The WiiM AMP Is the HEART of MY BUDGET SYSTEM!
United States of Analog | March 6, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
The video is about the host Bob giving the WiiM Amp a “second look” after previously reviewing it. He’s defending the $299 amplifier/streamer/DAC combo against other reviewers who have been criticizing it through technical measurements and bench testing. Bob plans to build a complete budget system under $1,000 centered around the WiiM Amp to demonstrate its real-world value.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- WiiM Amp [00:00:35]: $299, 60 watts per channel, Class D amplification, Sabre DAC, includes streaming capabilities, HDMI eARC, subwoofer output, described as “feature-packed” and having “best in class UI”
- BDI [00:03:50]: Audio furniture/rack that will be cleared off for the new system setup
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:00:49] Other reviewers have been unfairly “bagging on” the WiiM Amp with excessive technical analysis
- [00:01:12] He positions himself as a “disruptor” who focuses on emotional impact and real-world listening experience rather than measurements
- [00:01:38] Questions why anyone would spend extensive time analyzing a $300 piece of equipment with complex technical tests
- [00:02:47] Believes the WiiM Amp offers excellent streaming and “best in class UI” for the price point
- [00:03:13] His first review was “very favorable” especially regarding value and features
What are the host’s main recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- [00:02:16] Acknowledges audiophiles have “gear acquisition syndrome” and want equipment “now, not three months from now”
- [00:02:51] Suggests people should “stop with the bench testing” and just enjoy the music
- [00:02:04] Addresses the common advice to “save up longer for better equipment” as unrealistic given audiophile nature
Any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:00] “You know that as audiophiles, we got to have it now. We want to listen to our music now, not three months from now.”
- [00:01:57] Game show reference: “That’s right, the one and only correct answer is $300, tell them what they’ve won, Johnny.”
- [00:02:34] “At $299, 60 watts aside, Class D amplification. All right, I know, I already lost some of you. Saber DAC, I lost some more of you.”
- [00:00:24] Promotes his catchphrase: “card-carrying citizen of our great nation of audio participation. And yes, I’m going to keep pushing that slogan until it sticks.”
Summary
In this opening portion of the video, host Bob from United States of Analog introduces his plan to give the WiiM Amp a second evaluation after noticing that other audio reviewers have been heavily criticizing the $299 amplifier through technical measurements and bench testing. Bob positions himself as taking a different approach, focusing on the emotional impact and real-world listening experience rather than getting bogged down in spectral analysis and frequency response charts.
Bob argues that excessive technical analysis of a $300 piece of equipment misses the point for budget-conscious audiophiles who have exactly that amount to spend and suffer from “gear acquisition syndrome” – wanting their audio upgrades immediately rather than saving up for months. He acknowledges that the WiiM Amp has some technical limitations (Class D amplification, Sabre DAC) that might turn off audio purists, but emphasizes its strengths as a feature-packed unit with excellent streaming capabilities, HDMI eARC, subwoofer output, and what he considers the best user interface in its price class.
The host plans to demonstrate the WiiM Amp’s real-world value by building a complete budget system under $1,000 around it, using equipment he already has in-house. He’s positioning this as a definitive test to determine whether the WiiM Amp deserves to stay in an audio system or should be discarded, taking a practical approach over the technical measurements that other reviewers have focused on.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
[00:04:28] WiiM Amp – $299
[00:04:51] Fluance RT81 Plus Elite turntable – $299
[00:05:01] Elac Debut 5.2 speakers – $329 (also mentions 6.2 model)
[00:05:17] Yamaha 808 subwoofer – $149 (notes Yamaha is now a Klipsch company)
[00:05:53] WiiM streamers (mentions having five around the house)
[00:07:34] $32,000 reference system (unspecified)
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
[00:04:28] Considers $299 for the WiiM Amp exceptional value given included accessories
[00:04:58] Calls the Fluance RT81 Plus Elite “a great starter turntable”
[00:05:10] Prefers the 5.2 speakers over 6.2s for tighter bass, smaller form factor, and lower price
[00:05:46] Rates streaming quality as “very, very good”
[00:06:02] Praises WiiM’s interface as “fantastic”
[00:06:06] Appreciates WiiM’s constant upgrades to improve user experience
[00:07:17] Advises beginners not to worry too much about audiophile concepts like “speed”
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
[00:06:19] Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” – noted left/right panning, detail, and “cinematics of the music”
[00:06:39] “Thriller” provided great soundstage, width, and some depth
[00:06:46] Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” – chosen to test system’s ability to handle complex, tight musicianship
[00:07:50] Achieved volume levels past 85 decibels, close to 90
[00:08:01] Described sound as providing “rock and roll sensation” and “thump in the chest”
Were there any price/value assessments?
[00:04:32] Total system cost: $1,076 for complete setup
[00:05:35] Acknowledges $1,000 is still significant money for many people
[00:05:40] Suggests removing turntable to create cheaper streaming-only system
[00:05:05] Notes Elac speakers often available on sale below $329 retail
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
[00:05:07] Compares Elac 5.2 vs 6.2 speakers, preferring the 5.2s
[00:07:34] References comparison to a $32,000 system from previous week, noting the budget system wasn’t as fast or cohesive but still sounded good
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
[00:06:19] Michael Jackson – “Thriller”
[00:06:46] Van Halen – “Hot for Teacher”
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
[00:07:12] Uses Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” as a system test track due to its demanding drumming and guitar work
[00:07:17] Advises beginners not to obsess over audiophile terminology like “speed” and “transience”
[00:07:20] Notes that normal people don’t discuss these technical aspects at social gatherings
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
[00:04:34] “you’re practically giving this thing away” (about the WiiM Amp’s value)
[00:06:35] “it’s not a world-class bass, but it’s gonna fill in some of the gaps. It’s giving you, you know, you can dance to it”
[00:07:56] “I felt like any more than that, I was gonna be like Maverick pushing through Mach 10” (about volume levels)
[00:07:20] “I don’t hear people at cocktail parties talking about the speed of a track”
Summary
In this portion, the host presents his complete budget hi-fi system built around the WiiM Amp, totaling $1,076. The system includes the $299 WiiM Amp, Fluance RT81 Plus Elite turntable ($299), Elac Debut 5.2 speakers ($329), and a Yamaha 808 subwoofer ($149). He emphasizes the exceptional value proposition of the WiiM Amp, noting that when factoring in included accessories, it’s practically being given away at $299.
