In March of 2024, I reviewed the WiiM Amp. At that time I labeled this small form-factor integrated amplifier/DAC/Streamer a “lifestyle” audio product, as its target audience are people that, in reality, are not dedicated audio fans but music lovers that desire a one piece music solution while they enjoy life. That particular WiiM Amp along with the WiiM Ultra both of which I bought from Crutchfield, still resides in my home as a second system for relaxed, music enjoyment.
Since then, others have joined the “lifestyle” product group. I’m not counting Cambridge’s highly regarded EVO 150, as it is a true piece of high fidelity. The biggest competitor to WiiM Amp Ultra currently is Eversolo’s Play.
Front panel
Overall, the chassis is near identical in size to the WiiM ultra. Dimensions are 7.87" x 8.3" x 3" tall metric 200 by 2 11 x 76 mm weight 5.4 pounds 2.45 kg the one difference in the chassis is underneath the vertical panels you'll notice a slight, angled indented drop for a little extra space.
The front panel screen is a 3.5 inch diagonal with a nice, responsive touchscreen. The volume control as well as the center push button suffers the same fate as the WiiM Amp and WiiM Ultra in that it feels like it's scratching up against the inset surface. The knob itself doesn't have a whole lot of depth, nor does it have a textual feel.
The back panel has an Optical, HDMI ARC, USB, as well as RCA inputs on the top row. On the bottom row is the triangular wire style power cord receptacle, a flush speaker input for banana plugs, and finally the subwoofer out.
The interior architecture of the amp ultra reveals that the class D is powered by a pair TI TPA 3255 class D chips, plus 6 TI OPA 1612 op amps. Power output is 100wpc into 8 or 4 Ohms. WiiM describes a process they call the PFFB post filter feedback technology which they claimed delivers a clean, detailed sound that balances the consistent performance across all loads. More on that later.
Wiim employs the ESS 9039Q2M Sabre DAC chip, a worthy choice considering that the physical size of the unit doesn’t allow for the same level of engineering buildout as a separate DAC. My speculation is that WiiM is relying the chip’s ability to do the heavy lifting, instead of a lesser priced chip with components around it to achieve the same output goal.
Since the WiiM Amp Ultra is pretty much a sealed box, to control the heat given off by all the electronics they use two parts old school, one part new school. The old being a copper heat pipe and a large aluminum heat sink. Pairing up with precision PID control, which is regulating the temperature for optimal cooling. I will say that the unit never felt warm or hot in my usage, even with four Ohm load speakers.
Getting Started
Setup takes about 10 minutes, most of the time involving uploading the app, updating the firmware, and setting up the bluetooth remote. Since WiiM comes from Lynksplay, which is made up of former Google, Harman, Broadcom, and InterVideo investors and employees, the company has the financial foundation to create a truly first-rate phone/tablet app. Though still not perfect, it is feature rich and with few exceptions, easy to navigate. You’ll spend the next few minutes going thru an app tutorial. Then setup the Internet connection, and streaming input service with choices of: Spotify, iHeartRadio, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Napster, Pandora, TuneIn, Deezer, Roon, Soundcloud.
Streaming protocols include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Google Cast Audio (CastLite), Alexa built-in, DLNA, Squeezelite, and Roon Ready. Unfortunately, Apple Airplay is not offered.
The app gives you complete control over the input choices, including the resolution output of both COAX and Optical. This app is very complete, with the ability to drill down, which is easier IMHO, than doing the same via the on screen display. Subwoofer control at this price point, having subwoofer control is a big win.
While I don’t partake in Bluetooth, the Amp Ultra does a fine job with the protocols and never dropped a signal during my testing. As I’ve stated before, Bluetooth’s greatest gift is that it allows for guests to tap into and share their music discoveries and favorites without hassle.
Finally, I will say that WiiM does an excellent job of pushing software updates on a very regular timetable. It is rare to go more than a week without turning on the unit or the app and seeing that an update has been installed.
