WiiM Audio, makers of popular affordable media streamers and streaming amps established a partnership in 2023 with Origin Acoustics to develop products using its technologies for distribution in the CI (Custom Installation) space.
As a result of this collaboration, WiiM has announced two products, the CI MOD S streamer and the CI MOD A80 streaming amplifier. The devices are designed to provide streaming options for custom-install audio and home theater setups.
Building on a year of successful partnership, WiiM continues to set the standard for innovation in the CI market. The new MOD S and MOD A80 embody WiiM’s quality, ease of use, and seamless compatibility with various control platforms.
WiiM CI MOD S
The WiiM CI MOD S is an audiophile-grade streamer that provides access to abundant streaming services via the WiiM Home App, incorporates an AKM AK4493SEQ DAC, supports Hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, and versatile connectivity and control options for various installation needs. The CI MOD S needs to be connected to an amplifier (or powered speakers) in order to hear the sources you are accessing.
WiiM CI MOD A80
The WiiM CI MOD A80 combines the streaming capabilities of the MOD S with an ESS 9018K2M DAC and TI TPA3255 Class-D two-channel amplifier that delivers 60W per channel at 8 ohms. In other words, just add speakers and you are set to go.
Pro Tip: WiiM Bass Management and Room Correction are included in both devices, as well as both WiFi and Ethernet connectivity.
Comparison
| CI MOD S | CI MOD A80 | |
| Product Type | Streamer (no Amplifier) | Streaming Amplifier |
| Power Input | USB Type-C, requires 5V, 1.5A or higher | 100-240V AC |
| Bundled adapter | 5V, 2A | N/A |
| Digital Audio Output | Up to 192 kHz, 24-bit with digital optical or coaxial output | N/A |
| Network | 802.11 b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual band Wi-Fi 10/100M Ethernet | Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11 b/g/n/ax 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz triple bands |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 with BLE and BT supports both A2DP receiver and transmitter, AVRCP, HID, works with the WiiM Voice Remote |
| Audio Input | 1 x Analogue RCA Line input, 1 x SPDIF in Optical, up to 192kHz/24-bit | Analogue (RCA), Digital Optical Port, HDMI ARC, up to 24-bit/192 kHz |
| Audio Output | 1 x Analogue RCA Line output, 1 x Digital optical (SPDIF) output, 1 x Digital Coaxial output, up to 192kHz/32-bit | Banana (x2), Subwoofer out |
| USB Audio | – | Supports two-channel USB audio output |
| USB Host | – | Connects to USB disk for local music playback |
| Amplifier | – | TI TPA 3255 Class-D digital amplifier |
| Power Output | – | 60 W/channel (8 ohms), 120 W/channel (4 ohms) |
| DAC | AKM AK4493SEQ | ESS Sabre 9018K2M |
| Trigger Out | 3.5mm Trigger out | N/A |
| SNR | 120 dB | 108 dB |
| THD+N | 0.00032% (-110 dB) | – 95 dB, 5W @ 8 Ohms |
| Audio Codec | MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, OGG | MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, OGG |
| Equalizer | 24 preset EQ settings for different music genres 10-band graphic EQ (Line-in, BT, or Network) 10-band parametric R/L EQ that can adjust based on room characteristics Bass management Built-In Room Correction | 24 preset EQ settings for different music genres. 10-band graphic EQ (Line-in, BT, or Network). 10-band parametric R/L EQ that can adjust based on room characteristics Bass management Built-In Room Correction |
| Streaming Platforms | Chromecast Audio, DLNA, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music Casting, Qplay 2.0, Roon | Chromecast Audio, DLNA, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music Casting, Qplay 2.0, Roon |
| Streaming Services (via WiiM Home App) | Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, TuneIn, Tidal, Qobuz, SoundCloud, Pandora, iHeartRadio, vTuner, Napster, SoundMachine, BBC Radio, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise, Sound Track Your Brand | Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, TuneIn, Tidal, Qobuz, SoundCloud, Pandora, iHeartRadio, vTuner, Napster, SoundMachine, BBC Radio, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise, Sound Track Your Brand |
| Supported Control Platforms | Control 4, RTI, URC, Josh.ai | Control 4, RTI, URC, Josh.ai |
| Touch Buttons | Play/Pause/Setup, Volume +, Volume -, Preset | N/A |
| Dimensions (LWH) | 5.5 x 5.5 x 1.6 Inches (140 x 140 x 42 mm) | 7.48 x 7.48 x 2.52 inches (190 x 190 x 64 mm) |
| Weight | 11.6 oz (330g) | 68.26 oz (1.935 kg) |
| Included Accessories | Optical cable (1) Stereo RCA cable (1) HDMI cable (1) Power cable (1) Screws (7) Mounting brackets (2) | Optical cable (1) Stereo RCA cable (1) USB Type C cable (1) Adapter (1) Screws (3) |
The Bottom Line
Custom install components tend to be priced high (higher than they probably need to be – but installers need to make a profit). And while WiiM hasn’t announced exact pricing on these CI products yet, our conversations with WiiM reps at CEDIA Expo suggest only a slight premium for the CI market. For example, we expect the Mod S streamer will sell for around $350. As a result of this pricing, some dealers and installers feel that the WiiM products are actually too inexpensive in relation to the premium brands they normally deal with such as Bluesound and Sonos, which generally cost more.
However, the point can be made that most customers have a budget in mind for a project. And if you have, say, $20,000 for a 3-room music system, customers will only need to invest around $1,000 for 3 WiiM streamers, and that leaves $19K for the speakers, amps, cables, installation, etc. This may be a better investment for the customer than having to allocate $3K to $4K just for Sonos zones, leaving less budget left for the rest of the system.
Price & Availability
The first batch of these products is scheduled to ship by October 2024. They will be available through authorized CI distributors and dealers. Contact your local dealer or custom installer for availability and pricing for your specific project needs.
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