in weight), better LED light (more status LED colors).

 

[MelodiousThunk]

Yes, as I wrote before, it was better on M1. But, I'm not audiophile, son my opinion is not relevant. And of course, only can tell, what my ears telling me and with my QA 3030i, nothing more When I receive Amp Pro, I will test it few days, but I mean, that I will send back Amp and Pro will be my device as "future proof". Not only better audio (I hope, that not worse than Amp, but better for my ears), but have better cooling (bottom have more vents, higher pads), some internals maybe too (+250g in weight), better LED light (more status LED colors).

I look forward to your opinion of the Amp Pro vs the M1.

 

[Punchrulle]

The volume on the wiim amp & pro amp is bt activated if I understand correctly.
Is there a way to make the windows surface dial work with it?

 

[MelodiousThunk]

Yes, as I wrote before, it was better on M1. But, I'm not audiophile, son my opinion is not relevant. And of course, only can tell, what my ears telling me and with my QA 3030i, nothing more When I receive Amp Pro, I will test it few days, but I mean, that I will send back Amp and Pro will be my device as "future proof". Not only better audio (I hope, that not worse than Amp, but better for my ears), but have better cooling (bottom have more vents, higher pads), some internals maybe too (+250g in weight), better LED light (more status LED colors).

Since the WiiM’s enclosure is made of aluminum (which is a fantastic heat sink), I wouldn’t think that overheating would be an issue.

 

[swenak]

Based on what I read, this was problem on Amp release, before firmware upgrade that change power consumption while in standby. And maybe except vents in Pro bottom that +250g in weight can be in enclosure too, who know.

 

[Archguy]

Always On

Have been enjoying the WiiM Amp Pro for several days now. Absolutely no complaints; its performance and features are exemplary. One question, though: mine is located in a relatively inconvenient spot so I've left it turned on continuously.

Is there any demerit to doing so? My best friend in college was an EE major and he always left his components on 24/7 – said there was less wear that way. And this was long before Class D. Any thoughts? How does the stand-by function work?

 

[swenak]

Let it on and forget it. If you have a problem with this, try using a smart plug that will be on 24/7, but will turn off the device remotely if you want