Forget Sonos, this low-cost streaming amp turned my ‘dumb’ audio system right into a music powerhouse

It’s not usually that I’m this impressed by a brand new audio product straight from the field, however WiiM Amp rapidly received me over. Usually, it takes some time for me to get totally acquainted with any product, however the California-based maker’s strategy to good music streamers has one of many smoothest setup experiences I’ve encountered.

Everything in regards to the WiiM Amp labored seamlessly. In reality, I’m so taken with the all-in-one music streaming amp that I really feel inclined to say "Look out Sonos, this WiiM Amp turned my dumb Hi-Fi audio system right into a great-sounding music system for much less."

While I’ve usually thought-about the Sonos Amp a good way to convey multiroom sound to a pair of passive audio system, it is fairly costly at $699 / £699 / AU$1,099. But the WiiM Amp has comparable good streaming capabilities and multiroom integration for simply $299 / £319.

I’ve tried out all types of music streaming setups through the years. From established audio specialists making streaming amps costing hundreds of {dollars} just like the Cambridge Audio Evo 75 ($2,249) or the NAD Masters M10 v2 ($2,999), in addition to the BlueSound Powernode Edge ($649) — Sonos’ closest streaming amp worth rival.

Until now, I’ve been impressed by the extent of streaming smarts and efficiency on supply even on the excessive costs of the luxurious audiophile market. But WiiM is shaking issues up with audiophile-grade fashions at tremendous low costs.

(Image credit score: Future)

A robust low-cost streaming answer

(Image credit score: Future)

The genius WiiM Pro streaming system was the corporate’s first mannequin I attempted, bringing music streaming as a handy add-on to a conventional Hi-Fi speaker and amplifier setup for simply $149.

The WiiM Amp is a brand new 60W per channel (at 8 ohms) streaming amplifier with full hi-res (24-bit/192kHz) audio file assist dealt with by the built-in audiophile ESS DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Like the WiiM Pro, it is a compact answer encased in a robust 7.5-inch sq. aluminum field that stands 2.5 inches tall. It’s straightforward to accommodate as a part of a desktop speaker setup, or anyplace you may have a pair of passive audio system in want of full streaming smarts.

Build high quality is remarkably good, and the area grey coloration choice appears to be like extra refined than the black Sonos Amp once I positioned them facet by facet. The WiiM Amp can be out there in silver.

The WiiM Amp is equipped with a Bluetooth distant that has Alexa voice management, do you have to be so inclined. Mostly although, I’ve been utilizing the superb WiiM app to navigate my a number of streaming service libraries, connectivity, and playback. It’s the identical because the app for the WiiM Pro and is impressively initiative to make use of. Whether you are scanning your music libraries or diving into the settings menus to fine-tune the setup, every little thing feels logical and simple.

The WiiM Amp will blow any audiophile’s thoughts with out blowing the price range.

Wireless connectivity runs to Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa Cast, DLNA, and two-way Bluetooth. Much like Sonos, the WiiM app integrates seamlessly with a number of the greatest music streaming providers, giving entry to Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Deezer libraries by way of the app’s ‘Music providers’ display screen. TuneIn, SoundCloud, iHeartRadio, Radio Paradise, and BBC Radio are additionally out there. All providers will be managed within the app in order that solely those you subscribe to seem on the house display screen. There’s no Room-ready assist presently, however as we discovered with the WiiM Pro, certification might arrive later.

(Image credit score: Future)

As a compact built-in amplifier, bodily connections are nicely catered for with normal speaker binding posts, a subwoofer output, and optical digital and analog inputs for connectivity to exterior sources. An HDMI ARC port means it may hook up with a TV for built-in sound and management. USB and Ethernet ports are additionally out there.

As for sound high quality on the worth, the WiiM Amp is unbelievable. I swapped it with my built-in amp that value ten instances as a lot, and claims 5 instances the rated energy output of the WiiM Amp. It was going to be a tricky check (or so I believed) however the WiiM Amp carried out surprisingly nicely.

The sound was a bit of leaner in its presentation, and it did not have the richness or soundstage depth I’m accustomed to listening to with my common 250W per channel amp going full pelt, nevertheless it was nearer than I ever imagined given the facility output and worth disparity. It managed to drive my floorstanding tower audio system with none indicators of criticism, and just some slight hardness at larger quantity ranges give away the WiiM Amp’s price range price ticket.

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Partnered with a pair of well-designed price range or mid-priced audio system from conventional Hi-Hi makers like Bowers & Wilkins, Klipsch, or Q Acoustics (different manufacturers can be found), and this little amp will ship an enormous sound in one of many smallest and most reasonably priced entry-level all-one music streaming amps in the marketplace proper now.