WiiM Amp – Streaming Amplifier – First Look

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure here.

All Image Credit: WiiM

WiiM has just announced its first streaming amplifier, the WiiM Amp. The devices hardware and software platform were developed by Linkplay and promise a high-end audio experience with support for; hi-res, lossless quality and multiroom functionality, supporting both wired Ethernet and current wireless technologies. All powered by a TI  60 watt Class D stereo amplifier and a premium ESS Sabre DAC. Just add speakers.

The WiiM Amp compact design can deliver 60 Watt per channel into 8 ohms or 120WPC into 4 ohms using the Texas Instruments TPA 3255 Class D module plus a wide range of wired and wireless streaming options. Audio format support includes; MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, WMA and OGG, with up to 24-bit/192 KHz of gapless playback via its ESS Sabre premium DAC.

Rear panel connectivity includes; unbalanced stereo RCA line level (x1) and TOSLINK (x1) inputs plus HDMI ARC for ease of TV connectivity. There are two pairs of speaker binding posts that accept accept banana plugs, plus a subwoofer output that offers automatic bass management with selection of frequency, gain and phase. A USB type A connection allows the WiiM Amp to be used as a USB host for storage and become a media server for other WiiM devices. Wired network connectivity being available using the RJ45 10/100 Ethernet connection.

The ESS 32-bit HyperStream DAC architecture and TI TPA 3255 Class D amplifier supports an audio output having a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 98dB and a Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of 0.002% (-92 dB) across sample rates from 44.1KHz to 192KHz.

Besides its Wi-Fi connectivity, the included Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE supports both A2DP receiver and transmitter, AVRCP, and HID and works with the WiiM Bluetooth voice remote that includes the Alexa voice assistant with support for Google Assistant and Siri, controlling music selection, volume, and playback. Simultaneous streaming support and control of other compatible devices to include; AirPlay 2 speakers, Amazon Echo, Google Home and other WiiM branded devices are catered for, while headphone connectivity is available via the pairing of suitable Bluetooth headphones.

Supported streaming protocols include: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Alexa Cast, DLNA, Qplay 2.0 and Squeezelite, with In App support for; Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, TuneIn, Tidal, Qobuz, SoundCloud, Pandora, iHeartRadio, vTuner, Napster, Sound Machine, etc. You may also cast; YouTube Music, TV audio, radio stations, podcasts and local content directly from your favorite Chromecast-enabled App.

Additional functions include; 24 pre-sets that support multiple EQ options with a 10-band graphic EQ or 4-band parametric EQ, with Roon Ready certification expected soon via the automatic over the air (OTA) update functionality.