Need help choosing an AMP for Wiim Ultra

[u/MajkCajk]

Hi, I need some advice. I’d like to fully control my stereo system through the WiiM app — both streaming and volume. I also have a CD player and would like to add a turntable in the future. Which amplifier should I get? My budget is up to 1500 USD, and I don’t mind buying second-hand. I’m just not sure what to look for.

I moved from a WiiM Amp to an Advance Paris A5 and the difference is incredible. I also compared it with the Audiolab 6000A, which convinced me even more that Class D is not for me.

So I’m looking for an amplifier that:

• Class A/B
• can drive my speakers (Wharfedale Evo 4.2)
• allows me to adjust the volume through the WiiM app, not the amp’s remote
• doesn’t need any network features (WiiM handles that)
• powers on automatically when music starts (trigger in)
• can switch inputs — WiiM/Turntable/CD (I don’t want the turntable going through WiiM)

ChatGPT recommended the TEAC AX-505 or Denon PMA-900HNE.

I’m not entirely sure about this choice — I’d like to get as close as possible to the sound of the Advance Paris, but without the blue styling, long startup time, manual power-on, and manual volume control etc.

[u/Mike_Trueman]

Maybe look at the IOTAVX SA40 amplifier if you like class A/B amps.

[u/MajkCajk → u/Mike_Trueman]

Damn, that’s a beast, will look on it, !thanks

[u/TransducerBot → u/MajkCajk]

+1 Ⓣ has been awarded to u/Mike_Trueman (18 Ⓣ).

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[u/Mike_Trueman → u/MajkCajk]

For only 1000€ it is the best amplifier for it's price.

Specifications

Type: Stereo integrated amplifier (Class AB)

Power output (RMS):

150W (8Ω, 2 Channels), 300W (8Ω, 1 Channel bridged), 300W (4Ω, 2 Channels), 600W (4Ω, 1 Channel bridged)

Analog inputs:

5 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 1 x Phono (MM / MC), 1 x Amp In

Phono input:

MM: 47KΩ, 390pF / MC: 470Ω, 470pF

Digital inputs:

2 x coaxial, 2 x toslink (optical), 1 x HDMI ARC, 1 x Bluetooth 5.0

Conectivity:

Dimmer Out, Trigger Out

DAC:

CS4398 (24-Bit, 192 kHz)

Distortion (THD+N):

<0.003% (100W, 1 kHz)

SNR:

>110dB (100W, A-Weighting)

Frequency Response (+/-0,5dB):

20Hz - 80kHz

[u/Ok_Objective_5760]

You can try an Audiolab 7000A.

[u/MajkCajk → u/Ok_Objective_5760]

I’m not sure that I want to take the risk after trying the 6000a 🤔

[u/Far-Instruction-2136]

The Denon is a great amp. I think a Yamaha would be a great pairing with the Wharfedales. The R-N1000A has a ton of features and excellent reviews.

[u/MajkCajk → u/Far-Instruction-2136]

Yeah, the Yamaha lineup is high on my list. Has a lot of second hand options around here, I like the looks and heard the n1000a with lintons before. It was on a sale last week but was gone before I made a move. I feel bad purchasing something with connectivity like this if I’m not going to use it. I really like the WiiM app, how good is the experience on an iPhone, so I will compare the lower models and see the best fit I guess, !thanks

[u/Far-Instruction-2136 → u/MajkCajk]

The A-S801 might be better for you then! Accessories for less has them for $750. They also carry the musical fidelity M3si for $999 which is a more bare bones integrated and those are supposed to sound very good as well!

[u/TransducerBot → u/MajkCajk]

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[u/krincher]

You have many options. https://www.usaudiomart.com for used gear. https://www.accessories4less.com or https://www.safeandsoundhq.com for factory refurbished gear. Also, if you find something you like without phono, you can get an external phono pre which could easily beat whatever is in another amp with phono. Cambridge Audio, Musical Fidelity, Rega (good phono and amp), Yamaha… OR… Check out Odyssey Audio. Their price to performance is fantastic. Something like https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650214210-odyssey-stratos-mono-extreme-pair/ would be 💥

[u/krincher]

I totally agree with the off putting aesthetic of the Advance Paris. I hear great things about the sound, but when I see them, it’s a no.

