A new arrival in the high fidelity market, WiiM is making waves with its WiiM Amp. Priced at just €349, this connected amplifier provides a true all-in-one solution for enjoying streaming services, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth streaming, as well as wired sources, including a TV via HDMI ARC for volume control using the TV’s remote. Its power output of up to 100W promises to efficiently drive numerous speakers. Enough to dethrone the very popular Sonos Amp, Bluesound Powernode and Octavio Amp?
Included accessories
The WiiM Amp impresses as soon as it is unboxed, with its Apple-like packaging. It looks like a much more expensive device. The white cardboard box is simple and refined, with a photo of the connected amplifier as well as logos of the various compatible technologies. Inside, the amplifier is securely packaged. It comes with a remote control (without batteries) and all the necessary cables: HDMI, power, RCA and optical.
Presentation
Design
Seen from above, the WiiM Amp has a format that’s now typical for digital amplifiers, with a width and depth of 19cm and a thickness of 6cm. This makes it more compact than its direct rival, the Sonos Amp. This minimalist design allows for easy installation on a shelf, alongside the TV, or in any AV cabinet.
The WiiM Amp connected amplifier also stands out with a higher quality finish than the Sonos Amp. While the latter is made entirely of polymer, the WiiM Amp has an anodized aluminum chassis that gives it a premium look. Its single-piece structure eliminates any traces of assembly, adding to the sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The rounded edges reinforce the device’s elegance, echoing the design of the Mac Mini, which has the same dimensions (19cm x 19cm) and metal chassis. Quite a feat for a device sold for less than €350!
On the front panel, the WiiM Amp features an LED that indicates the current source or pairing mode: Bluetooth or WiFi. At the other end is a multifunction potentiometer that lets you start or pause playback with a press, and adjust the volume by rotating it. A six-LED display provides an approximate indication of the volume level. For further adjustments (balance, equalizer, crossover frequency, etc.), the WiiM Amp relies entirely on the WiiM mobile app.
HD streaming and multi-room
WiiM takes full advantage of its parent company LinkPlay to manage streaming services and multi-room. As a result, this ecosystem’s countless functionalities are available, with direct access to the majority of streaming services, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, Tidal, Pandora and SoundCloud. It is possible to listen to a multitude of web radios from vTuner, TuneIn, iHeartRadio and Radio Paradise, and tracks shared via DLNA over the local network can be played back at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
In addition to streaming services, the WiiM Amp can receive music streamed from any smartphone, tablet or computer through AirPlay 2, Chromecast or Bluetooth. The latter is even bidirectional! This allows you to transmit the wired sources connected to the amplifier, or music streamed to the amp, to a pair of Bluetooth headphones or wireless speakers.
Thanks to the LinkPlay ecosystem, the connected amplifier can be added to a multi-room system to enjoy music throughout the home. It is possible to connect other WiiM amps and players, but also any device equipped with LinkPlay technology. Increasingly popular, the latter is now used by many manufacturers, including Audio Pro (Audio Pro G10, Audio Pro A10, etc.), Octavio (Octavio AMP, Octavio Maestro and Octavio Stream), Jean-Marie Reynaud (JMR Agape) and Elipson (Elipson Multiroom range). All these devices from various brands can work together in symbiosis. Furthermore, it is possible to create a multi-room system using AirPlay2, Chromecast or Amazon’s AVS Multi-room technology.
A wide range of connectors
The WiiM Amp hi-fi amplifier benefits from a surprisingly wide range of connectors for a compact model. All integrated into the rear panel, they include RCA, optical, USB-A and HDMI ARC inputs. Consequently, it is possible to connect a CD player, preamplified turntable or TV. Thanks to the HDMI ARC port, you can power on the WiiM Amp and control its volume using the TV’s remote control. This makes it a good alternative to a soundbar for enhancing TV audio. In addition, the USB-A port lets you play music files stored on a USB stick or external hard drive. Tracks can be easily managed via the WiiM app, allowing you to browse your music library by folder, album or artist. Finally, the SUB output lets you connect a subwoofer.
Lastly, the speaker terminals are compatible with a cable gauge of up to 2.5mm. However, they aren’t spaced very far apart, making them a bit fiddly to use. Thankfully, you only need to connect speakers once. Using banana plugs such as NorStone Banane makes this a bit easier.
Mobile app and remote control
The WiiM Amp is mainly controlled using the WiiM mobile app for iOS and Android. Based on the LinkPlay app, the layout is simple and minimalist, yet highly functional. Stable and intuitive, it provides access to streaming services, web radios, music shared over the local network and the amp’s various settings. You can select the source, adjust the volume and the tone settings, and even customize the sound. To do this, there are 24 DSP modes to adapt the reproduction to any music genre. Moreover, a 10-band equalizer allows you to fine-tune the sound signature to suit your preferences or setup. Another great feature is the ability to set alarms, routines and sleep functions, so you can fall asleep or wake up to your favorite music. A feature that’s also offered by Sonos.
Unlike the Sonos Amp and Octavio Amp, the WiiM Amp has the advantage of being supplied with an infrared remote control. The latter lets you control your music quickly and easily, without having to take your smartphone out of your pocket. The remote control features buttons to play/pause music, change tracks, adjust the volume, select the source and activate one of four favorites (streaming services, playlists, web radios, etc.) previously configured in the WiiM app. Finally, the remote’s sensitivity makes it easy to control, without having to aim precisely at the amp.
For even greater ease of use, the WiiM Amp can be controlled vocally thanks to its compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. To do this, simply pair a smart speaker or a device equipped with one of the assistants. You can then launch a playlist, play the song of your choice from a streaming platform and adjust the volume simply by asking your connected speaker.