EQ
When you dive in to the EQ, there are three ways to take advantage of the EQ. First is automatic via 24 preset frequencies based upon the type of music you listen to. A second way is going manual much like a traditional 10 band graphic EQ. The third is via parametric equalization The best part is that you can create different presets, that way you don’t lose one you like.
Room Correction
Now, I’ll be honest, I’m a purist, therefore using room correction is akin to going to the dark side. However, running the room sweep test opened my brain to the specific sonic flaws in my 11x10 listening space. While I knew a suckout existed between 50-70hz, I didn’t realize just how strong it was. Secondly, Room EQ, even in this basic smartphone app compared to a quality measuring microphone, helped in the making of adjustments with my side wall sound acoustic panels.
Equipment Pairing
As I've stated before the WiiM Amp Ultra is a lifestyle piece of stereo equipment. It is not audiophile grade. And that is OK. The goal of the Amp Ultra as is to offer the owner a single box elegant solution for stereo electronics, though if one wishes they can add a turntable. And for those with a small space who just want music playing while they do other things the dimensions make the Amp Ultra an ideal choice. Therefore, much of this review after initially sampling the ability of the amplifier section and overall total quality with the Buchardt S400 mk2’s, I shifted to a price appropriate pairing.
At $529. The goal is to find a nice set up for $1000. In my case I decided to bring in the Vera-Fi Audio Vanguard Scouts at $299 with it’s the lush mid range balance is extremely well with the class D TI chipset. For those wanting a little bit more bass, just add Vera-Fi Audio’s Caldera 10 subwoofer at $199. In the end for $1029, you have a really nice simple, compact full range stereo that the average listener will be thrilled beyond belief to own. If you crave vinyl, searching out a very inexpensive turntable a base model with a cartridge, go with an Audio Technica or Fluance unit.
Listening
Critical listening with a lifestyle, audio product requires reminder that the sound output is about pleasing a vast majority of people who are perfectly happy with Bluetooth level quality. Therefore, my observations are shaded towards this fact. The amp ultra provides plenty of juice at normal listening for the average speaker. For the Vanguard scouts. Getting the volume up is key in this case to really give the speakers the energy needed to have fun.
Playing Elton John's Greatest Hits, I found myself singing along and just flat out having fun. This was especially true during rocket man, and of course, Benny and the Jets hearing the piano create a nice Center sound stage along with her Elton's vocals showed that the app ultra does have some chops to it. The DAC section, while not overly refined does a nice job with Pink Martinis “No Hay Problemo”. The percussion section and rhythm have distinct character. The three dimensionality creates some honest toe-tapping fun.
A nice surprise is how well the Amp Ultra handled symphonic music. If you enjoy classical recordings while working in your office or reading a novel they do allow for enjoyable background auditory stimulation. The TI class D chips dis a respectable job recreating the vast Dakota prairie in John Berry's “Pawnee Attack" from Dances With Wolves" soundtrack. The dynamic french horns and strings played with nice clarity. The background percussion hits came on with a definitive kick.
Caveats
The Ultra Amp will show it’s architectural limitations.does provide juice for base response, but it isn't thick. It's more like a sideswipe.
Final thoughts
The WiiM Amp Ultra was definitely the next logical step in the lineup. What it accomplishes for a price tag of $529 is pretty impressive, no question. The fact that it's pretty much a press play and walk away unit via your phone, tablet, or remote in such a small footprint makes it a highly worthy music control center for those that just don't want to bother with a stack of equipment. The amount of places or room types it can be used in makes it value even higher. For a first system away from home, whether it be attending college, or a first apartment, especially with the HDMI ARC compatibility is very worthy. Its only fault in all honesty is the lack of a headphone jack as I mentioned in the Ultra streamer. Its size made it perfect for a desktop set up. But the engineering team must've just run out of room inside the case to offer this one last option. Beyond that limitation, the whim amp ultra is a true lifestyle value piece of audio.
Comments
Post a Comment