Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Wiim’s new amplified streamer mimics the Sonos Amp, for $299

Wiim Amp in space grey.
Wiim Amp in space grey. Wiim

Wiim’s newest product, the Wiim Amp, is an amplified wireless network music player that bears a strong resemblance to the Sonos Amp, both in function and form. However, in typical Wiim fashion, it costs far less than Sonos’ amplified player. At just $299, and available in silver and space grey colors, it’s less than half the price of the Sonos Amp. You can buy the Wiim Amp on Amazon starting November 22.

The Wiim Amp joins the Wiim Mini, Wiim Pro, and Wiim Pro Plus network music streamers. Each can be used on its own or as part of a multiroom audio system via the Wiim app, which also features many of the same functions as Sonos’ software. Unlike Wiim’s previous products, the Wiim Amp can serve as a standalone device. With its built-in amplifier, it can power two or four passive speakers.

Wiim’s design includes a large volume dial, integrated multifunction button, and volume LED indicators. The Sonos Amp lets you control the same functions using its touch controls, but they aren’t as satisfying to use as physical controls. The Wiim Amp seems to be designed to take a very front-and-center role in your home audio setup, an idea that’s reinforced with the inclusion of an Amazon Alexa-powered voice remote.

Wiim Amp in silver.
Wiim Amp in silver. Wiim

Inside the Wiim Amp is a class D amplifier controlled by a TI 3255 amplifier chip. This supplies either 120 watts at 4 ohms or 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms. The four speaker terminals can be used with bare wire or banana plugs.

Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by the ESS ES9018K2M, a DAC that is 10 years old, but remains a favorite with audiophiles. It can process up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, with no resampling on sources up to 24-bit/192kHz. This gives it the ability to handle just about any lossless, hi-res audio content, and it’s MQA compatible for folks who prefer to stream that format from sources like Tidal Hi-Fi (while it lasts.) The only thing missing for die-hard audiophiles is DSD compatibility — a curious omission given that the ES9018K2M DAC can handle DSD up to 11.2 MHz.

Much like the Sonos Amp, the Wiim Amp is both an analog stereo input for devices including turntables, and an HDMI ARC port so you can use the Wiim Amp as a soundbar alternative. There’s also a subwoofer output. But the Wiim Amp also features two extra ports — an optical input and a USB mass storage port — which expands the number of sources that can be used. Like Wiim’s other media players, you can connect to the Wiim Amp via Bluetooth as well.

Wiim Amp rear panel.
Wiim

The Wiim app provides various EQ and parametric EQ options including 24 preset EQ settings, a 10-brand graphic EQ adjustable to every audio source (Line-in, Bluetooth, or network), and a four-band parametric EQ that allows more fine granular adjustments.

The player works with Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Alexa Music Cast, Deezer, Qobuz, Pandora, DLNA, Spotify Connect, and Tidal HiFi/HiFi+, and it’s compatible with Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. In fact, with the included voice remote, you get direct access to Alexa. Wiim says it expects the Wiim Amp to earn Roon certification in the near future.

Editors' Recommendations

Simon Cohen
Contributing Editor, A/V
Simon Cohen covers a variety of consumer technologies, but has a special interest in audio and video products, like…
Sonos’ new Era 100 and Era 300 wireless speakers go all-in on spatial audio and Bluetooth
Sonos Era 300 and Era 100 side by side.

Sonos has officially unveiled two new wireless smart speakers -- the $249 Sonos Era 100, and the $449 Sonos Era 300. While the Era 100 is effectively a new version of the aging Sonos One, which it replaces, the Era 300 is an entirely new type of speaker for the company, with six drivers (including an up-firing tweeter) and compatibility with spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos.

The leaks pretty much nailed it. Both speakers will be available on March 28 in 26 countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, and Australia, with preorders beginning March 7.

Read more
BluOS will be updated to 4.0 with a fresh look, new features
Two phones showing different screens of BluOS 4.0.

Lenbrook International, the company that creates BluOS, says that the software is going to get a major update in the spring, to version 4.0. BluOS controls wireless speakers from Bluesound, as well as a variety of audio gear from NAD, Dali, and PSB. The change will bring a cleaner look to the interface, as well as several enhancements to how the app works.

“BluOS 4.0 brings added depth to personalized, multiroom hi-res listening,” said Andrew Haines, BluOS product manager, in an emailed press release. “This comprehensive redesign of the mobile app interface reflects a commitment to delivering seamless user experiences for BluOS users.”

Read more
Bose Music Amplifier takes a direct shot at the Sonos Amp
Bose Music Amplifier.

With no fanfare of any kind, not even a press release, Bose launched its Bose Music Amplifier in October 2022 -- and we only just became aware of it. It's hard to say why the company decided to take such a stealthy approach, except maybe it wanted all of the attention on its Smart Soundbar 600, which hit retail at the same time. One look at the Music Amplifier and its price ($699) and it's immediately obvious that it has been designed as a direct competitor to the $699 Sonos Amp, as the similarities are unmistakable.

Like the Sonos Amp, the Bose Music Amplifier is an all-in-one wireless audio component for those who already own (or intend to buy) a set of wired speakers. In fact, as long as you don't mind listening to the same thing, you can power two pairs of wired speakers from the Music Amplifier, like a set of ceiling speakers and a set of bookshelf units. With 125 watts per channel (same as the Sonos Amp), there should be plenty of power for two sets, as long as you pay attention to the impedance requirements: with a single set, no less than 4 ohms will work, but if you throw in that extra set, all four speakers should be no less than 8 ohms.

Read more