HiFi Money SAVER? What To Know BEFORE You Buy! WiiM Amp Review

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📌 HiFi Money SAVER? What To Know BEFORE YOU BUY! WiiM AMP REVIEW

00:00 WiiM AMP REVIEW - PRODUCT INTRO
01:43 SETUP & CONTROL
02:38 WiiM HOME APP
02:49 WHAT I USED TO TEST THE WiiM AMP
03:09 USING WiiM’s PEQ, BLUETOOTH & AIRPLAY
04:25 USING WiiM’s GRAPHICAL EQ
04:39 WiiM AMP SOUND QUALITY
05:29 WiiM AMP POWER CONCERNS
09:23 IS THE WiiM AMP RIGHT FOR YOU?
11:03 KRISTI’S WiiM AMP REVIEW
11:35 LIMITATIONS OF THE WiiM AMP
14:01 WiiM CEC & WiiM HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE
15:44 SIMILARLY PRICED ALTERNATIVES
17:11 PRICIER ALTERNATIVES
18:40 OUTRO

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#homeaudio #wiim #hifireview

[andrewrobinsonreviews]

I'm just jumping in here real quick to address a question or critique I'm seeing a few of you make about our use of the Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers in this review. I fully understand that it is unlikely that anyone in their right mind would willingly go out and pair a $300 streaming amp with roughly $6, 000 speakers. Still, you need to separate price from performance in this instance to understand the why. For starters, we used a few more pairs of speakers than the three mentioned in this video, as we've had the WiiM for months now. The Cornwall IVs were actually the LAST speaker I used with the amp, and I only used them because I was routinely running into power and dynamic issues with the WiiM.

I used the Cornwalls because they are the most efficient loudspeakers I own. They can be successfully driven to peaks above 90-95dB in our listening room using a 2 WPC Decware SET amp without a hint of strain, yet the WiiM and its reported 60 WPC struggled to crest 80dB in some cases. If I did manage to get peaks in the upper 80s the amp often shut down soon after hitting such volumes. If the WiiM struggles with a speaker like the Cornwall, you can imagine how much more difficult it was for the Q Acoustics Concept 50 (90.5dB at 4 Ohms) or the KLH Kendall 2F (96dB at 8 Ohms).

In this instance, the price or quality of the speaker is irrelevant; the WiiM's dynamic capability is the problem you should be focused on. While numerous tests show the WiiM can produce 60 WPC, it would appear that when forced to playback non-test signals, the resulting power or potential headroom of the Amp is a different story. This is something I've noticed with a number of these cheaper TI-based chip amps. I get that it's not a popular opinion to go against the grain and say that while these amps may be a "value" in one or two ways, they are NOT --I repeat, NOT --outright giant killers regarding amplifier and sound quality.

Feature-wise, the WiiM, and others are an absolute embarrassment of riches, but software is not the same as hardware. The truth is these are built around amp chips that were never (really) designed for the type of work they're being forced to do. Can these TI amps sound good? Sure, but I believe it is misleading to say they're as good, in the same ballpark, or even better than even a modest Class D, AB or A amp --nevermind amplifiers that cost thousands more and that have had to hold up to scrutiny beyond a couple of forums and weekend measurement warriors.

I am not trying to hate WiiM; like I say in the video, I'm trying to give you the clearest picture of what to expect. As I said in the review, if you adhere to a few general rules (which are stated in the video), you stand to have the best chance for success. But if you try and go toe-to-toe with a better, more capable amp with the wrong speakers or source, you may be in for a rude awakening in more ways than one.

[timd]

This is NOT the review I expected - The first review I've heard that didn't just "praise" this amp. I own 3 Wiim mini's, and love them. Great products with ever improving updates. I'm sure this company will go a long way. That said, Thank you for your assessment and honest opinion on this piece. I don't own one and it isn't really on my radar, but it's nice to hear a different opinion for once.

