The OUTRAGEOUS WiiM AMP is ONLY $299
United States of Analog | December 27, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the WiiM Amp, a $299 amplifier that the host calls a “disruptor” in the hi-fi market. Bob is examining the physical design, features, and value proposition of this budget amplifier, which he purchased with his own money. He’s particularly excited about how it challenges traditional hi-fi value expectations.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- WiiM Amp – $299, features power indicator light, volume LEDs, volume knob/selector, HDMI ARC, LAN connection, USB input, optical input, sub-out, RCA inputs (gold-plated), metal speaker connectors, comes with remote and app
- WiiM Mini – Host owns 3-4 units (no other details provided)
- WiiM Pro – Host owns one (no other details provided)
- Mac Mini – Compared for size reference to WiiM Amp
- Sonos – App comparison reference
- Bluesound – App comparison reference
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The WiiM Amp is a “disruptor” that challenges everything in hi-fi value [00:00:05, 00:01:18]
- At $299, it shouldn’t be analyzed too technically or have hairs split over it [00:01:12]
- The build quality exceeds expectations, especially the metal speaker connectors vs. typical plastic ones [00:03:53]
- The WiiM app is “best-in-class” and superior to Sonos and Bluesound [00:04:51]
- The design appears intentionally inspired by Apple products, particularly the Mac Mini [00:04:22]
What are the host’s strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- The amp “challenges everything that came before it and everything that’s to come” in terms of hi-fi value [00:01:18]
What are the host’s notable comparisons between products?
- WiiM app vs. Sonos and Bluesound apps – claims WiiM is “better than Sonos, better than Bluesound” and “top-drawer, top-of-the-line” [00:04:54]
- WiiM Amp dimensions compared to Mac Mini computer, suggesting intentional design similarity [00:04:28]
What funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes occurred?
- Opening bit where Bob says he looks different because he wants to be a “disruptor” like the WiiM Amp [00:00:02]
- Talking directly to the amp: “I don’t know who you think you are, 299. Just add speakers, Mr. Big Shot. You better get a grip.” [00:00:12]
- Jokes about WiiM not sending him review units: “I don’t even know if that’s their real name because they don’t send me stuff. Help a brother out, WiiM.” [00:00:54]
- Claims he gave himself the “2023 B-roll award” [00:02:36]
- Calls the remote “Amazon-style” twice, noting the WiiM logo prevents confusion with other similar remotes [00:04:02]
Summary
In this opening portion of the video, host Bob from United States of Analog introduces his review of the WiiM Amp, a $299 amplifier that he’s clearly very excited about. He opens with a playful bit about being a “disruptor” like the amp itself, talking directly to the device and joking about its low price point. Bob emphasizes that he purchased this unit with his own money and already owns several other WiiM products, though he playfully complains that the company doesn’t send him review units.
Bob provides a detailed walkthrough of the WiiM Amp’s physical features and design, highlighting the various inputs and outputs including HDMI ARC, LAN, USB, optical, RCA inputs, and a subwoofer output. He’s impressed with the build quality, particularly noting that the speaker connectors are metal rather than the plastic ones often found at this price point. The unit comes with a remote control and packaging that Bob describes as very Apple-inspired, comparing the amp’s dimensions to a Mac Mini.
Perhaps most significantly, Bob makes strong claims about the WiiM app, calling it “best-in-class” and superior to established competitors like Sonos and Bluesound. He positions this $299 amplifier as a major disruptor in the hi-fi market, suggesting it challenges traditional value propositions in audio equipment. His enthusiasm is palpable throughout, and he’s clearly setting up what appears to be a very positive review of this budget amplifier.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, Products, or Brands Discussed
WiiM Amp [05:45]:
- Contains TI-3255 Texas Instruments amp chip [06:05]
- ESS9018K2M Sabre DAC chip [06:19] – described as older technology that WiiM had to source from years back
- Supports 192/24 audio [06:29]
- Missing coax input and internal phono preamp [06:35]
Speakers tested:
- Forte 4s [08:38]
- KEF LS50 Metas [08:50]
Streaming service:
- Tidal (FLAC format) [10:23]
Host’s Key Findings, Verdicts, or Opinions
WiiM App [05:00-05:28]:
- Praised as “world-class” with frequent updates
- Easy music searching with Tidal as go-to service
- Multiple EQ options (parametric and graphic equalizers)
- Comprehensive controls and features including alarm clock
Overall assessment [05:28]:
- Called a “nice package” and “nice ensemble”
- Referred to as a “little disruptor” [05:45]
Listening Tests or Sound Quality Observations
Sound character [06:51-07:39]:
- Not transparent or analytical
- Class D that doesn’t sound like typical Class D
- Punchy, warm, and organic sound signature
- Limited super detail retrieval
- Lacks “air in the room” between notes
- Limited depth but decent soundstage
- “Very enjoyable listening experience” [07:39]
Speaker pairing observations [08:38-09:15]:
- Initially couldn’t hear subtle triangle detail when paired with Forte 4s
- Triangle sound became audible when switched to LS50 Metas
- Host suggests this may be more about speaker pairing than amp limitations
Vinyl Records, Albums, or Music Discussed
Test tracks used:
- “Killing Me Softly” by Roberta Flack (1970s) [07:53] – used to test for vocal layers and triangle sound detail
- Dire Straits “Private Investigations” [09:15] – praised for dynamics and complexity
- Steely Dan “Hey 19” [09:35] – called “one of the ultimate audiophile recordings”
- Ennio Morricone’s “The Mission” soundtrack [09:56] – described as “unbelievable” mix of classical and soundtrack that revealed depth
Audiophile Tips, Advice, or How-to Content
Testing methodology [08:11-08:34]:
- Uses specific detail in “Killing Me Softly” (triangle sound) as benchmark for high-end brilliance
- Listens for “layers of vocals” and “layers of instruments” in familiar tracks
- Emphasizes importance of speaker pairing for revealing system capabilities
Memorable Quotes or Strong Takes
- “The WiiM amp is not a transparent amp. It’s not analytical. It’s class D, but it doesn’t sound like a class D to my ears” [06:51-07:01]
- “I’ve never heard a system that Hey 19 didn’t sound great on. So good on Steely Dan for making one of the ultimate audiophile recordings” [09:39-09:49]
Summary
This portion focuses heavily on the WiiM Amp’s technical specifications and detailed listening impressions. The host reveals the internal components, noting that WiiM used older but proven technology like the ESS9018K2M DAC chip and TI-3255 amplifier, while acknowledging some missing features like MQA and DSD support. He emphasizes that these omissions help keep the price point competitive.
