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It’s important to emphasize up front that both the Amp Ultra and the Play are lifestyle units. They are not audiophile quality. Therefore, while my observations are based from hundreds of pieces of equipment and my rather fanatical pursuit of this hobby, I put everything I say in this video within the context of the purpose for the vast majority of buyers. Frankly, I could live with either set up, but there are some important differences.
Dimensions of the Amp Ultra are: 7.87 x 8.3 x 3 inches (200 x 211 x 76.2 mm)
Weight: 5.4 lbs (2.45 kg)
Eversolo Play: 9x9x2.95 L 230 x 230 x 75
Weight: 5.73 pounds 2.9kg
Front Panel
There are just two parts on both units to consider. First, the screen, the WiiM has a 3.5in, while the Eversolo employs a 5.5 inch. The resolution differences are just as great. The two inch difference really limits what the Amp Ultra can display without shrinking. The two extra inches of real estate allows the Play to include various popular menu icons on the main screen rather than having to drill down a level. In addition, the main music screen has both artwork and details with a translucent spectrum analyzer if one wishes. Of course, the Play also has several UV meter graphics, while the Amp Ultra includes just a few choices.
Point for the Play.
The volume/power/selector knob does the similar things on both units. However, the quality difference is obvious. The WiiM knob has both a limited depth and smoothness. It feels like it is rubbing against the recessed front face, most likely financial budget choice was made. The Eversolo is more substantial both in depth and heavier feel. A bit of visual ergonomics is the addition of an LED ring around the knob with a choice of display colors.
Point: Eversolo Play.
Back Panel
If you go around the back panel, this is another place where the obvious size difference between the two units comes in the play. With the WiiM Amp Ultra some of the inputs and outputs need to be taken out to create room for the speaker outputs once again I have to complement the design team because All those connections are flush with the back panel. That is a nice touch. In addition, WiiM does provide a banana plug converter to the other binding post options if you don't like banana plugs themselves.
The layout of the back panel is very simplified and logical two horizontal rose. The top row consists of the optical HDMI arc USB ethernet and RCA left and right the bottom row has your three-way rounded power cord receptacle your once in your flush left and right speaker inputs and then finally an RCA sub out.
With all the extra room, the Eversolo offers many more input output options and once again it's in two rows. Top row from left right starts the trigger input HDMI ARC, Optical, and COAX in left and right RCA right and left PHONO, and then finally in a vertical stack your right and left speaker outputs cross bottom you have the rocker master power switch, the power socket, the phono ground, gigabyte ethernet, USB Input and Output, and Sub Out just above the coax out. Finally, across the bottom in front back ribs are the cooling capabilities I want some actual feet rather than four rubber bases.
Point: Eversolo Play
The Amplifier Section
Both models use class D modules. The WiiM Amp Ultra 100wpc into 8 Ohms or 200wpc into 4 ohms. The Play is 60wpc 8 Ohm and 110wpc into 4 Ohms. With easy to drive speakers the Amp Ultra sound more powerful. Erin of Erin's Audio Corner did the measurements on both, and they hit the declared wattage. In fact, the Play actually exceeded its wattage by a nice number, especially with a 4 Ohm load. The Amp Ultra uses a pair of the TI 3255, while Eversolo is silent, only saying its chips are proprietary. This is not unusual, the late class D guru Tommy O'Brian designed his own chips.
To see some measurements on how both models perform check out Erin's Audio Corner on YouTube or his website. He has videos on both units.
Point: Amp Ultra
DAC
This is the other big difference between the two units. The Amp Ultra uses the ESS 9039Q2M, while the Eversolo employs the AK4493SEQ. The sound signatures are different. ESS chips are open and brighter on the top end. While the AKM sound is softer and richer. This holds true in this comparison. This is where speaker matching comes in. A bright speaker with the Amp Ultra may be too much. This why I found the Vera-Fi Audio Vanguard Ranger too intense with the WiiM, but not the Play. While the reserved top frequencies of its sibling, the Vanguard Scout pairs better with the Amp Ultra. But the lifestyle, casual listening owner will probably adjust and be happy.
Both units can decode a plethora of file formats. However, only the Play can decode DSD or PCM files. But, how many owners in reality are going to have any music file above 192Khz anyway?
Point: Tie
Remote
The WiiM Amp Ultra comes with nice updated aluminum body remote that has a voice activation button on the side. This upgrade is really welcome as a remote not only felt solid, but its buttons had a more solid feel to them as well. The Eversolo Play does not come with a remote. Though I did order one off Amazon for $13. It is your typical Chi-Fi capsule shape. It also had a slight lag to it
Point: Amp Ultra
Build Quality
Both units have a nice heft to them. The WiiM is almost 5 1/2 pounds and the Play tips the scales at. 6.4 pounds. The casing on the Eversolo is more solid, as it is an all-aluminum chassis. The input output connections on both units did not have any give within inserting chords, interconnects, etc. Finally, the Play has the ability for the owner to add a 32gig eMMC storage.
