Wiim Amp Pro review: exclusively for audiophiles
Wiim Amp Pro
MSRP: $379.00
"Wiim's enhanced streaming amplifier might be exactly what audiophiles seek."
Pros
- Unmatched pricing
- Stylish all-in-one design
- Extensive audio settings
- Superb sound quality
- Supports Dolby Audio
- Compatible with Google Cast, Spotify & Tidal Connect
Cons
- Lacks Apple AirPlay
- No USB audio input
- May not outperform the Wiim Amp
The original Wiim Amp received praise from many reviewers, myself included. It stands as an alternative to pricier options like the Sonos Amp, Denon Home Amplifier, or Bose Music Amplifier, offering an impressive feature set, excellent sound quality, and a price of $299 that undercuts major brands. When Wiim introduced its successor — the $379 Wiim Amp Pro, featuring enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, improved audio quality, and Dolby Audio — I questioned the necessity of such a product. After testing it, I found that for the average consumer, it might not be necessary. In fact, due to a significant difference between the models, the Wiim Amp may be the better choice over the Wiim Amp Pro. Nevertheless, the Amp Pro should not be overlooked. Here’s why.
The integrated amplifier streamer
Before diving into specifics, let’s quickly summarize who should consider purchasing these devices. The Wiim Amp, Amp Pro, and their competitors are network music streamers with built-in amplifiers. If you have a complete sound system (speakers plus an amplifier or receiver) or use powered speakers (like Klipsch The Sevens), the Amp Pro is not suitable. Instead, you’ll need a network streamer without amplification, such as the Wiim Mini, Wiim Pro, Pro Plus, or the flagship Wiim Ultra. However, if you possess passive speakers that you enjoy, the Wiim Amp/Amp Pro serve as an all-in-one solution. They grant access to a wide array of streaming music and function as mini receivers, providing multiple digital and analog inputs for devices like televisions or CD players. Simply connect your existing speakers with standard speaker wire, and you’re all set.
Wiim Amp Pro specifications
- Price: $379
- Color: Space Grey
- Inputs: HDMI ARC, digital optical, analog RCA, USB-A, Ethernet
- Outputs: Subwoofer output, stereo speaker terminals
- Audio formats: Dolby Audio, PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, WMA, OGG
- Amplifier power: 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 120 watts per channel at 4 ohms
- Bluetooth version and codecs: Version 5.3; AAC, SBC, LC3
- Wireless music: Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Google Cast, Bluetooth (receive and transmit)
Exceptional value
I suspect many of you are eager to know if spending an additional $80 on the Amp Pro is worthwhile. If that’s you, feel free to jump ahead. For everyone else, I highly recommend my detailed review of the Wiim Amp. It covers all the features that make these products particularly attractive for digital music enthusiasts. From flexible connection options (like the available HDMI ARC input and the configurable subwoofer output with crossover) to the excellent Wiim app, which may prompt Sonos users to yearn for the past—both the Wiim Amp and Amp Pro provide remarkable value.
I won’t delve deeper here; everything you need to understand about the Wiim Amp Pro is included in the Wiim Amp review. Everything—except…
What sets the Amp apart from the Amp Pro?
Realistically, not much. The power output of their built-in amplifiers is the same.
There are a few minor physical differences. The Amp Pro’s aluminum case is available only in Space Grey, while the Amp offers both Space Grey and Silver options. The Amp Pro has thicker rubber feet, increasing its height by two millimeters, and it weighs more (4.5 pounds compared to the Amp’s 4 pounds).
The company claims that the Pro features a revised thermal management system with copper, aluminum, and a graphene heat sink. The volume knob on the Amp Pro has a smooth, free-spinning design, whereas the original Amp has a notched movement. While I personally prefer the notched adjustment, a smooth spin is more commonly found in integrated amplifiers, likely influencing Wiim’s decision to change it.
Additionally, the Amp Pro's 5-way binding posts have transparent plastic covers, while the Amp’s are bare metal.
All enhancements of the Amp Pro are internal:
- Upgraded DAC: the Pro uses the same 32-bit/384kHz ES9038 Q2M Sabre DAC as the Ultra, which is an upgrade from the Amp's ES9018 chip
- Texas
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Wiim Amp Pro review: exclusively for audiophiles
The Wiim Amp made a significant impact on the AV industry upon its release, but is the Wiim Amp Pro really worth the additional $70?