[Oldheman-]

Bought the WiiM Amp after Christmas and using it for over a month in a 'smaller' livingroom in a 2.1 setup. First tested it with Mission LX-2 speakers and then with the Wharfedale EVO 4.2 in combination with a SVS SB-1000 Sub. Because of the neighbours, I never could turn the volume up a 100%. For the average Joe (like me) the WiiM Amp is more then sufficient and gives you a great bang for the buck. You're right that the WiiM Amp is not the right choice for a 'big' room or 'big' speakers, but that is not what it pretend to be. I would like to give one suggestion, try to test the speakers with and without a subwoofer and give us a report about the difference it makes in performance. PS. Sorry for my Englisch, it's only my 3e langues and I don't use it everyday. Thank you for your effort!

[dawaynecleckley]

Andrew and Kristi. I'm late to the party with my comments. However, I'm glad that i waited. It gave me time read through the viewer comments. So, I'd like to thank you for providing an objective review of this device, highlighting the good and the bad; best use cases and worst use cases. I also appreciate the fact that you used super sensitive speakers to test the amplifier, since they are so efficient. You essentially gave the amplifier the best opportunity to shine by using super sensitive speakers. I think it's important to listen, first to the entire review to get the facts and the full picture, and then ask follow-up questions. 😉

[khrispeter]

Thanks Andrew and Kristi, the Wiim Amp really is a gateway product to Hi fi and for the price and right setting it’s a direct punch to Sonos and Bluesound. The streamers are still the best value proposition in audio.

In Australia, audio equipment and the hobby generally is expensive, and everyone is always looking out of the latest, greatest, slick looking device, wiim does fit the bill for masses.

Looking at yours and your colleagues reviews, from what I’ve seen Wiim does seem to pay attention to reviews so good chance they will refine this.

[dentman]

This is the best review of this product I've heard yet. We'll done Mr. Robertson

[Reluctantaudiophile]

This was a really great review. It’s refreshing to see a reviewer cover all aspects of the product and not just the positives. Did anyone else notice the hdmi input being cockeyed, definitely speaks to quality.

[s.daniel]

I’ve chased the chi-fi craze. Mostly disappointed. Thin. Lean. Soulless. Wiim has it together on the streamer/app gig. They’ve won that battle, to me. I’m always going back to class AB or the hard to find, and hot, class A. Also, the AKM chips are crazy good. 4491 with 4499ex. That’s just perfection. But, for those on a tighter budget, happy listening and enjoy!

[ianstorm]

I got the amp back in November 2023 and I am using as a 2.1, a pair of 5inc bookshelf speakers and 8inch powered subwoofer and it’s sound very loud and great, I think this is the best way to use this amp by handing off the heavy lifting to a powered subwoofer 🎉😊

[gregbartley]

Chip based amps have changed the audio landscape, there are some good ones out there. I’ll still take a class ab 100% call me old school (or just old.) Thanks for the honest review.

[rickt.]

I’m buying the WiiM for its lightweight & portability, not as a focal point for a critical listening setup. It will be in my back patio or my garage powering an old pair of Klipsch R-51Ms or Energy micros w/sub when enjoying the outdoors or working on my car or bikes. So the WiiM amp really is the perfect solution for my use case. I also really love the clean Applesque design of the WiiM.

[trudimcleod]

The issue with these TPA3255 based amps is their power rating is linear with the voltage (at lower volumes) or the current (at higher volumes) coming from the power supply. It sounds like the DC voltage of the WiiM Amp is plenty (32V) but the current might be limited to < 5 A. Thanks for testing it with the Cornwalls, it really shows the limit of this affordable amp.

