WiiM Amp Ultra Review: Compact Amplifier Elevates Streaming Sound Quality

Experience superior streaming audio with the WiiM Amp Ultra — a compact amplifier that redefines your speaker expectations.

Audiophile’s Delight: A Streaming Powerhouse

I’ve always considered myself a bit of a music snob—not just about the songs but the gear that delivers them. Honestly, I’ve poured more money into audio equipment than I’m willing to admit just to catch that perfect musical high. So when the WiiM Amp Ultra amplifier landed on my desk for review, my expectations were purposefully low, especially since this amplifier is designed mainly for streaming rather than vinyl.

While I’m still a vinyl enthusiast at heart, streaming is my go-to for discovering fresh tracks. Most people listen to streaming music through phones or computers, but what if you want a dedicated amplifier that extracts every bit of quality from these services? Enter the WiiM Amp Ultra—stylish, user-friendly, and a genuine sound powerhouse designed with streaming in mind.

Setting the Stage: First Impressions and Setup

Upon unboxing, I was a bit bummed to see no built-in phono preamp, meaning I couldn’t plug in my beloved vinyl turntable right away. That’s okay—the Amp Ultra isn’t really aimed at vinyl fanatics. However, if your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you can plug it straight into the Amp Ultra. Since my external preamps are MIA after a recent move, I had to hold off on testing my prized Rega P8 turntable.

Not to be deterred, I hooked the Amp Ultra up to my KEF speakers and System76 Thelio PC, then connected it to my network via the remote control. After a quick system update, I fired up Spotify, ready to dig into its streaming chops.

You can link your favorite accounts directly to the Amp Ultra—it supports nearly all major music services like Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, Pandora, TuneIn, and SoundCloud. Plus, it works with audio players on your computer and even CD players connected to a PC, offering tons of flexibility.

Navigating the Sound: User Experience and Features

With everything hooked up, I explored the Amp Ultra's interface—a breath of fresh air amid often confusing streaming device menus. It’s thoughtfully designed, making navigation smooth, and the sound? Absolutely stunning.

One of my favorite features is the built-in room calibration tool. This isn't just fancy marketing—going through the RoomFit process using the WiiM mobile app genuinely refined the sound to suit my space. The Amp Ultra uses a built-in microphone to analyze your room's acoustics and adjust output accordingly, which is pretty high-tech for a compact amp.

The Amp Ultra also includes a range of equalizer presets. I tried them all, and each had its own character. Instead of sticking to one flat profile, I toggled between presets based on genres, which added a new dimension to my listening sessions. Sure, constantly switching can get a bit tiresome during mixed playlists, but the payoff was worth every tap.

Want to get really hands-on? The WiiM Home app lets you craft a custom 10-band EQ profile for fine-tuning. Playing with this was like unlocking a secret door to exquisite sound customization.

Streaming With Style: Performance That Impresses

Remember, streaming isn’t about chasing audiophile perfection; it’s about squeezing the best sound from your service, room, and speakers. On that front, the Amp Ultra truly shines.

In fact, I’d dare say it’s the best amplifier I’ve ever used under $600. It delivers warm, inviting sound that you don’t typically get from digital amps. The dynamic range is impressive, distortion is virtually nonexistent, and the soundstage feels expansive and detailed. What’s more, it sounds fantastic even at low volume—a blessing for late-night listening.

For those who dread complicated setups, the Amp Ultra’s straightforward configuration is a breath of fresh air. I’ve wrestled with similarly priced amps whose labyrinthine menus make you want to toss the manual out the window. Not here. This one’s built for ease and enjoyment.

Why Buy? The Final Verdict

If you’re craving a compact amplifier that’s a breeze to use yet delivers exceptional sound for streaming, the WiiM Amp Ultra is a no-brainer. At around $529, it strikes an ideal balance between simplicity and sonic excellence. Plus, its petite footprint means it won’t hog your shelf space.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Power Output: 100W per channel at 8 ohms; 200W at 4 ohms
• Speaker Support: Up to four passive speakers
• Build: Solid aluminum chassis
• Weight: ~5.4 lbs (2.45 kg)
• Dimensions: 7.9 x 2.9 x 7.9 inches (20.1 x 7.4 x 20.1 cm)
• DAC: ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE
• Amplifier Chips: Dual TI TPA3255 Class D
• Op-Amps: Six TI OPA1612
• Distortion: Ultra-low
• Connectivity: HDMI ARC with Dolby Digital decoding, USB-A for storage devices, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio
• Streaming Services Supported: Spotify, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Qobuz, and more via WiiM Home app

"You get a warmth rarely expected from a fully digital amplifier, a wide soundstage, and zero distortion, even at low volumes."

— Enthusiastic Audiophile Reviewer

FAQ

• How does the WiiM Amp Ultra handle vinyl playback?
  Without a built-in phono preamp, you’ll need a turntable with a built-in preamp or an external phono preamp to connect vinyl players.
• Can I connect multiple speakers?
  Yes, it supports up to four passive speakers for a richer sound experience.
• Is the room calibration process difficult?
  Not at all. The RoomFit feature uses a built-in microphone and a user-friendly app to tailor sound effortlessly.
• Which streaming services does it support?
  Almost all major ones, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, Pandora, TuneIn, and SoundCloud.
• Does it have wireless connectivity?
  Yes, it features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio for seamless wireless streaming.

Ready to elevate your listening space? Shop your favorite album cover posters to complement your new sound setup at our store here. They’re the perfect way to personalize your audio sanctuary with a touch of style.