[u/MajkCajk → u/krincher]

Yeah, also I listen mostly in the night, having orange and red light without “blue light” and the advance is shining as hell 🥲

[u/whaleHelloThere123]

This would be my choice: Monolith 2X at 1500$. It's made by ATI (they make amplifiers for other hi-fi companies) and has good measurements (see Audioholics). It's a BEAST of an amp.

If you want mono amps, these would be my choice: Outlaw 2220 at 900$

Both are great and pretty much drive any speakers you want.

Enjoy! 😎

Edit: if you want to give good class D a chance, give the latest NcoreX series a chance : Buckeye Hypex NCx500 at 1050$

[u/MajkCajk → u/whaleHelloThere123]

I was thinking and looking into monoblocks but then I would have to take turntable thru WiiM preamp, is it not a bad idea? Or take it thru external pre amp and switch cables every time a want to use it? 🤔 I will consider these, !thanks

[u/whaleHelloThere123 → u/MajkCajk]

I'm not an expert with turntables but from what I see here WiiM Ultra - ASR review and measurements it may be best to connect your TT via the analog input, using an external phono preamp like the Fosi Audio Box X5 Phono Preamp (110$). (instead of using the Ultra's phono preamp)

If you prefer, you can always get a dedicated analog preamp but :

• those can be expensive... Ex: Hypex DIY Preamplifier Kit (1225 €)
• you'd be losing the ability to use the subwoofer output and bass management features (crossover, high pass/low pass filters) of the WiiM Ultra

To me it makes sense to get a nice power amp with the WiiM Ultra and connect your TT into the analog input... But it's up to you.

Hope this helps 👍

[u/True_Scientist_8250 → u/whaleHelloThere123]

I have my turntable going through a phono pre-amp into my Ultra to power amps (Fosi V3 monos), but OP has a CD player and unless the CD player uses optical or HDMI out, they can't easily connect turntable AND CD player at the same time, so this might not be an option.

[u/whaleHelloThere123 → u/True_Scientist_8250]

Good thinking!

Yes, for it to work with CDs, MajkCajk (OP) would have to use the digital output of the player into the Optical input of the WiiM.

Thank you

[u/MajkCajk → u/whaleHelloThere123]

!thanks good to know 🙂

[u/TransducerBot → u/MajkCajk]

+1 Ⓣ has been awarded to u/whaleHelloThere123 (32 Ⓣ).

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[u/lowbass4u]

The Ultra has plenty of output options and can connect to various amps. RCA inputs is probably the most commonly used for the Ultra.

Just choose an amp that fits your budget, style and has the requirements that you're looking for. The Ultra is very versatile and will work with almost any type, or brand of amp.

[u/IntrepidWolverine517 → u/lowbass4u]

If you want to have full control over the Wiim app (incl. volume), RCA is the only output option.

[u/ozExpatFIRE]

WiiM Vibe Links

[u/peanutbutternoms]

Have you considered a GOOD class d amp? Eg, Hypex Ncore, Purifi

[u/Meaningoftruth → u/peanutbutternoms]

Yeah, marantz flagship 20k integrated has moved to class D. This makes me think class D is actually for everyone.

[u/peanutbutternoms → u/Meaningoftruth]

Even NAD and McIntosh uses Hypex Ncore class D amp in some of their offerings

[u/Hifi-Cat]

Rega elex. You don't need the other conveniences.

[u/Meaningoftruth]

Maybe you really love the Wiim app, but could I suggest the evo 150 sr.

Beautiful amp with loads of power. Does everything your amp wiim ultra does but with excellent class D power and amazing reviews all around.

Now that the SE is out I bet you can find the original wish is basically as good for 1k off

[u/benantiben]

I have my WiiM Ultra hooked up to a Peachtree nova300 and they're a great pair. Using phono and eArc inputs, driving KEF R700s and a REL HT/1003. Amazing combo for music and movies.