WiiM offers several streaming devices that combine audio quality and smart features, but choosing between the Amp Pro, Amp, and Ultra can be tricky. Each model targets slightly different needs, from pure streaming to integrated amplification and touchscreen control. Understanding their strengths helps buyers pick the right gear for their setup.
The Amp Pro stands out as an all-in-one streaming amplifier with upgraded power and room correction, while the standard Amp focuses on simplicity and affordability with solid streaming features. The Ultra, on the other hand, serves as a flagship streamer featuring a touchscreen and advanced digital capabilities, but it lacks built-in amplification.
For those seeking a balance of streaming and amplification, the Amp Pro is a strong choice. If amplification isn’t needed, the Ultra offers more advanced playback control, while the Amp provides a reliable entry point at a lower price.
Key Differences Between WiiM Amp Pro, WiiM Amp, and WiiM Ultra
Each model offers unique features that suit different types of users. The differences range from hardware specs to streaming capabilities and user interface. Understanding these distinctions helps users choose the best option for their needs.
Product Overviews
The WiiM Amp is a compact streaming amplifier known for its simplicity and affordability. It offers solid audio performance and supports AirPlay 2, making it a good choice for Apple users. It is priced around $299, focusing on straightforward functionality.
The WiiM Amp Pro builds on the original Amp by adding a more advanced ESS Sabre DAC chip for improved sound. It drops AirPlay 2 but offers wireless Dolby Digital 5.1 support and post-filter feedback (PFFB). Its price is typically around $369, targeting users wanting higher audio fidelity.
The WiiM Ultra is a flagship streamer with a color touch screen and no built-in amplifier. It also uses the ESS 9038 Q2M Sabre DAC and features room correction. Priced about $329, it focuses on high-end streaming features and control rather than power output.
Positioning in the Product Lineup
The WiiM Amp sits as the entry-level model for users who want an easy-to-use streaming amp with basic wireless features. It appeals to those focused on wireless Apple device integration through AirPlay 2.
The Amp Pro is an upgraded, all-in-one streaming amplifier positioned as a mid-tier product. It targets audiophiles needing better sound quality and more advanced streaming formats, sacrificing AirPlay 2 for enhanced audio tech.
The Ultra is a high-end streamer without an amplifier, meant for users with existing audio systems. It combines high-quality digital-to-analog conversion and touchscreen control, emphasizing streaming and user interface over integrated amplification.
Recommended Use Cases
The WiiM Amp is best for users looking for a simple, affordable streaming amp with Apple ecosystem compatibility. It works well in small to medium rooms where straightforward wireless streaming is a priority.
The WiiM Amp Pro suits audiophiles who want strong built-in amplification alongside advanced digital audio features. It fits users who need multi-channel audio support and room correction in one device.
The WiiM Ultra is ideal for users who already own a separate amplifier or speaker system. It provides high-quality streaming and easy control via touchscreen, making it perfect for those prioritizing sound quality and user experience without needing built-in power.
Technical Specifications Comparison
Audio Performance and DAC Quality
The WiiM Amp uses an AKM AK4452 DAC with 24-bit/192kHz support, delivering clean sound reproduction for most listening scenarios. Its signal-to-noise ratio reaches 98dB, providing sufficient dynamic range for casual to moderate listening levels.
The WiiM Amp Pro upgrades to an ESS ES9038 Q2M Sabre DAC, offering superior audio conversion with 32-bit/384kHz capability and DSD512 support. This premium DAC chip delivers a signal-to-noise ratio of 120dB, resulting in noticeably cleaner sound with better detail retrieval and lower distortion.
The WiiM Ultra shares the same ESS ES9038 Q2M DAC as the Amp Pro, ensuring identical digital audio performance. However, since it lacks built-in amplification, users must pair it with external amplifiers to achieve optimal sound quality.
Power Output and Amplification
The WiiM Amp delivers 60 watts per channel into 8 ohms, sufficient for driving most bookshelf speakers and moderate-efficiency floor-standing speakers in small to medium rooms. Its Class D amplification provides good efficiency while maintaining reasonable sound quality.
The WiiM Amp Pro steps up to 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling the power output of the standard Amp. This additional headroom allows it to drive more demanding speakers and fill larger rooms with dynamic sound. The enhanced amplifier section also features improved post-filter feedback (PFFB) technology for reduced distortion.
The WiiM Ultra contains no amplification circuit, requiring users to connect external amplifiers or powered speakers. This design choice allows for maximum flexibility in system building but adds to the overall cost and complexity.
Connectivity and Streaming Features
All three models support Wi-Fi 6 and Ethernet connectivity for stable network streaming. They include Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, and Qobuz integration, covering most popular streaming services.
