WiiM Amp Streaming Amplifier Review

[Antlestxp]

It may be that I have become accustomed to the sound of NAD family audio products. This is because I have had several amplifiers/products from other brands in my setup that I did not like as much as (for example) a Bluesound Powernode/NAD C700.

I like a bit of warmth/smoothness in the sound without losing clarity/details. Maybe that's why the sound of Arcam and to a lesser extent Marantz also appeals to me, but with those brands, you have to be (extra) careful with speaker choice so it doesn't sound too muffled (from my own experience). I think NAD is the golden middle ground for me so far although I'm open to being surprised by adding an (affordable) external DAC like the SMSL SU-1.

I will try/test at least 3 things:
1. Adding SMSL SU-1 DAC to the Fosi Audio ZA3 and Wiim Mini.
2. Replacing Wiim Mini with Bluesound Node (which also gives me HDMI Arc for testing that sound as well), so it would be: Fosi Audio ZA3 + Bluesound Node.
3. Fosi Audio ZA3 + Bluesound Node + SMSL SU-1 DAC.

Then I'll see which option I prefer. Maybe option 1 will be sufficient for me, and I'll know that I can switch to a Wiim Ultra + Fosi Audio ZA3 or 2x Fosi Audio V3 Mono + SMSL SU-1 DAC later with peace of mind. If option 1 still doesn't yield the desired result and options 2 and 3 appeal to me even more, and even surpass the sound quality of my NAD C700 (to my ears), then I'll have to let go of the idea of pairing the upcoming Wiim Ultra with Fosi Audio amplifiers. It's a matter of weighing the options. It's then the choice whether to keep the NAD C700 or go for the Fosi Audio ZA3/V3 Mono + Bluesound Node + possibly an SMSL SU-1 but then I won't have a display to see at least the volume level (which is kind of important to me/my girlfriend). We'll see, i've already ordered the SMSL SU-1 and Bluesound Node, so let's first see how the three options I mentioned earlier will work out for me.

Yesterday I gave up on hope of a wiim solution. I'm down to just 2 more zones to integrate and decide to pull the trigger on a node and power node to add to the 3 nad I own already. That covers 5 zones in bluos. A system that works well in function but does not always have hardware that measures well as I understand. The hunt for equipment has been fun over the years but I think I'm getting old lol. I just want to plug stuff in and enjoy. The nad equipment sound great to me and I have never had an issue with any of their products meeting my needs. My only gripe is cost.

I still have a wiim ultra on order to check out. I figure it's cheap and it will be a cool way to follow along the progress of wiims software development over time.

 

[sucramhabib]

Preferring a good sounding playback to an accurate one would suggest you’re not into hi fidelity. An accurate sounding system meets a single set of criteria whereas good sounding one meets no criteria only the preferences of each individual listener.

You’re probably right my friend. I’m into what I like. It’s akin to going to a restaurant: you can eat the meal “as the chef intended”, meaning no additional salt, pepper, steak sauce, ketchup etc. OR take what was made and season to taste. I’m the second guy.

Since we’re talking about the Wiim Amp, would I be correct to assume you don’t use the EQ?

 

[Julf]

It’s akin to going to a restaurant: you can eat the meal “as the chef intended”, meaning no additional salt, pepper, steak sauce, ketchup etc. OR take what was made and season to taste. I’m the second guy.

Even in an michelin-star restaurant?

 

[Marss72]

If you restate that as "my ears and brain" then yes, of course. But that perception is unique to you. It won't necessarily apply to anyone elsoe.

Further your ears (and brain) can quite easily tell you one amp sounds different to another amp - even when the sound waves reaching your ears are actually identical.

This is where measurements become useful. They tell us how close and amp (or dac or any other gear) gets to the proverbial "straight wire with gain" - and hence how well they are performing in terms of simply amplifying the input - without changing it. Our ears/brain can't tell us anything about that.

One can debate about perception, true. I am not saying that measurements aren't usefull. At the end for me it matters how the amplifier (and complete setup) sounds and if i can enjoy the sound coming out of it.

 

[Marss72]

Yesterday I gave up on hope of a wiim solution. I'm down to just 2 more zones to integrate and decide to pull the trigger on a node and power node to add to the 3 nad I own already. That covers 5 zones in bluos. A system that works well in function but does not always have hardware that measures well as I understand. The hunt for equipment has been fun over the years but I think I'm getting old lol. I just want to plug stuff in and enjoy. The nad equipment sound great to me and I have never had an issue with any of their products meeting my needs. My only gripe is cost.

I still have a wiim ultra on order to check out. I figure it's cheap and it will be a cool way to follow along the progress of wiims software development over time.

Same here. I'm also pretty satisfied with my NAD C700 and the Bluesound Powernode (Edge) i had before. It's just the cost and wanting to try something different. In my case trying to build a budget hifi system (separates) that equals or surpasses the NAD C700/Bluesound Powernode Edge. It's a journey i started and i have found out that a Wiim Amp or a Wiim Mini + Fosi Audio ZA3 in my opinion doesn't come close to my NAD C700 in my setup (soundquality wise). I have no complaints about the Wiim software/app however.

Tommorow i'm going to add a SMSL SU-1 external DAC to the Wiim Mini + Fosi Audio ZA3 and see if that will make a (huge) difference.
If that works out well for me and i'm satisfied with the sound i'm thinking of building a (budget) system consisting of the upcoming Wiim Ultra (because i do like a screen to see volumesettings etc.) + 2x Fosi Audio V3 monoblocks + SMSL SU-1 DAC (or other/better).

 

[sucramhabib]

Even in an michelin-star restaurant?

