I went all-in on Chromecast Audio when Google launched it almost a decade in the past. I did not wish to purchase good audio system as that might add one other layer of complexity, so I simply purchased an eclectic mixture of audio system and related all the pieces through Chromecast Audio. While the $35 dongle continues to be terrific, Google moved away from the thought altogether, and curtailed key options.
That’s 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 would have been the best Chromecast Audio various, however that product did not have the Cast protocol. Thankfully, WiiM launched the Pro on the identical time, and it had Cast integration, a terrific DAC, and all of the extras you want in a network streamer.
The WiiM Amp takes issues to a complete new degree. It has a whole lot of the identical options because the Pro, however you get a better-quality ESS DAC, and there is built-in audio amplification, making it the apparent selection if you must energy passive audio system. The WiiM Amp is an all-in-one answer that simply wants audio system, and coming in at simply $299, it is an exceptional worth — there actually is not the rest on this phase that provides you anyplace 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 class. 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 an extended press places the WiiM Amp into pairing mode. Other than the WiiM emblem on the prime, you do not get a lot in the way in which of branding. If something, the WiiM Amp appears extra like a Sonos product than the Sonos Amp.
It’s 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 one of the best wi-fi earbuds.
Honestly, the connectivity on provide is leagues forward of all the pieces else on this phase, and that extends to the companies the Amp integrates with. You get Chromecast integration together with AirPlay 2 and AirPlay Cast, and you may seamlessly slot it into an current multi-room audio configuration, whether or not you utilize Chromecast or Alexa-enabled gadgets. It’s this versatility that provides the Amp a definite edge, and you may set it up as a solid goal, providing you with the flexibility to play music through Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri.
The options do not finish there; you additionally get DLNA, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and even Roon integration. The latter is of specific curiosity to my very own use case, as I exploit Roon extensively to stream music to varied gadgets in my dwelling. More than every other characteristic, Roon integration permits the Amp to face out on this phase, and I do not imagine there’s every other network streamer that provides the identical at $299.
Setting up the WiiM Amp is about as simple because it will get, and it has a Class D amp that gives 60W per channel at 8Ω and 120W at 4Ω. That’s greater than satisfactory for many passive programs, and I daresay we’ll see one other variant of the Amp with higher energy output, so should you’re utilizing audio gear that is a bit extra demanding, you need to hold tight.
The WiiM Home app is what you may use to manage music playback and arrange the machine, and it has a sophisticated 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 which you can set particular person EQ profiles to every enter. You can even management music playback with the bundled distant.
Coming to the audio facet of issues, the WiiM Amp options an ESS 9018 DAC that is a stalwart on this phase. It does a terrific job with quite a lot of genres, delivering a sound that is detailed and fascinating. You’ll get a extra vibrant sound out of a devoted amp, however contemplating all the opposite options on provide, the WiiM Amp positively hits effectively above its weight class on this space.
Ultimately, the WiiM Amp achieves one thing that only a few merchandise handle within the high-res audio phase: provide significant differentiation. There is not one other product on this class that provides you anyplace near the variety of options, and the elegant design is simply an added bonus. If you want an amp to drive your current audio system and wish one that appears pretty much as good because it sounds, the WiiM Amp is the apparent selection.
The WiiM Amp has an unmatched feature-set in its phase, and the all-in-one streamer simply wants audio system to shine.