WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Amplifier

[MacP]

WiiM delivers very well featured streaming amplifier with every optimization applied to get the best performance out of the TPA3255 class D amp. Measurements leave no room for complaints but a ton of praise. Beautiful and responsive UI completes the picture of one of the best streaming amplifiers I have tested.

I've been using this amplifier for a few weeks and I completely agree – technically it's flawless, the UI is very functional and frequently updated, and RoomFit corrects bass modes well enough, at least, etc. If only it weren't for that sound... it's just another of many, countless amplifiers based on the TP3255 chips - cheap, easy to implement, and excellent in measurements, always praised by Amir. But to me, they sounded uninteresting. Dry, clinical, unmusical. I have transparent Fyne Audio F501SP speakers with quite high sensitivity. But this Wiim seemed a bit too weak for them; the sound was quite flat, and the 'holography' was moderate. Vocals, acoustic instruments lacked saturation, subtlety.

With relief, I returned to SMSL amplifiers based on Infineon chips (like SMSL RAW-HA1), and then to the Sabaj A30a, which, despite its slightly lower power output, drove the Fynes much better, and the sound was much more musical (although this is my subjective opinion, my friends who listened to both systems also agreed with it). I connected a Wiim Pro to Sabaj, which gives me the same functionality, and the sound is much more satisfying.

I hope a more musical competitor to the TP3255 will eventually emerge, breaking the chain of similarly mass-produced amplifiers based on this chip. It's a shame so few use Infineon or (I know, quite expensive) Purify modules.

 

[amirm]

This is the review I have been waiting for, thank you Amir. Is there a reason HDMI wasn’t tested?

No, it was just in interest of time. I am pretty sure I have tested that in other WiiM products and it works.

 

[antcollinet]

I read from the user manual, no AirPlay2. Why? Wiim Ultra and Pro Plus have it. Is it because of amplification inside the device?

I believe it is a rights or certification dispute with Apple. It has been dropped from all recent Wiim releases.

 

[antcollinet]

Also wondering how it handles 2ohm loads?

Is it too late for a power cube measurement @amirm?

 

[amirm]

Also wondering how it handles 2ohm loads?

I was going to test that but it was getting late. I will see if I can test that later.

 

[amirm]

I read from the user manual, no AirPlay2. Why? Wiim Ultra and Pro Plus have it. Is it because of amplification inside the device?

I heard that too. No, the amplification wouldn't be a reason. Seems to be a choice.

 

[OldTimer]

I believe it is a rights or certification dispute with Apple. It has been dropped from all recent Wiim releases.

Wiim Pro Plus still has, right?

 

[antcollinet]

Wiim Pro Plus still has, right?

Anything released with it is (as I understand it) still able to use it - though if considering a purchase I'd suggest double checking with Wiim.

 

[morillon]

Perhaps in the future, systematizing two subwoofer outputs, L/R or summation, would be a really nice evolution, especially since these machines tend to offer nice adapted DSP processing solutions (even if there is still development to be done to achieve time/phase alignment).
;-)
(Perhaps a version like the Eversolo will be available, which also includes a CD player...? )

 

[morillon]

I've been using this amplifier for a few weeks and I completely agree – technically it's flawless, the UI is very functional and frequently updated, and RoomFit corrects bass modes well enough, at least, etc. If only it weren't for that sound... it's just another of many, countless amplifiers based on the TP3255 chips - cheap, easy to implement, and excellent in measurements, always praised by Amir. But to me, they sounded uninteresting. Dry, clinical, unmusical. I have transparent Fyne Audio F501SP speakers with quite high sensitivity. But this Wiim seemed a bit too weak for them; the sound was quite flat, and the 'holography' was moderate. Vocals, acoustic instruments lacked saturation, subtlety.

With relief, I returned to SMSL amplifiers based on Infineon chips (like SMSL RAW-HA1), and then to the Sabaj A30a, which, despite its slightly lower power output, drove the Fynes much better, and the sound was much more musical (although this is my subjective opinion, my friends who listened to both systems also agreed with it). I connected a Wiim Pro to Sabaj, which gives me the same functionality, and the sound is much more satisfying.