Absolutely! I’m paying for enjoyment. It’s about me (or whoever’s paying) not about the chef. Same with music. I’m paying my money for my enjoyment.

 

[Descartes]

Absolutely! I’m paying for enjoyment. It’s about me (or whoever’s paying) not about the chef. Same with music. I’m paying my money for my enjoyment.

To each their own!

For me good science is a first then I can understand better what I can learn and demo the things that are backed up by science!

 

[Julf]

Absolutely! I’m paying for enjoyment. It’s about me (or whoever’s paying) not about the chef. Same with music. I’m paying my money for my enjoyment.

Fine - that is your choice. I understand the "I stick to what I like" approach, but I prefer to refine my tastes in both food and music.

 

[antcollinet]

At the end for me it matters how the amplifier (and complete setup) sounds and if i can enjoy the sound coming out of it.

I agree. It does for me also. (And probably for every single person on this site)

But I would add - your ability to get a system (and optimise its cost/performance ratio to meet your specific needs/wants), and then set it up so that you can enjoy the sound coming out of it, is dramatically enhanced when you obtain a basic understanding of the science and measurements as they apply to audio reproduction gear.

 

[Petevid]

You’re probably right my friend. I’m into what I like. It’s akin to going to a restaurant: you can eat the meal “as the chef intended”, meaning no additional salt, pepper, steak sauce, ketchup etc. OR take what was made and season to taste. I’m the second guy.

Since we’re talking about the Wiim Amp, would I be correct to assume you don’t use the EQ?

No, I do use the PEQ.

 

[Marss72]

First of all not trying to be annoying. Just want to share my experience/findings for the ones that are interested.

Well today i have added the SMSL SU-1 dac to the Wiim Mini and Fosi Audio ZA3 and wow! what a difference it made for me. Now it finally sounds more to my liking. To my idea the soundquality now comes close to my NAD C700. Maybe the NAD C700 stills sounds a tiny bit smoother/warmer but it sounds hi-end enough. Guess the external dac was the missing link for me.

Plan is to keep the SMSL SU-1 and to return the Wiim Mini and Fosi Audio ZA3. Then getting 2 Fosi Audio V3 mono amps and a Wiim Ultra as soon as it comes out in The Netherlands.

 

[sucramhabib]

First of all not trying to be annoying. Just want to share my experience/findings for the ones that are interested.

Well today i have added the SMSL SU-1 dac to the Wiim Mini and Fosi Audio ZA3 and wow! what a difference it made for me. Now it finally sounds more to my liking. To my idea the soundquality now comes close to my NAD C700. Maybe the NAD C700 stills sounds a tiny bit smoother/warmer but it sounds hi-end enough. Guess the external dac was the missing link for me.

Plan is to keep the SMSL SU-1 and to return the Wiim Mini and Fosi Audio ZA3. Then getting 2 Fosi Audio V3 mono amps and a Wiim Ultra as soon as it comes out in The Netherlands.

Glad your experience is better! Have you considered first using the DAC in the Wiim Ultra to see if you like it?

 

[VintageFlanker]

Have you considered first using the DAC in the Wiim Ultra to see if you like it?

What would be not to like exactly?

 

[sucramhabib]

What would be not to like exactly?

I don’t know.

You said you’re going to use SMSL DAC+Fosi monos+Wiim Ultra. Wiim Ultra has a DAC. By using the SMSL you’re bypassing the internal Wiim DAC.

My question is, why not first try the DAC in the Wiim Ultra? You may find you don’t need the SU-1

 

[VintageFlanker]

You said you’re going to use SMSL DAC+Fosi monos+Wiim Ultra.

I've said nothing of the sort.

My question is, why not first try the DAC in the Wiim Ultra? You may find you don’t need the SU-1

Still not me.

Anyway we know for sure that both the Ultra DAC and the SU-1 will be equally transparent.

 

[sucramhabib]

I've said nothing of the sort.


Still not me.

Anyway we know for sure that both the Ultra DAC and the SU-1 will be equally transparent.

Oops, wrong person! Please disregard

 

[Marss72]

Glad your experience is better! Have you considered first using the DAC in the Wiim Ultra to see if you like it?

Yes i'm also glad it brought a substantial sound quality change to my system.
Regarding the Ultra and the use of the SU-1 with it, i don't know how well the Ultra will be in my system. I will not expect too much of (the dac inside) the Ultra like i did with the Wiim Amp and/or the Wiim Mini. I'm gonna keep the SU-1 anyway and keep it ready in case i'm not satisfied with the sound of the Ultra in my system. The SU-1 is the best budget audio investment i made ever

Only thing i might try later on is rolling op amps on the Fosi Audio V3 mono amps to improve the sound (hoping to add a tad bit warmth and improved soundstage etc.) but i would already be happy if the Ultra and V3 mono will sound at least as good as my current setup Wiim Mini, SMSL SU-1 and Fosi Audio ZA3.

 

[Marss72]

I've said nothing of the sort.


Still not me.

Anyway we know for sure that both the Ultra DAC and the SU-1 will be equally transparent.

Is it for sure that hat both the Ultra DAC and the SU-1 will be equally transparent?

 

[antcollinet]

Is it for sure that hat both the Ultra DAC and the SU-1 will be equally transparent?

Yes, it is. Both measure well beyond the ability of any human ear to tell the difference.

 

[Marss72]

Yes, it is. Both measure well beyond the ability of any human ear to tell the difference.

So in other words, i probably won't hear any difference between the internal DAC of the Wiim Ultra and the SMSL SU-1? Actually, adding an SMSL SU-1 DAC to the Wiim Ultra shouldn't be necessary?