60 to 100 watts
The different sources played by or connected to the WiiM Amp are sent to an ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC. This model is often used in devices that are much more expensive, such as the Cambridge EVO 150 or the Cayin Jazz 80 KT88. Although it isn’t the most powerful model from the manufacturer, this DAC supports many formats, including MP3, AAC, APE, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, WMA and OGG. It can play these formats in a high resolution of up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The WiiM Amp’s amplification section uses a Texas Instruments TPA3255 module that can develop a very reasonable power of 2 x 60 W into 8 ohms, or 2 x 100 W into 4 ohms. During our test, the WiiM Amp proved capable of efficiently powering numerous bookshelf and floorstanding speakers. What’s more, just like an electric car, its class D design enables it to deliver all its power instantaneously.
Key specifications
- Power: 2 x 60W into 8 ohms; 2 x 100W into 4 ohms
- 24 EQ presets and 10-band equalizer
- AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth compatibility
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri compatibility
- LinkPlay multi-room
- HDMI ARC input
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 190 x 60 x 190mm
Installing the WiiM Amp
Once connected to your sources (TV, preamplified turntable, CD player,etc.) and connected to the mains, the WiiM Amp prompts us, via a message played by the speakers, to continue the configuration process in the WiiM mobile app. Installation involves only a few quick steps, including connecting the amplifier to the WiFi network if it is not connected via Ethernet. Then you can begin playback or further adjust the settings by associating your streaming services.
For this test of the WiiM Amp, we paired it with Elipson Prestige Facet 6B, Eltax Monitor V, Dali Oberon 1 and Tangent Spectrum X5 bookshelf speakers. Thanks to its comfortable power output, this WiiM Amp also performed well with the small Q Acoustics 3050i, Elipson Horus 11F and Dali Spektor 6 floorstanding speakers. We mainly used the amplifier’s built-in network player to enjoy Qobuz and tracks shared over the local network. Last but not least, we paired the WiiM Amp with an OLED TV via HDMI ARC to test its ability to enhance TV sound.
Listening impressions
Hi-fi test
Despite its compact format, the WiiM Amp packed plenty of energy and punch. It reproduced music with pronounced dynamics and liveliness. On Phil Collins’ album Face Value, the drum hits were bold, incisive and effectively paced the music. The artist’s performance was perfectly emphasized. We could clearly hear the resonance of the drum heads and the impact of the drumsticks.
Without plunging to great depths, the bass delivered by the WiiM Amp was remarkably dense. Both firm and powerful, it added tangible weight, reinforcing the natural feel of the listening experience. On Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories, the lows were full-bodied and perfectly controlled. The WiiM Amp packed a powerful punch, particularly with the Elipson Horus 11F. With the latter, we enjoyed balanced bass without having to increase the volume. It demonstrated all its tonicity and rhythm to pay tribute to this now legendary record.
Despite a slightly cold feel due to its class D design, the WiiM Amp still managed to be smooth and refined when the music called for it. With Liberty by Annette Askvik, the singer’s voice was delicately and naturally expressed at the center of the stage. The WiiM Amp’s precise vocal reproduction is comparable to that of amplifiers costing twice as much. The slightest inflections and sounds were clearly audible. Every single detail was crisp and clear, without ever being drowned out by the instruments.
Home theater test
Connected to a TV via HDMI ARC, the WiiM Amp was a good alternative to a soundbar. Although it is exclusively stereo-compatible, film and series soundtracks extended far beyond the physical limits of the screen. Dialogue was transparent and always easy to understand. The high dynamic range offered by this WiiM amplifier made action scenes very credible. Coupled with the Elipson Horus 11F floorstanding speakers, explosions were powerful and engaging, without the need for a subwoofer. However, a subwoofer is recommended if you want to enjoy physical bass with small bookshelves like the Tangent Spectrum X5.
WiiM Amp vs Sonos Amp
The WiiM Amp boasts a number of compelling advantages over the best-selling Sonos Amp. Firstly, this little WiiM amplifier is much more affordable, with a price tag of €349, compared to €789 for the Sonos model. Despite this, it provides the same features, with access to streaming services, web radios, tracks shared over the local network and a wide range of connectors, including an HDMI ARC port. Moreover, LinkPlay multi-room is more versatile, as you can connect devices from other brands. This amplifier can even complement existing Sonos speakers through AirPlay 2 multi-room. However, the WiiM Amp isn’t as powerful, offering 60W into 8 ohms compared to 125W for the Sonos Amp.
WiiM Amp vs Octavio Amp
Starting at €699, the Octavio Amp is another compact connected amplifier based on the LinkPlay ecosystem. It offers the same wireless features and multi-room capabilities. Connectivity is very similar, with the exception of HDMI ARC, which is absent on the Octavio. What’s more, the WiiM Amp boasts superior musicality, with more accurate nuances.
Who is the WiiM Amp for?
Priced at just €349, the WiiM Amp is an excellent little amplifier for creating your first hi-fi setup, or to boost the sound of a TV. Its versatility means it can meet almost any need, whether you want to enjoy streaming, physical sources or film and series soundtracks thanks to its HDMI ARC input. Its power, reaching up to 100W into 4 ohms, is sufficient to efficiently power a wide range of bookshelf and floorstanding speakers.
Conclusion
New to the market, the WiiM Amp has immediately established itself as the best-value connected amplifier in its category. Challenging much more expensive models, the WiiM Amp impresses with its features, high-quality design and excellent musicality. Dynamic, balanced and refined, this small connected amplifier reproduces music with authenticity and precision. It’s so appealing that it could well be a clever strategy from the brand to help popularize LinkPlay technology.
We liked:
- The price-performance ratio
- The wide variety of features
- The dynamic and natural reproduction
- The metal chassis
- The IR remote control
We would have liked:
- What more could you want at this price?
