WiiM Amp: But Is It Enough Power?

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Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
4:38 - Q&A
9:54 - Measurements

____________________

All of my tests are conducted using KLIPPEL Hardware and Software. KLIPPEL is an innovative leader in providing unique test equipment for electro-acoustical transducers and audio systems. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Wolfgang Klippel, the novel techniques developed for control and measurement systems of loudspeakers and other transducers are the result of over 30 years of fundamental research. This provides more accurate physical models of loudspeakers, micro-speakers and headphones valid for both small and large amplitudes. The focus is on revealing the root causes of signal distortion and defects and giving practical indications for improvements in design and manufacturing of audio products. For information on KLIPPEL products, please visit their site below:

[antoniomarsicola]

Thank you very much for starting the amp measurements! I think that 1khz vs multitone power is very clever, i have never seen this test on ASR. I also noted that they are starting to use your test of relative frequency response change at different spl for speakers. Please keep it up with passion and creativity as always!

[hartyewh]

PEQ should be a standard functionality of modern audio equipment. Such a small thing to add that is more valuable than anything else they can fit in the box.

[Static_Age]

I use the WiiM amp in the bedroom powering LS50 metas and a Martin Logan Dynamo 400 sub. The HDMI Arc makes it good for that application.

[EricssonB]

I didn’t realize how important EQ was until I started tinkering with the PEQ in my WiiM. I figured “oh to have the highest quality you have to run everything but then realized that to be a poor stance. Kicked in a little low and boom we’re sitting happy as a clam.

[dannyfannyfoodle]

Andrew Robinson needs to watch and learn.

Context is important toward setting reasonable expectations, and you nailed it! For the price, there’s nothing that even comes close. It’s simple to use and also highly tweakable for those who are so inclined.

[matiaserp]

For higher power we can add a WiiM Pro Plus to a power amp, or a WiiM Pro to a DAC + power amp and keep the same excellent software. But WiiM should eventually release a higher power amp based on Hypex or Purifi too imo. Thanks for the great review! Very interesting take on single tone versus multi tone power.

[ArKaz]

Love your reviews on loudspeakers. Objective and subjective are blended nicely to give us a valuable direction. Looking forward to you building up a strong amp review database! Maybe a comparison of 2-3 Amps at around 1000 dollars/euro would be a nice next one!

[sonusancti]

Hi Erin. I'm fully on board with the need for EQ in 2 channel listening for two basic reasons:

1. Room acoustics is a dark science and no one no matter who they are will get it perfectly. Even perfection itself is a moving target.

2. Recording quality varies significantly just as no 2 studios are the same, no 2 engineers, no equipment, no two pairs of ears are the same.

Best is to have passive treatment augmented with active such as DSP.

Wiim ought to put a preamp out in next version. This should solve any drive issue with current hungry speakers.

Keep up the good job!

[avnut]

Absolutely love your amp testing methods.
Noise floor is really important to me.
Multitone power output results were surprising.
Thank you!!!

[Audioholics]

Erin,

Not sure you realize this, but multitone signals have a higher crest factor than a single sine wave. If you drive the amp to almost clipping with a multitone signal, the average power is necessarily lower than if you use a single sine wave (exactly half in the case of a 1:1 two-tone IMD test). From a power perspective, multitone tests are easier than sine waves.

[johnwright]

Excellent - You have a different take on amplifier reviews, one which adds to our understanding.

[thomas_n_OH]

Thanks for this review! I’m running mine in our great room with Paradigm Monitor 7s ver3. Don’t need loud so I’m happy with it, so far.

[gregtobin]

That was really good. Good to see a bit more detail than what it is in the other reviews on this.

[michaelgochez]

Wow a perfect review. I honestly mean that. I feel like I got all the technical info I needed, and didn't get from other reviewers, and also your honest thoughts on the product while being fair about it's price point and not comparing it to a $5K amp. I have nothing to ask just praise, awesome review Erin!

[wojciechkowalczyk]

Adding a powered subwoofer would go a long way towards addressing the power deficit. Most power is needed down low hence the powered subwoofer.

[MrSplit]

This is so refreshing to see someone taking measurements on the equipment they are reviewing! Keep going with good work!

[seanb]

This was more helpful than an AmirNAD score/ranking. Thanks

[francisrichards]

Thank you Erin, I am in the process of researching the WiiM Amp. Your explanations and clarifications were excellent. I feel much better informed. Well done on your presentation. Again, thank you.

[tomwechsler]

I really appreciate the honest down to earth reviews that everyone can understand.

[timomy]

Well done Erin great to see you moving into AMPs it's an excellent idea and very complementary to the technical speaker reviews. Looking forward to seeing more AMP reviews. thank you!