Streaming Protocol Differences:
- WiiM Amp: Supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and DLNA
- WiiM Amp Pro: Drops AirPlay 2 but adds Dolby Digital 5.1 wireless streaming
- WiiM Ultra: Includes AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DLNA, and Dolby Digital 5.1
The Ultra and Amp Pro both feature room correction technology, automatically adjusting frequency response based on listening environment measurements. This feature significantly improves sound quality in challenging acoustic spaces.
User Interface and Control Options
Physical Controls and Display
The WiiM Amp features basic physical controls with LED indicators for status feedback. Users primarily control it through the WiiM Home smartphone app, which provides comprehensive streaming and system management functions.
The WiiM Amp Pro maintains similar physical controls to the standard Amp but adds more advanced settings accessible through the app. The focus remains on smartphone-based control rather than device-mounted interfaces.
The WiiM Ultra introduces a 3.5-inch color touchscreen display, allowing direct device control without reaching for a smartphone. The touchscreen shows album artwork, track information, and provides intuitive navigation through streaming sources and settings.
Mobile App Experience
All models use the same WiiM Home app, ensuring consistent user experience across the product line. The app supports multi-room audio, EQ adjustments, and streaming service integration. However, room correction settings are only available for the Amp Pro and Ultra models.
The touchscreen on the Ultra provides redundancy and convenience, especially useful for quick volume adjustments, source switching, and track skipping without unlocking a phone.
Sound Quality Analysis
Real-World Performance Testing
In controlled listening tests, the WiiM Amp produces clean, neutral sound suitable for most genres. Its 60-watt output handles dynamic music well in small to medium rooms, though it may struggle with very demanding speakers or high listening levels.
The WiiM Amp Pro demonstrates noticeably improved sound quality due to its superior DAC and more powerful amplification. The ESS Sabre DAC provides better detail retrieval and soundstage width, while the 120-watt amplifier maintains composure during complex musical passages.
The WiiM Ultra paired with quality external amplification can outperform both Amp models in pure sound quality. Its identical DAC to the Amp Pro, combined with the flexibility to choose specialized amplification, makes it the best choice for serious audiophiles.
Room Correction Impact
Both the Amp Pro and Ultra include automatic room correction, which measures the listening environment and adjusts frequency response accordingly. This feature can dramatically improve sound quality in rooms with challenging acoustics, often providing more benefit than component upgrades alone.
Testing shows room correction particularly effective at taming bass response in small rooms and reducing harsh reflections from hard surfaces. Users report improved clarity and more natural tonal balance after running the calibration process.
Value Proposition and Buying Decision
Price-to-Performance Analysis
At $299, the WiiM Amp offers excellent value for users seeking basic streaming amplification. Its combination of solid sound quality, comprehensive streaming support, and AirPlay 2 compatibility makes it competitive with similarly priced alternatives.
The WiiM Amp Pro at $369 provides significant upgrades for a modest price increase. The improved DAC, doubled power output, and room correction justify the extra cost for users prioritizing sound quality and system flexibility.
The WiiM Ultra at $329 delivers premium streaming features without amplification. For users with existing audio systems, it offers high-end digital conversion and user interface convenience at a reasonable price point.
Long-Term Considerations
The WiiM Amp serves as an excellent entry point that can later be upgraded to separate components as needs evolve. Its AirPlay 2 support ensures compatibility with Apple devices, making it future-proof for users invested in that ecosystem.
The WiiM Amp Pro provides a more complete solution that may eliminate the need for future upgrades in many systems. Its higher power output and advanced features create headroom for speaker upgrades and room changes.
The WiiM Ultra offers maximum flexibility for system evolution, allowing users to upgrade amplification independently while maintaining premium streaming capabilities. Its touchscreen interface and room correction features remain valuable regardless of amplification changes.
Final Recommendations
Choose the WiiM Amp if:
- Budget is the primary concern
- Apple ecosystem integration is essential
- Room size is small to medium
- Simple operation is preferred
- Future component upgrades are planned
Choose the WiiM Amp Pro if:
- Better sound quality is worth the extra cost
- One-box solution is preferred
- Room correction is needed
- Multi-channel audio support is required
- Larger rooms need adequate power
Choose the WiiM Ultra if:
- External amplification is already available
- Maximum streaming flexibility is desired
- Touchscreen control appeals to you
- System building approach is preferred
- Premium features justify the separate amplifier cost
Each WiiM model excels in its intended role, making the choice dependent on individual priorities, existing equipment, and budget constraints. The Amp provides accessible entry-level performance, the Amp Pro delivers comprehensive mid-tier capabilities, and the Ultra offers flagship streaming features for system builders.
