WiiM Amp Ultra review: the streaming amp that replaces your entire Hi-Fi stack
All-in-one audio products are the ultimate in convenience, but rarely do they get the acceptance from purists or hi-fi hardliners. That’s where the WiiM Amp Ultra comes in with its promise of cutting-edge digital amplification and a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) section worthy of high-end separates.
Table of Contents
Design (9/10)
At its core, the WiiM Amp Ultra is a streamer with a built-in two-channel integrated amplifier, but it can also serve as a DAC, HDMI hub and a multi-room brain, all encased in a smart quarter-width chassis. The front panel, with a 3.5in touchscreen and a multi-function volume click wheel, adds a distinctly modern look that instantly makes it acceptable either in a hi-fi rack or on an IITian’s desk.
The Amp Ultra doesn’t scream for attention, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. In fact, it’s the right amount of minimalism without getting into router territory. The 3.5-inch screen is more useful than flashy, showing playback info, inputs, and system status without feeling like a distraction. But WiiM has also taken the opportunity to pack it with options such as input selection, EQ presets, album art, playlists and Vu meter styles as well!
Touch operation is slick with no perceivable latency, and the icons are well-sized to be easy to hit every time, too, but I always question the inclusion of touchscreens on rack-first audio components. Touch does make sense on a desktop audio product, but something of this calibre and price will most likely be a part of a hi-fi system (or the centrepiece), and that fact dictates that it will almost always be on the other end of the room to the listener.
But WiiM does have an ace up its sleeve with the included physical remote control, something rarely found bundled with a streaming device. Almost a clone of the Apple TV aluminium remote, I had to do a double take on multiple occasions to confirm if i’ve picked up the right one, but still glad I do not have to open a phone app every time I want to reduce the volume by 1 dB.
Connectivity (8.5/10)
If you treat this like a streamer with a built-in amp, it’s fantastic for its I/O, but compared to a traditional integrated amp, there is a premium on ports. One analog and digital input each can accommodate your sources, but the lack of any phono input or AirPlay 2 support means you can’t grow a vinyl community nor invite people with iPhones over. It even lacks a headphone jack, but there is an HDMI ARC and subwoofer out, though, so integrating it with a TV is easy. If you’re an absolute analog-er, you could even attach a turntable using an external phono stage, or simply source a deck with a built-in phono preamp. So while there are workarounds, it’s best to treat the WiiM Amp Ultra as a streaming-first device, and it does brilliantly using the touch panel on the fascia or the excellent WiiM Home app.
Everything from Google Cast to Qobuz, Tidal, Roon, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, YouTube Music and more are covered. Minus AirPlay2 but Bluetooth 5.3 can come to the rescue. An Apple TV-esque voice remote is a handy addition to the bundled accessories for those who prefer a physical remote over the app control and frankly, it remains the quickest way to control basics like volume, mute and track changes.
A comprehensive subwoofer integration suite via the app offers granular control over HPF/LPF, phase and levels all from your phone, making it easy to listen for audible changes. While RoomFit uses your phone’s microphone to fix any anomalies in the frequency response, the target curve can be messed with using the 10-band parametric EQ. If you want to get your hands dirty in the rabbit hole of hi-fi, there is no more economical way to start than the WiiM Amp Ultra!
Sound (7.8/10)
The solid power rating of 100 watts/pc in such a compact box isn’t the only headline here. WiiM’s exclusive PFFB (Post Filter Feedback Technology) is the magic sauce. Typical Class-D amplifiers work by switching power on and off at very high speed, which is efficient, but the output filter they use to smooth the signal can behave unpredictably when connected to a real speaker, whose impedance shifts constantly across frequencies. This causes subtle but measurable distortion.
Everything from the gritty guitars of AC/DC to the pristine vocals of Sohn, the Amp Ultra delivered on power, imaging and keeping the background noise as “black” as possible at this price. Pushing the volume up north didn’t cause the music to lose its integrity or sound overtly compressed, suggesting that the dual amp chips in this Class-D implementation is the real thing and WiiM has worked hard on the emotional quotient. It doesn’t sound sterile like many Class D amps on a budget can sound. There could be more depth to the soundstage and body to the bass, but this is only discernible when compared to a much more expensive Class A/B amplifier. On its own, the WiiM Amp Ultra won’t give anyone reason to knock it if your expectations were of a clean, full-featured streaming amplifier.
Verdict
The WiiM Amp Ultra is what happens when a software-first company takes hardware seriously and delivers pure value. Sure, at Rs. 76,800 falls bang in the midst of some compelling options from Sonos, Marantz and Eversolo, but none of them offer the full suite of room EQ or subwoofer integration controls. It may not have the emotional pull of high-end separates, and it won’t replace a full audiophile stack. But that would be missing the point. This is a gateway drug to good sound. For most people, it’s not just enough; it’s more than enough.
Editor’s rating: 9/10
Pros
- Excellent value for performance
- Stable, intuitive app experience
- Strong wireless connectivity
- Clean, balanced sound signature
Cons
- Limited advanced room correction
- AirPlay seekers will be left wanting
- No headphone out/phono input
