WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Amplifier Review

[harkpabst]

My speakers are Revel Salon 2, 6 ohms, Sensitivity: 86.4 dB.

Revel state a minimum impedance of 3.7 ohms at 90 Hz and Stereophile's measurements confirm the impedance to drop between 3 and 5 ohms between 17Hz and 600Hz. This should be plain perfect for the WiiM Amp Ultra. It's maximum power into 4 ohms is even a little higher than the MA 252.

The volume control on WiiM devices is different from many older integrated amps. If you want full output power with a 2 V input analog signal or a 0 dBFS digital input signal youst turn the volume up to 100. Some falsely assume that an amp reaching their desired listening level at a lower volume setting must be "more powerful" with higher "reserves". This is not the case.

If your current amp already works in a similar way you won't have to get used to it.

 

[Mac Arthur]

Thanks, all!
I guess I will place an order and spend some additional money to further reduce my RT60.
I already have around 50 sqm of acoustic panels to make this huge volume sound like a little auditorium...

 

[Ruediger]

The only concern was initially, "How could such an inexpensive device replace my current setup?"
I am not brand- or product-addicted; I prefer to spend my money on room treatment, provided electronics are good enough to deliver the sound.
This is basically my main concern.

WiiM certainly marks the lower price end of what is delivered. I was skeptical myself when getting my first device. But as you certainly know, there is no shortage of high or even completely baseless pricing in hifi. This class of TI325x based amps - the good ones with PFFB and proven in measurements - put a nice stick into that.

I can say from various amps based on these chips (as is the WiiM Amp Ultra) that they do not fall short in sound and power. I have class AB amps to compare to and also a Purifi. Within their respective range of operation there is no obvious difference. I found some old (very old) class AB amps to sound a bit damp and colored, but that would be their line-in and not the amp itself. And I'm sure when cranked up to the max on high gain there is less noise from the Purifi. But that's about it.

So far for my subjective opinion. But base your decision on your needs and what you expect from such a unit.

 

[Marc v E]

Thanks.
I listen at 3 meters (equilateral triangle), and my MA 252 is never above 70% volume (displayed).
With nearly 600 cubic meters of volume and tailored acoustic treatment (RT60 around 0.7 sec.), it sounds really great.
Lyngdorf looks very nice. However, my main issue is availability. as I live in a country. where almost nothing is available.
I don't run after more power; I just want to be sure that Wiim will be able to replace both units.

One other thing to consider is going for the Wiim ultra amp for usability and eq with the option to give it considerably more current/power by adding the iom ultra:

The IOM Ultra is special designed for the Wiim® Ultra

The IOM Ultra is a high-end stereo power amplifier. It's housed in a compact full aluminium chassis with trigger on/off control.

internetofmusic.nl

 

[Ruediger]

WiiM also has the Vibelink Amp with matching optics. A nice pair with Ultra streamer as it can take digital in to it's (newer) ESS9039.

IOM also makes some more powerful amps (than 250w x2) based on Hypex. Different platforms, also different prices.

 

[Mac Arthur]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but just looking at the Vibelink Amp, it seems that "Vibelink Amp + Wiim Ultra = Wiim Amp Ultra."
Did I miss something? If one box is sufficient, I don't need two, as I listen to Qobuz through Roon, with my Roon Core on a Mac Mini and an external disk attached for my local music.
Thanks.

 

[Ruediger]

Please correct me if I am wrong, but just looking at the Vibelink Amp, it seems that "Vibelink Amp + Wiim Ultra = Wiim Amp Ultra."
Did I miss something? If one box is sufficient, I don't need two, as I listen to Qobuz through Roon, with my Roon Core on a Mac Mini and an external disk attached for my local music.

For your case it makes no sense to use 2 boxes. The ultra streamer and vibelink offer more connectivity options. Basically a preamp/amp combo. The amps are about the same.

 

[harkpabst]

One other thing to consider is going for the Wiim ultra amp for usability and eq with the option to give it considerably more current/power by adding the iom ultra:

The IOM Ultra is special designed for the Wiim® Ultra

The IOM Ultra is a high-end stereo power amplifier. It's housed in a compact full aluminium chassis with trigger on/off control.

internetofmusic.nl

You mean going for the "WiiM Ultra" plus another amp instead of the "WiiM Amp Ultra"?

Please correct me if I am wrong, but just looking at the Vibelink Amp, it seems that "Vibelink Amp + Wiim Ultra = Wiim Amp Ultra."
Did I miss something? If one box is sufficient, I don't need two, as I listen to Qobuz through Roon, with my Roon Core on a Mac Mini and an external disk attached for my local music.
Thanks.

No, WiiM Ultra plus WiiM Vibelink Amp.is not exactly the same as using a WiiM Amp Ultra. The differences are subtle but they do exist. For some one will be the better option, and for some will be the other way around. I own them all and I love them all.

Since you seem to not need the headphone output, the phono input and obviously are happy to reduce the box count, the WiiM Amp Ultra should be perfectly fine for you.