Point: Eversolo Play
Set Up
The software set up for both amps takes approximately about 10 minutes to get things up and going once you plug them in. It involves setting up the Internet, followed by downloading the necessary updates.
At this point you're only through step one of the software set up of probably three sections to go through if you so choose with streaming and inputs, and finally the third being the more optional EQ or room correction. Next thing you'll do is go through to set up your output and input choices. This can be done either on the front screen with both units or via the app on your phone or tablet. In this regard, both are fairly similar, though the other solo does seem to have more choices on screen. Though of course, with the app, the full compliment is available, you just need to follow through the process. The chances are the one you work with first and learn, maybe the one you slightly prefer over the other. This was originally my take as I had preference for the WiiM, but as time has gone on there were areas where I liked the Eversolo more. Reviewer John Darko of Darko Audio branded them software amps. I’ll stick with lifestyle, as once setup, it’s all about how it meshes with how the owner listens to music.
Point: Tie
Streaming
Both units offer a myriad of streaming choices that cover every major some mid-level services, with one exception. Only the Eversolo offers Apple Music. WiiM, whether it be software, or contract license issues, just can’t seem to offer Apple. There are work-arounds using Apple AirPlay. But the whole idea of ease of use has been compromised.
Point: Eversolo Play
Subwoofer
Before John Darko came out with his video, I had already taken notes that matched up with his. The wording on the WiiM subwoofer crossover control is much better than Eversolo’s term of "Cut Off." I don't know what the engineering team was thinking whether there was a translation issue or something else, but it really is a bit unfortunate, and maybe should've been debated over before going into the final program. Hopefully at some point when Eversolo offers a full update they'll change the wording. I also found the subwoofer control to be easier to use on the Amp Ultra, it just seemed to make more sense in how they did things and its options are far greater.
Point: Amp Ultra
Equalization
The Eversolo has a 15 band graphic EQ and a 10 band parametric with 23 genre preset EQ’s. As convenient as the presets sounds make sure to listen carefully and in fairness to the few that actually engage a preset EQ, I’d only employ them is you’re listening to just one genre over a lengthy period of time. Switching back and forth keeps people from getting lost in the music. The WiiM takes a very similar approach, with 24 preset EQ, but only a 10 band graphic and parametric EQ.
Point: Draw
Room Correction
The ability to digitally correct imperfections ion your room’s response can seem like nirvana. But much like Ewing be warned what may sound good one, may not be day in, day out. In general, your room correction software preference will most likely be the first one used. As an educator, that is a definite internal bias that I've seen in students and myself. The WiiM software I believe seemed a bit more exaggerated in what it picks up in room frequencies versus the Eversolo. Many users of this feature will just accept what the software determines. Therefore, a little less adjustment makes sense.
Point: Eversolo
Sound Quality
As Erin of Erin’s Audio Corner pointed out, due to the wattage difference there seems to be about a 3DB difference between the output of the two units. It's not a dealbreaker by any means. First of all, don't even bother powering Magnapans with either of these in all honesty. Neither one truly has the current necessary to really drive them. Not even the LRS+ or the .7. As far as my Buchardt S400 mkII, I found happiness with both though in reality I wouldn't go above 90 dB with either unit. But in a small space like mine, you don't need maximum volume to achieve satisfactory loudness, with the exception if you're trying to duplicate a Kiss concert. Bass response was solid with both. I do believe that there seems to be a bit more depth and richness to the Play than the Amp Ultra. I’m going to accept my own bias of liking the richer sound of the AKM DAC chipset as it provides for me a more immersive listening experience than the ESS9039Q2M when connected to my very balanced reference Buchardt S400mkII speakers.
That being said, this is really a speaker dependent judgment. When I shifted to the Verify Audio Vanguard Scouts at $299 a pair with its rich mid range and tapered top end, the Amp Ultra had an advantage with the upper frequencies being more prominent. On the other hand when Vera-Fi Audio sent me their new little Rangers at a ridiculous $149 a pair, with their definitely more open top end, the Eversolo Play I found was overall the more enjoyable experience.
Point: Tie
Final Thoughts
Final call between the WiiM Amp Ultra, and the Eversolo Play. Software-wise, talking with someone with decades of audio knowledge, as well doing a bit of deep research the WiiM software. has been around in a different form for years. The Eversolo software is proprietary, and does have plenty of money and time into its finished operation. The Amp Ultra has a much better remote. While the app is technically a draw based on function, the simple fact is you can learn an app, but you can't change the quality of the music sent to the speakers. The ability to mirror the screen by turning your device to landscape is a nice touch.
While the Eversolo Play wins the category contest, saving $170 is a big deal to many. Therefore, if you have the extra cash, this reviewer's opinion spend the extra $170 and get the Eversolo Play. Otherwise, plan on being perfectly happy with the WiiM Amp Ultra. Either way, as owner, you win.
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