WiiM Releases The BEST Audiophile FREEBIE of the Year! ROOM CORRECTION for EVERYONE!
United States of Analog | July 20, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is about the WiiM Amp, an audio component that has been available for some time and is considered one of the best values in audio. The host is revisiting this product because it recently received an update that adds even more value for existing and potential owners. The video will also include some vinyl record finds at the end.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- WiiM Amp [00:02:51]: Originally priced at $300, described as looking like a Mac mini, praised as a “real superstar” component with lots of functionality, though noted to need more inputs. The host mentions it would have cost under $50 in inflation-adjusted dollars when he was in college.
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The WiiM Amp was revolutionary when first released and remains an exceptional value [00:02:56]
- Audio gear buyers are “idiots” in a good way – they pursue better sound quality while the rest of the world uses inferior listening methods [00:02:23]
- YouTube should be “infotainment” – educational but entertaining, not overly dry and analytical [00:02:16]
- The audiophile community seeks to “uncover as many layers to the music, as many flavors to the sound as we can” [00:02:39]
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Strong recommendation: Don’t get hung up on technical details – focus on enjoying the journey of better audio [00:02:17]
- Viewers shouldn’t dismiss products just because they use Class D amplification [00:01:33]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:32] Host jokes about his channel name confusion: “The United States of digital, the United States of audio, the United States of awesome, whatever you wanna call it. I don’t care anymore, I can’t be contained.”
- [00:01:23] Describes his audience as citizens of “our great nation of audio unsophistication”
- [00:02:25] Calls audiophiles “idiots that still go out and buy gear and buy physical media while the rest of the world listens to their music like this”
- [00:03:29] Reflects on how young audiophiles would have thought you were “some kind of wizard” with this technology back in the day
Summary
The host Bob opens this episode of United States of Analog by introducing a retrospective look at the WiiM Amp, a $300 component that has been available for some time but recently received updates that make it even more valuable. He begins with his characteristic humor and commentary about his channel’s somewhat confusing name and his approach to audio content as “infotainment.”
Bob addresses some recurring criticism in his comments section, defending his approach of reviewing older products (explaining that smaller channels don’t always get the latest gear) and his philosophy of bringing humor and soul to what can be a dry, analytical hobby. He pushes back against audio snobbery, particularly those who dismiss Class D amplification, and emphasizes that his goal is to educate and entertain rather than get bogged down in technical minutiae.
The host then pivots to the main topic, praising the WiiM Amp as a component that caused excitement among reviewers when it was first released due to its unique Mac mini-like appearance and impressive feature set for the price point. He provides interesting historical context by noting that in inflation-adjusted dollars, this $300 device would have cost under $50 when he was in college, emphasizing just how much value modern audiophiles are getting and how revolutionary such technology would have seemed to young enthusiasts in earlier decades.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- WiiM Amp ($300, was $240 during Prime Days) [00:04:08, 00:05:14]
- Cambridge Audio EVO 150 [00:04:21]
- TI 3255 amp chip [00:04:44]
- 32-bit Sabre DAC [00:04:44]
- HEIKO 300 speakers [00:07:18]
- REL Classic 98 subwoofer [00:07:19]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- The WiiM Amp is a great value at $300 for an all-in-one amp [00:04:03]
- It’s a good “jumping in point” that users can graduate from later [00:04:11]
- Cambridge Audio EVO 150 offers higher sound quality and customer satisfaction than the WiiM [00:04:28]
- WiiM’s new free room correction feature is unexpected and valuable [00:06:11]
- Host is “not big on room correction anyway” but acknowledges its importance to many users [00:06:25]
- The room correction is “not to be all or end all” due to phone microphone limitations [00:06:20]
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- Host experienced “expanded soundstage and a little more depth in the sound behind the speakers” with WiiM room correction [00:07:00]
- Benefits were mostly heard in “mid-range, upper mid-range, some of the lower mid-range” [00:06:50]
- Host was “pretty happy with” the room correction results [00:07:09]
- Noticed REL subwoofer “jumping around a little bit, making some sounds” during room correction testing [00:07:21]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- WiiM Amp praised as great value at $300 [00:04:03]
- Was available for $240 during Prime Days [00:05:14]
- Room correction typically costs “hundreds of dollars to add” to amplifiers/AV receivers [00:06:34]
- Host notes people can’t figure out “how they can do this at $300” [00:06:11]
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- Cambridge Audio EVO 150 compared to WiiM Amp – described as having “higher degree of sound quality and more customer satisfaction” [00:04:21]
- Phone microphone vs standalone microphone – phone mic described as “good, but probably not as good as a standalone microphone” [00:06:38]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Room correction setup takes “about 30 seconds to maybe a minute, tops” [00:06:49]
- You can save settings for different speakers in the app [00:05:58]
- Parametric EQ can be further adjusted to personal preference [00:06:04]
- Tip given about potential subwoofer interaction issues during room correction [00:07:13]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “If $300 is what you have for an all-in-one amp, then get the Weem Amp. Simple as that.” [00:04:03]
- “The only thing people can’t figure out is how they can do this at $300.” [00:06:10]
- “Boom, nice, handy, helpful, free.” [00:06:18]
- “I’m not big on room correction anyway. If it’s included, I’ll use it.” [00:06:25]
Summary
In this portion, the host defends his previous positive review of the WiiM Amp against criticism, emphasizing that at $300 it represents excellent value as an entry-level all-in-one amplifier. He positions it as a “jumping in point” for those on a budget, while acknowledging that the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 offers superior sound quality for those willing to spend more. The WiiM Amp features 60 watts per channel, a TI 3255 amp chip, and 32-bit Sabre DAC, with extensive streaming capabilities and regular software updates.
