Comments on: WiiM Amp Review: The Audiophile System Builder

By: Vlada

Vlada — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 18:44:07 +0000

Precisely my thoughts as well…
I would really like to see where WiiM will go further with their gear.
And I absolutely agree with you on the trend of simplifying of audio systems, which I also think is the future of non-high-end audio.
Regards,
Vlada

By: Ian White

Ian White — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:56:29 +0000

In reply to Vlada.

Vlada,

Products like the WiiM Amp are the future. No matter how hard the industry wishes to resist. There will always be a market for high-end audio separates but the market is moving to much simpler systems with fewer components and wireless speakers and one additional source.

If WiiM can create an amplifier this good for $299, imagine what they could do for $500 or $1,000 (GaN FETs and higher quality DAC and phono stage).

Best,

Ian White

By: Vlada

Vlada — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:33:11 +0000

Hi Ian,

I find your articles to be kind of a “reality check” in a climate where spending 000’s of $/€ for a pair of cables is considered a normal.

WiiM Amp is something I was looking forward to and when it arrived, I was NOT disappointed.

Of course, one can not expect the performance of a 5x more expensive Atoll IN100 Signature from this tiny box, but in these few days I was listening to it, I found tone to be agreable and not overly accented in any frequency range, with my old QA 3020i’s.

Neutral and balanced, that would be my impression. A little more “slam” would be nice, but absolutely not mandatory in my 16 m2 room.
Not to mention the ease of use, which is second to none (except maybe BlueOS).

Glad there are still people in the HiFi community that know that not everyone is a billionaire and that affordable gear is still a thing.

Best regards from Belgrade,
Vlada

By: Ian White

Ian White — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 01:18:14 +0000

In reply to David.

David,

Thank you for the very kind words and support. I am committed to even more affordable audio as the years progress. The industry needs a serious dose of reality.

Best,
Ian White

By: David

David — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 18:16:11 +0000

Articles such as these are proof that Ian will not give up the fight to champion sanely priced audio gear, the likes of which he found sorely lacking at Capital Audio Fest. By my reckoning, the Ecoustics “System Builder” series is the kind of push back the high-end needs but is not often expressed in the many online audiophile publications. This will prove a benefit not only to the tyro and lower-income audiophile but also to the great majority of those experienced audiophiles who choose to spend more judiciously. For this, I thank you Ian.

David

By: ORT

ORT — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:54:13 +0000

Ian –

I agree. Many spendthusiasts look at Class D as if it were a grade on a test in Hellementary school. So long as I hear nothing but the music I find no fault. Well…except for looks but then I am shallow.

ORT

By: Ian White

Ian White — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:21:52 +0000

In reply to ORT.

ORT,

The current generation of network amplifiers under $500 should scare the piss out of high-end manufacturers. When brands start getting the sonics to another level for under $1,000 — #ballgameover

Best,

Ian White

By: ORT

ORT — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:34:37 +0000

Until recently I had in my garage gym a nice setup that included a Douk ST-01, Grace Digital Link and totally anonymouse 10inch sub with a pair of Jamo S805 tower speakers. I gave it to people I know and care about because I want them to enjoy music.

I got the Jamos for $99.
I got the ST-01 for $139.
I got the Grace Link for $165.
I got the Sub for $135.

Total including tax was approximately $585.

I commend you for this article as it too looks to be a fine gateway to the goodness of interweb music. ‘n’ Schiit too.

I have HEOS speakers out there right now to provide me with the music to lift tiny weights to.

ORT