HiFi Money SAVER? What To Know BEFORE YOU BUY! WiiM Amp Review

Summary

This video reviews the Wiim Mini integrated amplifier, which packs wireless streaming, analog and digital inputs, and 60W per channel into an affordably priced, compact package. The reviewer praises its sleek design and streaming capabilities but finds it has limited headroom and dynamic punch, distorting at higher volumes or with demanding material. He says it excels for background listening but sounds clinical and strained when pushed. While a good value, it may not satisfy critical listeners or compete with separates that cost just a bit more.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Wiim Mini Amp offers good value and features for its low $299 price point.
• 👍 It has a stylish, compact design similar to more expensive products.
• 🔊 The amp provides 60W per channel and includes a subwoofer output.
• 🎧 It supports various streaming services, AirPlay, Bluetooth and more.
• 💡 The HDMI ARC input allows using it with a TV for 2.1 home theater setups.
• 🎛️ There is manual EQ capability via the app, but inconsistent Bluetooth/AirPlay.
• 🔉 Sound quality is good at lower volumes, but struggles at higher volumes.
• 😕 It lacks dynamic capability for genres with wide dynamic range.
• 🎼 Overall good for smaller spaces if not listening loudly.
• 👍 Integrates well into a Google/smart home for background listening.

Q & A

What are some key features of the Wiim Mini Amp?

The Wiim Mini Amp offers 60 watts per channel, a built-in ESS Sabre DAC, analog and digital inputs like optical and USB, the ability to connect to a TV via HDMI ARC, a dedicated subwoofer output, and integrated streaming services and protocols like Spotify, Tidal, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.1 and Chromecast.

How does the reviewer feel about the Wiim Mini Amp's sound quality at moderate volumes?

At moderate volumes below 75% volume, the reviewer found the sound quality decent and enjoyable, though not the best he's heard. The amp sounded respectable considering its modest price.

What issues did the reviewer notice with the Wiim Mini Amp at higher volumes?

At higher volumes, the reviewer noticed distortion, clipping, and a lack of headroom or dynamic capability to handle recordings with wide dynamic range. The sound became less natural, more sterile, and overly bright.

How did the Wiim Mini Amp perform when connected to the Cornwall speakers?

The Cornwall speakers were the easiest for the Wiim Mini Amp to drive up to about 50% volume. But beyond 50% volume, the amp seemed to struggle and the speakers sounded strained.

What connectivity issues did the reviewer experience with EQ calibration?

The reviewer had inconsistent Bluetooth and AirPlay performance when trying to send test tones from his smartphone for EQ calibration. An HDMI connection from his TV worked better.

What type of listener would the Wiim Mini Amp work best for?

The Wiim Mini Amp would likely work best for listeners with smaller spaces, those new to hi-fi, or those wanting a simpler system. It integrates well with TVs and smart homes.

How did the Wiim Mini Amp perform as part of a home theater system?

As a 2.1 system in small to medium rooms, the Wiim Mini Amp could be a great home theater solution. But in larger spaces, the amp shut off during loud movie scenes due to lack of headroom.

What alternatives does the reviewer suggest at a similar price point?

The reviewer suggests the Aiyima A07 as the most comparable alternative. He also mentions speakers from Emotiva or other amps like the Bluesound PowerNode or AudioLab 6000A as better quality options if you can spend more.

What does the reviewer say about measurements versus real-world listening?

The reviewer notes that lab measurements often show best case scenarios that don't reflect real-world dynamic music listening. So flaws may not show up on measurements.

What is the reviewer's overall impression of the Wiim Mini Amp?

The reviewer finds the Wiim Mini Amp impressive for the price, but not a one-size-fits-all giant killer. It has limitations at high volumes and with hard to drive speakers that may make it unsuitable for some users.