What NOBODY is telling you about the WiiM AMP! - a marketing rant?

Summary

Aaron Tart, a musician and Cascade Audio owner, reviews the Wavam amp, comparing it to older, more affordable models. He finds the Wavam visually appealing but lacking in sound quality, especially in bass management. Instead, he recommends the Encho TX SR503 and the Wavam Mini for better value and performance, suggesting the Wavam amp may not be the best investment for audiophiles seeking quality sound.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The speaker, Aaron Tart, is a live sound engineer, educator, and musician based in Washington state.
• 🏠 He owns Cascade Audio, which provides live sound services for bands in the Pacific Northwest.
• 🎵 Aaron discusses the WEAM AMP, a piece of audio equipment he's been following since November for his home Hi-Fi setup.
• 🔊 He purchased Tannoy System 10 dmt speakers and needed an amplifier with bass management and high-quality streaming capabilities.
• 💾 Aaron chose the WEAM AMP for its features, build quality, and design, comparing it to a Mac Mini.
• 🔧 The WEAM AMP uses the Texas Instruments TA22 chip, common in Chinese High Fidelity amplifiers, but Aaron notes that the amp circuit is as important as the chip.
• 📈 Aaron's experience with the WEAM AMP was that it didn't drive his speakers as well as expected.
• 🔄 He recommends an alternative setup using an old Encho TX-SR503 and a WEAM Mini for $115, which he finds superior to the WEAM AMP.
• 💬 Aaron criticizes the WEAM AMP for its misleading marketing and suggests it doesn't handle dynamic loading well.
• 👂 He believes the sound quality of the alternative setup is significantly better than the WEAM AMP, especially in the low end and high-end clarity.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Aaron concludes by suggesting that while the WEAM AMP might be suitable for casual users, it's not the best value for those seeking high-quality sound.

Q & A

Who is Aaron Tart and what does he do?

Aaron Tart is the owner of Cascade Audio, which provides live sound services for bands in the Pacific Northwest. He is also an educator and musician based out of Washington state.

What is the main topic of discussion in the video?

The main topic of discussion is the Wavam Amp, its features, performance, and comparison with other audio equipment.

What are the key features Aaron was looking for in an amplifier for his studio monitors?

Aaron was looking for an amplifier with bass management to add a subwoofer, high-quality streaming capabilities, and CD-quality sound performance.

Why did Aaron decide to purchase the Wavam Amp?

Aaron decided to purchase the Wavam Amp because it met his requirements of having bass management, high-quality streaming, and good build quality.

What other amplifiers are based on the same chip as the Wavam Amp?

Other amplifiers based on the same Texas Instruments TA22 chip include the Fzy Audio V3, iima A07 Max, and the new Fzy Audio ZA3.

What is Aaron's opinion on the performance of the Wavam Amp with his Tannoy System 10 dmt speakers?

Aaron felt that the Wavam Amp did not drive his Tannoy System 10 dmt speakers as well as it should have.

What alternative amplifier does Aaron recommend and why?

Aaron recommends an old Encho TX-SR503 amplifier because it provides better sound quality at a lower price compared to the Wavam Amp.

What is the Wavam Mini and how does it relate to the Wavam Amp?

The Wavam Mini is a smaller, less expensive product made by the same company as the Wavam Amp. It is recommended in combination with the Encho TX-SR503 as an alternative to the Wavam Amp.

What is Aaron's main concern about the Wavam Amp's performance?

Aaron's main concern is that the Wavam Amp does not handle dynamic loading well, which affects the reproduction of low-end frequencies and dynamic range.

What does Aaron suggest for consumers looking for the best sound quality for their money?

Aaron suggests that for the best sound quality for their money, consumers should consider alternatives to the Wavam Amp, such as the Encho TX-SR503 with the Wavam Mini.

What is Aaron's view on the role of YouTubers in promoting the Wavam Amp?

Aaron believes that while many YouTubers have praised the Wavam Amp, they often do so with caveats. He suggests that the Amp is heavily marketed and fun to talk about, but may not be the best choice for consumers seeking high-quality sound.