The main focus shifts to WiiM’s surprise addition of free room correction software, which the host views as exceptional value since such features typically cost hundreds of dollars extra. The room correction process is quick (30 seconds to a minute), uses the phone’s microphone, and allows users to save different speaker settings and manually adjust the parametric EQ. While praising this free addition, the host maintains realistic expectations about its capabilities.
Through listening tests, the host found the room correction provided an expanded soundstage and increased depth, with improvements primarily in the midrange frequencies. However, he noted some limitations due to the phone microphone’s quality compared to dedicated measurement microphones, and discovered potential integration issues with subwoofers during the correction process. Overall, he views this as a valuable free upgrade that enhances an already compelling budget amplifier.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, Products, and Brands Discussed
- WiiM – Room correction software and app [07:43, 08:09, 08:17, 09:56]
- REL – Subwoofer with frequency cutoff switch [07:32, 07:38]
- The Bar-Kays – First press vinyl record on Stax Volt [08:43]
- Phoenix Authority – “Blood, Sweat, and Brass” vinyl album [09:28]
- Piranha Records – Independent record store in Round Rock, Texas [08:31]
Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
[09:54-10:04] The host emphasizes that WiiM’s free room correction is exceptional value, stating “What are you getting free these days? Nothing. No one’s giving you anything for nothing.”
Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice for Viewers
- [07:28-08:05] Pay close attention to settings when using the software – adjust the REL subwoofer’s frequency cutoff switch to maximum, then set crossover point (60-80 Hz) in WiiM software to avoid competing cutoffs
- [08:12-08:17] Success depends on your specific equipment, ears, subwoofer, and settings
- [08:17-08:19] WiiM room correction is only for active subwoofers
How the Video Wrapped Up
[08:24-09:53] The host shifted to showing vinyl record finds from bin diving, displaying two mint condition albums from the mid-60s. [09:54-10:09] He then concluded by reiterating the value of WiiM’s free room correction and thanked viewers. [10:10-10:26] The video ended with a humorous call-to-action about YouTube’s algorithm recommendations, encouraging viewers to “click it like you mean it.”
Memorable Closing Quotes or Strong Final Opinions
- [08:35-08:39] “Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me with this?” (about finding the Bar-Kays record)
- [10:02-10:04] “No one’s giving you anything for nothing”
- [10:21-10:24] “Minutes of quality entertainment can be yours if you just stick around and click it”
- [10:24-10:26] “Click it like you mean it right now”
Summary
The final portion begins with important technical advice about integrating REL subwoofers with WiiM’s room correction software. The host explains that users should maximize the frequency cutoff on their REL subwoofer’s physical switch, then set the crossover point digitally in the WiiM app to avoid conflicting settings that can cause harmony issues.
The video then takes an unexpected turn as the host showcases two remarkable vinyl finds from his local record store bin diving adventure. He displays a near-mint first pressing of The Bar-Kays’ debut album on Stax Volt and a mid-60s Phoenix Authority album featuring Kenny Burrell, both found in shrink wrap with vintage price tags showing 87 cents and 44 cents respectively.
The host concludes by reinforcing his main message about the exceptional value of WiiM’s free room correction feature, emphasizing how rare it is to receive quality software without cost in today’s market. He wraps up with his signature humor, playfully mocking YouTube’s algorithm while encouraging viewers to engage with the platform’s suggested content, ending the video on an entertaining and memorable note.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