I hope a more musical competitor to the TP3255 will eventually emerge, breaking the chain of similarly mass-produced amplifiers based on this chip. It's a shame so few use Infineon or (I know, quite expensive) Purify modules.

I don't think this is an "audiophile" solution, but rather a nice all-in-one system based on very good streaming software and an affordable "TI" amplifier, powerful enough to drive a lot of things...
at a reasonable price, which is what Wiim was all about, in the same vein as Fosi, etc..
That's already quite a challenge in itself... ;-)

 

[martijn86]

Nice. Hopefully they make AVRs in the future

In know this isn't an AVR but they do support multichannel audio processing when you attach more Wiim streaming products.

From their FAQ: "The other devices function as Followers. They can be any combination of WiiM streamers, WiiM streaming amplifiers, and WiiM speakers, except the WiiM Mini."

So they certainly have experience with multichannel processing. Wiim making a standalone AVR seems pretty realistic.

 

[MacP]

I don't think this is an "audiophile" solution,

I agree, but for example S.M.S.L. can achieve "audiophile sound" even with its inexpensive amplifiers. Here is an interesting review from a Polish website that generally specializes in much higher-end devices, and in this case, it unusually focused on a $279 S.M.S.L. amplifier, concluding:

"The AO200 from S.M.S.L. is a surprisingly good, really nice-sounding amplifier that offers a sound similar to that of a tube amplifier. Considering its size and price, it's downright indecently good sound. And this one is warm, has a low tonal center of gravity, and offers a low, dense bass. The high treble is withdrawn and warm, so it never hurts. The amplifier copes well with difficult loads and will drive any loudspeakers. Let's add a very solid workmanship, and we have another product from China that no company from another country will be able to offer at such a price."

I'm familiar with this amplifier (as well as the AO300 with DAC and the aforementioned RAW-HA1, its sibling) and I fully agree with this review. So it is possible to make a cheap, 'entry level' amplifier but also with audiophile ambitions. Why not all-in-one?

 

[OldTimer]

Is the toslink input processed by software (EQ, DSP, etc) same as streaming app inside? Or just straight to the amp/speaker output without any software process?
I’m thinking to use AirPort Express or Arylic LP10 digital out to the Wiim.

 

[daniboun]

Also wondering how it handles 2ohm loads?

Checkout additional measurements @2ohm

WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Amplifier Review

WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Amplifier Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[martijn86]

Very nice and complete package, just get a pair of nice bookshelf speakers and 1-2 subs, a bit of room correction and a QOBUZ licence you can have a reference system for USD 2-3k, amazing audio times.

First of all YES! But I have a Wiim Ultra streamer. And the room correction only corrects overall tonality and even that isn't always good. I highly recommend people to get a supported measurement microphone and use REW to develop the EQ. First correct all the room modes, overwrite a Wiim Room Correction with those values and then correct the overall tonality and set that as an EQ. This allows you to set different target responses as EQ's and the room modes will be corrected no matter what.
I should someday make a full write-up of how I did my room correction because I'm really happy with it and I think everyone deserves the result that I'm getting.

 

[daniboun]

BTW amigos,

Based on the internal picture of the Wiim amp Ultra, we can deduce that it incorporates two TPA325X chips.
My guess : the Wiim Amp Ultra is runing in PBTL mode

 

[amirm]

Is the toslink input processed by software (EQ, DSP, etc) same as streaming app inside?

I would imagine it is identical.

 

[delta76]

Nice. Hopefully they make AVRs in the future

they will likely not. AVR is a niche market for new player, especially with complexity of licensing

 

[Sokel]

Nice to see one of these implementations holding up down low and delivering the same power as at 1kHz.
Looks kind of nice as well!

Thanks Amir!

 

[JeremyFife]

Thanks for the review Amirm.

This would be pretty great just as an amp but the package; aesthetics, App, streamer, DAC, HDMI and room correction / sub integration is hugely impressive at almost any price.

Electronics should be a commodity now, products like this show how it should be done.

Not for everyone, not for all situations but it's so close that this has to be a benchmark product.

What's it missing? Usb input, headphone output, really 'big' power, multi-subs, that last squeeze of engineering excellence (hf distortion perhaps) ...

I'll struggle to justify spending more when upgrade time comes around (still waiting for my PA5 to die).