If OTOH you find out later that for some reason you do need more power (which I don't think is a likely thing to happen), the the WiiM Ultra plus another amp could turn out to be more flexible.

But why would you want to buy for something unlikely that might or might just not happen in the future? Especially in the price range of a WiiM Amp Ultra or WiiM Ultra? If you want a power amp to make a difference at all, you will want it to output at least twice the power. Doubling the perceived loudness (for peaks as much as on average) takes ten times the power.

In my view the result remains the same: Give the WiiM Amp Ultra a try. Compared to the rest of your gear it's dead cheap and it's really, really good. And do yourself a favour and don't forget to give RoomFit a try (limited to a frequency range of 20 Hz to 300 Hz, Non-Boost Mode, bariable smoothing, using the moving microphone method). Even if your room is large and heavily treated there's absolutely nothing to lose.

 

[john61ct]

My preference is Ultra + separate power amp like 3e A7 or Hypex et all, for future flexibility. Does not cost much more...

But if you are SURE integrated will be good for you forever, Amp Ultra is a good choice

 

[harkpabst]

My preference is Ultra + separate power amp like 3e A7 or Hypex et all, for future flexibility. Does not cost much more...

But if you are SURE integrated will be good for you forever, Amp Ultra is a good choice

Your preferences are most respected, of course. I just repeat my question, why should @Mac Arthur buy for future flexibility? He's replacing multi thousand dollar stuff with cheap modern gear. Either the WiiM Amp Ultra is up to the task or it isn't.

If it isn't, the WiiM Ultra (potentially combined with a very high power amp) might be the better solution, but maybe e.g. a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 is a much better solution then.

It's no secret, I am 100% sure that WiiM devices are more than just worth the money. I'm a strong supporter and certainly the WiiM Ultra is one of the biggest bargains in audio history. But so is the WiiM Amp Ultra, at least from my point of view.

 

[john61ct]

Yes, I'm not at all saying WAU is not perfectly suited to this immediate rôle.

However by separating preamp/streamer with all the Wiim Ultra functions

from the "basic grunt" power amp

IMO you have a lot more flexibility to later re-purpose those bits, e.g. going to multi channel, better (stereo) bass management, or using in a separate system including passing it on to a family member etc

the price difference being pocket change as you point out.

Also WAU does have some limitations, e.g. no phono handling

USB is the ONLY stereo preamp out signal, no analog, no TOSlink, no S/PDIF.

etc

 

[harkpabst]

Pretty much all the limitations (except for the unused phono input) that also apply to the current Macintosh amp, right?

 

[john61ct]

Yes, not sure why they would replace that as power amp

 

[Mac Arthur]

Thanks, everyone, for your contributions.
I guess I now don't have any reason to worry about this switch.
This Wiim Amp Ultra will perfectly fit in my room, with high fidelity and enough power to feed my Revel Salon 2.
The race to big new electronics is about to end.
I hope I won't have to change my mind after 1st listening!

 

[Ruediger]

Is this McIntosh (tube?) amp in the sound coloring and distorting business to give you a "warmer" sound? If so, then you might hear a difference. I guess this amp is no total blender and does it's job in a decent manner, so it won't be a night and day difference at all. But you might find the WiiM to be very neutral and linear at first. It's not doing anything to the sound that wasn't done by the recording studio and meant to be amplified. I think you will be very pleased with the bass performance on these large floorstanders. I know I am with class D and large speakers. If you miss anything in the overall sound signature - hearing adjustment phase after the change, depending on how much change there is at all - apply a little EQ. It is very effective on the WiiM.

 

[john61ct]

Schiit Buf in the line-level chain may enable getting some of that "warmer" coloring back.

Schiit Buf: tube buffer + gain

Sorry I could not find the "Tube Audio" subforum here? *** Please don't convert this thread into an attack on tube products *** *** We know tube adds distortion, we have seen it in measurements *** https://www.schiit.com/products/buf see the FAQ for ha-ha but serious... Coherence maintains...

www.audiosciencereview.com

and ofc playing with Wiim PEQ

 

[Uncola]

hey guys, if I use the usb-c audio output with a usb to spdif converter.. will the volume control still function? and will I be able to use the subwoofer out single rca port?

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

hey guys, if I use the usb-c audio output with a usb to spdif converter.. will the volume control still function? and will I be able to use the subwoofer out single rca port?

Yes and yes.

 

[Uncola]

Thanks for the quick reply! That makes this the perfect frontend for hypex fusion plate amp powered active speakers

 

[harkpabst]

Thanks for the quick reply! That makes this the perfect frontend for hypex fusion plate amp powered active speakers

Note, that the USB output is USB-A, not USB-C (maybe just a typo).

Also, unless you already have a WiiM Amp Ultra, why wouldn't you use a WiiM Ultra to power active speakers instead?

You cannot use the digital USB output and the power amplifier output for passive speakers simultaneously, anyway. So, the Ultra gives you more usable features than the Amp Ultra at a lower price.