We love the new WiiM Amp for a myriad or reasons, and will have much more to say when we review it in a few weeks. If only this product had been used in multiple rooms at CAF 2023, offering a much more affordable system option for music listeners looking to build their first high-end system.
Spare us with “It’s only $299…how can it be a high-end audio component?”
95% of audiophiles can’t afford any of the $100K systems at the show and we’re pretty sure that most people are not spending $50,000 or even $30,000 on new systems right now either. People are looking at ways of simplifying what they already own or building less expensive secondary systems.
Products like the WiiM Amp make a lot of sense.
The WiiM Amp is a network streamer that also includes an internal power amplifier, along with a lot of other features.
From Dr. Lifeng Zhao, CEO of WiiM: “We’ve dedicated ourselves to designing products that elevate the music streaming experience, and the WiiM Amp is the first step in our expanded lineup,…With valuable user feedback and our team’s commitment to superior audio quality, the WiiM Amp delivers audiophile-grade sound and a seamless experience for music enthusiasts to unlock a world of musical possibilities.“
WiiM Amp Features
Built-in Amplifier: The TI 3255 Class-D amplifier chip can output 60 Watts per channel (8 ohms) or 120 Watts per channel (4 ohms).
Tech Note #1: Unlike its streaming players, the WiiM Amp does not have analog or digital outputs to connect to a powered speaker, soundbar, or AV receiver. Only speaker connections are provided.
Tech Note #2: The WiiM Amp doesn’t provide a dedicated physical headphone output. However, it can pair with Bluetooth headphones.
Audio Inputs: Physical audio inputs include analog (RCA), digital Optical ports, and HDMI ARC. Up to 192 kHz/ 24-bit, varying sample rate and bit depth based on the audio source without resampling.
Compatible Audio Formats: MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, WMA, OGG, PCM. Dolby and DTS formats are not supported.
DAC: The WiiM Amp incorporates the ESS Sabre ES9018
Subwoofer Out: When connected to an external powered subwoofer, automatic bass management is engaged if needed.
USB Host for Storage: Access personal media libraries for playback or use it as a media server for other WiiM devices.
EQ Settings: Preset, 10-band Graphics EQ, 4-band parametric EQ
Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, 802.11 b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual-band (A Wired Ethernet connection option is also included).
Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE: Support is provided for A2DP reception and transmission, AVRCP, and HID, and works with the WiiM Voice Remote
Voice Control: The WiiM Amp has Alexa built-in but also works with Siri and Google Assistant. This allows easy control of music selection, volume adjustments, and playback.
Streaming Platform and Services Support: The WiiM Amp supports AirPlay 2, Alexa Casting, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and more. It also features Chromecast Audio, which lets you cast YouTube Music, TV audio, radio stations, podcasts, and local content directly from Chromecast-enabled Apps.
Multiroom Audio: You can use the WiiM Amp with AirPlay 2 speakers, Amazon Echo, Google Home, and other WiiM-branded devices for a multiroom audio experience.
Tip: Roon Ready Certification is forthcoming via firmware update.
The WiiM Home App: The WiiM Amp will pop up automatically in the WiiM Home app. With the simple in-app guide and compact size, the device can be set up in less than two minutes.
What’s Included
- WiiM Amp
- Bluetooth voice remote
- Quick start guide
- 100~240v AC power cable
- HDMI cable
- RCA audio cable
- Optical audio cable
Pricing & Availability
The WiiM Amp is available in silver and space gray for $299 at Amazon and Crutchfield.
Also available are other WiiM Network Streamers (without built-in amp):
- WiiM Pro Plus: $219 or less at Amazon
- WiiM Pro: $149 or less at Amazon
- WiiM Mini: $99 or less at Amazon
| Model | WiiM Mini | WiiM Pro | WiiM Pro Plus | WiiM Amp |
| MSRP | $99 | $149 | $219 | $299 |
| Ethernet | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chromecast Audio | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Group with Nest Speakers and Display | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Group with Echo Speakers and Display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa Multiroom with UHD | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Group with Homepods | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Alexa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Google | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Siri | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Group with WiiM or Linkplay Devices | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airplay 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DLNA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spotify Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TIDAL Connect | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gapless Playback | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PEQ | Yes | Yes | Yes (after firmware update) | Yes |
| 10 Band Graphic EQ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Linkplay Music Streaming Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roon Ready | No | Yes | Yes (after firmware update) | Yes (after firmware update) |
| CPU | Dual Core A7 | Dual Core A53 | Quad Core Amlogic A113X | Info not provided |
| DRAM | 128mb | 512mb | 512mb | Info not provided |
| Flash | 128mb | 512mb | 512mb | Info not provided |
| Audio Input (wired) | Aux | Line-in, Optical | Line-in, Optical | Line-in, Optical, HDMI-ARC, USB |
| Audio Output (wired) | Aux, Optical | Line-out, Optical, Coax | Line-out, Optical, Coax | No – Speaker Connections Only |
| AKM 4493SEQ DAC | No | No | Yes | No – Saber ESS 9018 |
| TI Burr-Brown Audio PCM1861 ADC | No | No | Yes | Information Not provided |
| Built-in Amplifier | No | No | No | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | No | No | No | Yes |
Related Reading
Mark Silgalis
November 28, 2023 at 1:37 am
This is a fantastic product. Having a WiiM pro I can attest to the company’s dogged commitment to software updates. The user experience brings to mind early days of the Apple Macintosh. Human interface design was the zeitgeist of development and it showed. Is this the ne plus ultra of hi-Fi? Nope. Will it suffice for most everyone? Most certainly. Heck, with an integrated like this it might actually get people to invest heavier into whatever speakers they choose to pair with this astonishing device.
Ian White
November 28, 2023 at 3:03 am
Mark,
WiiM is making some really good affordable products right now. I have the Wiim Pro Plus on my desktop and it’s fabulous. Read my review if you have not seen it yet.
Best,
Ian White
Jon D
December 2, 2023 at 9:07 pm
Was very surprised at the software quality of the wiim mini compared to my more expensive streamer I won’t mention. This amp looks impressive for the price, and the ESS 9018 is a solid DAC chip.
Ian White
December 4, 2023 at 2:43 pm
Jon,
I agree. Super impressed with the WiiM Pro Plus and its app. Other high-end brands need to rethink their existing ones.
Best,
Ian White