Whilst being a fairly new name on the streaming market Wiim are making real waves in the Hi-Fi industry, releasing some of the most affordable units around. Offering a range of products from the Wiim Mini (a Google Chromecast style device), two Hi-Res streamers in the form of the Wiim Pro and the Pro+, and the all-new flagship model: The Wiim Ultra.

Although it is the Wiim Streaming Amp that is the feature of this month’s little review, a lot of the operational features described are also applicable to the stand alone streamers too. Wiim are really offering incredibly good value with all of their products. The Pro streamer costing just under £150*, the higher spec Pro+ at under £220. The Wiim Streaming Amplifier incorporates a well specified Class D power amplifier, producing a decent 60 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and doubling that to 120 watts in to 4 ohms load, and is incredible value at just £319.

The super compact 19cm x 19cm x 7.5cm enclosure has a digital volume control with a pause/play in the middle, and at the side, a row of pin-sized LED indicators show the volume level. The main control of the amp is really carried out by the included Bluetooth remote or, the slick Wiim app on smartphone or tablet.

On the rear are the mains power connector, four quality speaker terminals, along with subwoofer output, analogue input, HDMI Arc connector for enhancing your TV sound, USB, an optical 'toslink' SPDIF digital input, and a network LAN connector for those not wishing to use Wifi.

Although there is no physical headphone socket, the Wiim amp offers two-way Bluetooth, so any Bluetooth headphones can be connected, and everyone, including guests, can stream in via Bluetooth.

As a streaming product, the support offered by the Wiim app is second to none. As well as being Roon Ready, this little box offers direct streaming from Amazon Alexa & Music, BBC Radio, Calm Radio, Deezer, Napster, Open Network Stream, Pandora, Qobuz, Radio Paradise, SoundCloud, SoundMachine, Soundtrack, Spotify, Tidal, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and vTuner (subscriptions may be required for some services of course).

Connectivity with other apps is also similarly impressive. Chromecast Audio, group connect with HomePods Nest and Echo speakers and displays, Alexa Multiroom, control via Siri, Alexa, Google, the mentioned Bluetooth, full DLNA, local network accessible hard drives, and AirPlay 2. It is hard to find something this little box doesn't support, and with automatic updates through the internet, you’ll always stay connected and up to date.

The included remote control is fully voice-controlled, and being Bluetooth has the advantage it will work in the room regardless of where you locate the tiny Wiim amp, even if it is hidden in a cabinet, not that anyone could object to such a tiny little enclosure.

In use, just add speakers, plug in and go! Of course, the HDMI input is a real boon for TV users. Simply connecting to your TV set’s HDMI Arc channel will establish a connection, enabling TV sound and level control to be sent via the Wiim amp. All sources can be used in multi-room mode too, with any compatible Wiim device.

It's hard to believe so much technology is packed into such a tiny little enclosure, and that it all works so well! Of course, as a streamer, you must download the control app to your device to start. Set up is super easy, be it wired LAN connection, or using your Wifi. Connect up your loudspeakers, plug into mains power, and you are off. The app is super slick, and on top of that, it’s whizzy in its use. No waiting for operations, it just does it.

Considering the price, the sound quality is seriously good. Stereo image and location are excellent, giving the sense of space and reality. The midrange is also fluid, and for a small enclosure, the sound packs a punch. A digital graphic equalizer is incorporated within the design, which can be handy for customers needing the speakers tucked away. Different EQ settings are available for different inputs too. Given the unit is happy with 4-ohm speakers, it can drive a surprising amount of loudspeakers with ease.

The value for money is amazing with the baby Wiim streaming amplifier. It would be great value even just as a source for Bluetooth headphones, with the built-in 240W power amp, superb app, and great sound per pound, it makes the perfect second room system or can form the basis of a very competent introduction system, and the world of streaming.

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

Thanks for reading

David, Munir, James & Haden - Audio T Manchester

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