[ryanchappell]

The input gain on most of the 3255 amps isn’t very high. Some of them have 48V 5A power supply option(like the Fosi V3, Ayima A07 and Max and the new Fosi za3)

This makes them way more capable with dynamics but definitely doesn’t solve the signal gain issue. The solution is to boost the input voltage and use the high current/voltage power supply. The problem with that is that you don’t get the awesome dsp and hdmi features of the Wiim(which has an anemic power supply inside)

The way I like to use TPA3255 amps is to use them to directly drive an individual driver with a dsp acting as crossover. Using a 4ohm driver and 48v power supply on every amp except the tweeter, you can get some pretty impressive volume levels and dynamic range. Let’s face it though, that’s way too complicated for most people.

If you want to try TPA3255 for cheap, I’d recommend getting the Ayima A07 max with the 48v power supply. It has the highest input gain and can be converted to mono if you want to upgrade later by getting a second one.

The ZA3 has a mono subwoofer out which actually tracks with the volume pot but it doesn’t filter the main channels so I don’t find that to be very useful.

The most impressive thing actually about these tpa3255 amps is actually the 48v 5A power supply that fosi and Ayima are using. That thing is amazingly clean as a power supply and it costs $50 is which is pretty impressive considering how it measures (especially the fosi unit which Works on all of the 3255 amps).

I would like to see Andrew revisit the 3255 amps with the 48v 5A supply, he might be surprised. In a previous video he mentioned that he didn’t like the idea of someone having to pay extra for that but you can buy these with that power supply from the start and it’s pretty affordable. The 3255 really does need that voltage and current to pull off good dynamics.

That being said, there are way better amps out there, these are just fun to play with especially if you need 6 channels of amplification for a 3 or 4way pair of speakers running active. I’m surprised I haven’t seen anyone else doing this with these amps.

[thompsonyau]

I think it would be a better mactch with a pair of bookshelf speakers and a sub if necessary. Wish to hear how it sounds when pairing with some quality bookshelf spearkers from martin logan, polk, etc.

[stewartdillard]

I've had my WiiM Amp since early Jan hooked up with my secondary TV/Listening area to a set of KEF q350s. It performs great in the smaller room and the integration features that makes the second area sooo much easier to setup.

I would never use this in my primary listening area but, for a smaller system its perfect.

Happy Listening folks!

[themarklar]

This is the type of review that sets this channel apart from the pack of "BEST HIFI VALUE AMP" hype machine. Thank you both! I think it was a very fair review considering you tested it with and without a sub, and with and without highly efficient speakers. Unfortunate to see the amplifier section is not quite there yet. I pre-ordered mine from Crutchfield 3 months ago (thank you Lord for a generous return policy in cases like this) but it still hasn't arrived yet. They are supposedly working out software issues. But for myself, its for a small 10x12 secondary room. Hoping it'll have enough headroom in a small room like that but we will see once it arrives. Thanks again for this review!

[victorjacob]

I think hdmi capability is glossed over too much with this amp. The ability to pair this with bookshelf speakers and a sub for a TV in a bedroom or small to average sized living room is pretty awesome. Most other amps getting compared to the Wiim are either analog only or 5x the price. There is definitely a niche for this thing, but I at least think the niche is pretty awesome.

[learn.photography.videography]

IS IT JUST ME OR IS THE HDMI-ARC PORT SO CROOKED TILTED TO THE LEFT AND NOT AT SEA LEVEL?

[dajikbatarang]

A very balanced review, many other reviews raved how this is a giant killer. These small affordable amps have a proper use case scenario. Appreciate the fact you show it wont work in most larger rooms and is primarily a near field solution.

[thk]

Thank you for this review. Based on other reviews I also ordered this amp. I wanted to use it on my desk to get rid of the cables. After some hours of listening I came to the same conclusion. It sounds OK but I was missing details in almost all kinds of music. I quickly cross checked with my almost 20 year old TEAC CR-H225 receiver with a WIIM mini and a Kadas 100$ DAC. This is the setup I was using so far. It sounded definitely better in almost every way - and I do not have 5000$ speakers on my desk. So I sent the WIIM amp back and will stick to my good old TEAC.
Last year I also tried the Aiyima A07 MAX (also with a TI chip) with the same disappointing result.