The sound quality assessment reveals a warm, organic character that differs from typical analytical Class D amplifiers. Through extensive listening tests with carefully chosen audiophile tracks, the host discovers that while the amp may lack some ultimate detail retrieval and depth, it provides an engaging and musical experience. His testing methodology involves listening for specific sonic cues, like a subtle triangle in Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly,” to gauge the system’s resolution capabilities.
Speaker pairing emerges as a crucial factor, with the host noting significant differences between the Forte 4s and KEF LS50 Metas in revealing fine details. The listening tests span various genres from Steely Dan’s pristine recordings to Ennio Morricone’s cinematic compositions, ultimately painting a picture of an amplifier that prioritizes musicality and enjoyment over clinical accuracy, while still delivering impressive performance for its category.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- WiiM Amp ($299) – main product being reviewed [00:11:14]
- Naim Unity Atom – compared favorably to the WiiM amp, costs 10-15 times more [00:11:19-00:11:36]
- BDI cabinet – mentioned as audio equipment furniture [00:15:09]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:11:14] The host declares it’s “an amazing value” at $299 and calls it “good”
[00:14:35-00:14:46] Labels it a “disruptor” that makes people rethink what hi-fi components should cost
[00:15:39-00:15:41] Final verdict: “Ask for it by name. I love it. I can’t get enough of it.”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[00:15:44] Strong buy recommendation: “Get yourself one”
[00:15:23-00:15:35] Recommends it specifically for those “looking for a low-cost, one-box solution, just add speakers to listen to the healing properties of your favorite music”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
[00:12:25-00:12:34] Acknowledges it’s not “the end-all, be-all in audiophile sound” but says “it gets you there”
[00:13:33-00:13:44] Notes that “95% of the people out there don’t care about 95% of what we talk about” regarding audiophile terminology and specs
How did the video wrap up?
[00:15:44] Ends with “Get yourself one, and then join us again in the United States of Analog”
[00:15:58-00:16:11] Host reflects on whether he talked “too much about emotion” and “not enough substance” but concludes he doesn’t care and reaffirms “I like it. It’s good.”
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[00:14:38] “That’s why I call this a disruptor”
[00:15:51-00:15:22] “If I had woken up from a long dream and discovered that everything that I thought I’d owned…was actually just in the dream…but the only thing left on my BDI cabinet was the Weem amp…You know what? I think I’d be okay.”
[00:15:39] “Ask for it by name”
Summary
In this final portion, the host delivers an enthusiastic endorsement of the WiiM Amp, praising its $299 value and comparing the listening experience favorably to the much more expensive Naim Unity Atom (costing 10-15 times more). He emphasizes how both products made him focus purely on enjoying the music rather than getting caught up in technical specifications and measurements. The host appreciates that the WiiM Amp delivers quality sound without the typical cost anxiety associated with high-end audio gear.
The host shares a personal anecdote about trying to explain the amp’s virtues to his wife, only to see her eyes glaze over, which leads him to a broader reflection about audiophile culture. He theorizes that 95% of people don’t care about the technical aspects that audiophiles obsess over—things like soundstage, DACs, and specifications—they just want to enjoy music. This observation reinforces his view of the WiiM Amp as a “disruptor” that challenges conventional thinking about what hi-fi components should cost.
The review concludes with a hypothetical scenario where if all his expensive gear disappeared and only the WiiM Amp remained, he believes he’d still be satisfied with his listening experience. He gives it a strong buy recommendation, particularly for those seeking a simple, one-box solution that just requires adding speakers. The host ends by acknowledging he may have focused more on emotion than technical substance in his review, but he’s unapologetic about his enthusiasm for the product.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