The host conducts listening tests using Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher,” finding the streaming performance to be very good with excellent soundstage, detail retrieval, and adequate bass response from the subwoofer. He particularly praises WiiM’s streaming interface and their commitment to continuous software updates. While acknowledging the system doesn’t match the performance of high-end gear like a $32,000 reference system he recently auditioned, he emphasizes that it delivers satisfying sound quality that most people would find more than adequate.
Throughout his evaluation, the host takes a pragmatic approach to audiophile culture, advising beginners not to get caught up in technical terminology like “speed” and “transience” that aren’t discussed in everyday conversation. He demonstrates the system’s capability by pushing volume levels past 85 decibels, achieving what he describes as genuine rock and roll sensation with chest-thumping impact, while suggesting that removing the turntable could create an even more affordable streaming-only setup for budget-conscious buyers.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- WiiM Amp – $299 (main product being reviewed) [08:22, 09:31, 11:15]
- Fluance RT81 Plus Elite turntable [09:11]
- Schiit Mani phono preamp – $149 [09:28]
- Art DJ Pre 2 phono preamp – $65 [09:32]
- Elac speakers [09:53]
- Heiko Aurora 300 speakers (sold out) [09:56]
- Heiko Aurora 200 speakers – $314/pair [10:06]
- Dire Straits “You and Your Friend” as test track [08:44]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[11:31] The WiiM Amp at $299 can be the centerpiece of “a pretty decent system” that delivers “luxurious, rock and roll, thick sound.” [11:15] He describes it as “a great DAC, streamer, amp” all in one box that “doesn’t look, doesn’t feel like a toy” and would work well in bedrooms, offices, or bar areas.
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
Buy recommendations:
- [09:28] Schiit Mani phono preamp for $149
- [09:32] Art DJ Pre 2 phono preamp for $65 (host’s preference due to adjustable gain knob)
- [10:06] Consider Heiko Aurora 200 speakers at $314/pair as potentially better than Elac
Budget guidance: [10:18] Total system cost will hover between $1,000-$1,200 depending on shopping skills
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- [09:16] The Fluance turntable’s phono preamp lacks sufficient gain – you’ll need to add an external phono preamp
- [09:41] Key tip: “Cartridges have different outputs” so get a phono preamp where you can adjust gain
- [10:57] Volume limitation: “You’re not gonna wanna go past 85, 90 dB”
- [11:32] Suggested use cases: bedroom, office, or bar area rather than main listening room
- [11:32] Future upgrade path: move this system to another room when you upgrade to better gear
How did the video wrap up?
[11:44] The host emphasized the flexibility of component audio for mixing, matching, and moving gear around. [11:51] Standard YouTube closing asking for thumbs up, followed by [12:04] behind-the-scenes commentary where he admits finishing up WiiM content and wondering aloud about other reviewers’ eloquence and whether he needs a teleprompter.
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
- [08:18] On mid-fi advantages: “Sometimes having really good sound means you hear a lot of stuff you don’t wanna hear”
- [10:40] Honest assessment: “It’s not gonna be a system that’s gonna be on the cover of Stereophile Magazine”
- [11:09] Target audience insight: “I think in our freshman year of being an audiophile, we can all deal with that”
- [11:41] Philosophy on component audio: “That’s the beautiful thing about component audio is that we can mix and match and move stuff around”
Summary
In this final portion, the host provides his overall assessment of the WiiM Amp as a $299 centerpiece for a budget hi-fi system. He acknowledges that while the WiiM delivers enjoyable “mid-fi” sound with good rhythm and musicality, it filters out some unwanted noise and mastering flaws that higher-end gear might reveal. He particularly praised its performance with Dire Straits’ “You and Your Friend” as a test track, demonstrating the unit’s capability with the right material.
The host addresses practical setup concerns, specifically warning that the Fluance RT81 Plus Elite turntable’s built-in phono preamp lacks sufficient gain for proper vinyl playback with the WiiM. He strongly recommends adding either a Schiit Mani ($149) or his preferred Art DJ Pre 2 ($65), emphasizing the importance of adjustable gain controls since different cartridges have varying output levels. For speakers, while the Elac performed well, he suggests considering the Heiko Aurora 200 speakers at $314/pair as a potentially better option, noting that the Aurora 300s he preferred are currently sold out.
His final verdict positions the WiiM Amp as an excellent entry point into serious audio, describing it as perfect for “freshman year” audiophiles who want a complete DAC/streamer/amp solution that looks and feels substantial. He envisions it working well in secondary spaces like bedrooms, offices, or entertainment areas, with the flexibility to relocate it when upgrading to higher-end components. The host emphasizes that while this system won’t achieve reference-level performance, it delivers satisfying “luxurious, rock and roll, thick sound” within reasonable volume limits, making it a solid foundation for someone beginning their audiophile journey with a realistic $1,000-$1,200 budget.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
