I went all-in on Chromecast Audio when Google launched it practically a decade in the past. I did not need to purchase sensible audio system as that may add one other layer of complexity, so I simply purchased an eclectic mixture of audio system and linked every little thing by way of Chromecast Audio. Whereas the $35 dongle continues to be terrific, Google moved away from the concept altogether, and curtailed key options.
That is the place WiiM comes into the image. WiiM made its debut with the introduction of the Mini, a hockey puck-sized streamer that built-in with all main music streaming companies. It could have been the perfect Chromecast Audio different, however that product did not have the Forged protocol. Fortunately, WiiM launched the Professional on the identical time, and it had Forged integration, a terrific DAC, and all of the extras you want in a community streamer.
The WiiM Amp takes issues to a complete new stage. It has numerous the identical options because the Professional, however you get a better-quality ESS DAC, and there is built-in audio amplification, making it the apparent selection if that you must energy passive audio system. The WiiM Amp is an all-in-one resolution that simply wants audio system, and coming in at simply $299, it’s a phenomenal worth — there actually is not the rest on this section that offers you wherever as many options.
As at all times, let’s begin with the design. The WiiM Amp is totally different to the remainder of the model’s merchandise in that it has an all-metal chassis, and the aluminum enclosure exudes magnificence. The minimalist design is terrific, and it belies the truth that the WiiM Amp prices simply $299. The brushed metallic enclosure has rounded edges, a big quantity knob on the entrance, a standing LED, and quantity indicator.
The quantity knob doubles as a management button for music playback, and a protracted press places the WiiM Amp into pairing mode. Apart from the WiiM emblem on the high, you do not get a lot in the best way of branding. If something, the WiiM Amp seems to be extra like a Sonos product than the Sonos Amp.
It is on the again the place issues get thrilling, with WiiM providing all of the ports you may want. There’s optical and analog inputs, together with HDMI ARC, connectors for hooking up passive audio system, USB, Ethernet, and subwoofer out. The inclusion of HDMI ARC makes it a breeze to attach the Amp to your TV, and whereas there is not a headphone out, you get two-way Bluetooth, providing you with the choice to pair with the greatest wi-fi earbuds.
Actually, the connectivity on supply is leagues forward of every little thing else on this section, and that extends to the companies the Amp integrates with. You get Chromecast integration together with AirPlay 2 and AirPlay Forged, and you may seamlessly slot it into an present multi-room audio configuration, whether or not you utilize Chromecast or Alexa-enabled units. It is this versatility that offers the Amp a definite edge, and you may set it up as a solid goal, providing you with the power to play music by way of Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri.
The options do not finish there; you additionally get DLNA, Spotify Join, Tidal Join, and even Roon integration. The latter is of explicit curiosity to my very own use case, as I exploit Roon extensively to stream music to numerous units in my house. Greater than some other characteristic, Roon integration permits the Amp to face out on this section, and I do not imagine there’s some other community streamer that provides the identical at $299.
Establishing the WiiM Amp is about as easy because it will get, and it has a Class D amp that gives 60W per channel at 8Ω and 120W at 4Ω. That is greater than ample for many passive programs, and I daresay we’ll see one other variant of the Amp with higher energy output, so in case you’re utilizing audio gear that is a bit extra demanding, you need to grasp tight.
The WiiM House app is what you may use to regulate music playback and arrange the machine, and it has a cultured interface with loads of options. You get a 10-band EQ with 26 preset choices, and a 4-band parametric EQ. What’s nice is you could set particular person EQ profiles to every enter. You may as well management music playback with the bundled distant.
Coming to the audio aspect of issues, the WiiM Amp options an ESS 9018 DAC that could be a stalwart on this section. It does a terrific job with a wide range of genres, delivering a sound that is detailed and interesting. You will get a extra vibrant sound out of a devoted amp, however contemplating all the opposite options on supply, the WiiM Amp undoubtedly hits properly above its weight class on this space.
In the end, the WiiM Amp achieves one thing that only a few merchandise handle within the high-res audio section: supply significant differentiation. There is not one other product on this class that offers you wherever near the variety of options, and the elegant design is simply an added bonus. Should you want an amp to drive your present audio system and need one that appears nearly as good because it sounds, the WiiM Amp is the apparent selection.
The WiiM Amp has an unmatched feature-set in its section, and the all-in-one streamer simply wants audio system to shine.