Transition to Digital Preamp for Music Streaming: A Game-Changer

Introducing the WiiM Amp Ultra

I'll confess—I'm quite the audiophile. Whether it's about the tracks I enjoy or the audio gadgets I invest in, my pursuit of superior sound has always driven my choices. Over the years, my spending on sound equipment has been substantial, all in the quest for acoustic excellence.

When reviewing any audio gear, particularly amplifiers, I often set my expectations realistically. This is true for amps primarily designed for streaming. My affinity lies with vinyl music, but I embrace streaming as well, as it introduces me to fresh tunes.

Many people equate streaming with their PCs or smartphones. But imagine if there was an amplifier tailored specifically for streaming? Actually, there is such a device that stands out remarkably.

Enter the WiiM Amp Ultra. Characterized by a sleek design and user-friendly operation, it delivers superb sound quality, even from streaming platforms. Opt for a high-resolution streaming service, and the experience only enhances further.

Hands-On Experience with the WiiM Amp Ultra

Upon unboxing the Amp Ultra, I realized a preamp wasn't part of the package, which dashed hopes of connecting my turntable straight away. However, since vinyl enthusiasts aren't the primary audience for this device, it wasn't a deal-breaker. If your turntable has an integrated preamp, you can connect it directly. Unfortunately, my additional preamps were misplaced during a recent move, so I had to explore the Amp Ultra minus my trusty Rega P8.

I linked the Amp Ultra with my audio system via remote and network connectivity. The setup finished smoothly, after which I updated the system and launched Spotify.

Conveniently, streaming accounts can be accessed directly through the amp, which accommodates all major services like Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, and more. Moreover, it supports sending audio from a PC's player or even a CD player attached to your computer.

This variety assures plenty of listening choices.

Once connected, I tested Spotify on my PC, and the Amp Ultra impressed me. Its intuitive interface simplified navigation through the settings, and the sound quality was remarkable.

One standout feature is the sound optimization tool, tailored to match your listening environment. Engaging in this process greatly enhances auditory experience. It involves downloading an app through which you connect the amp to your network and use the RoomFit feature for personalized sound adjustment.

This customization relies on an onboard mic within the amp.

Additionally, the Amp Ultra provides various equalizer settings. Cycling through these, I noticed each uniquely altered sound output. Assigning different EQ presets to various music genres made a big difference. True, switching EQ settings when listening to mixed-genre playlists can be tedious, but the results are worth it.

Moreover, the WiiM Home app allows for custom EQ configurations, featuring a 10-band EQ for nuanced adjustments. Experimenting with this can produce stunning sound quality tailored to your preferences.

While streaming generally can't match audiophile-grade quality, the aim here is to optimize sound suitable for the service, setup, and speakers. The WiiM Amp Ultra achieves this wonderfully.

I dare say it's perhaps the finest amplifier under $600 I've encountered. It provides a warm sound, considerable headroom, and a broad soundstage, contingent on speaker quality, all without distortion. Impressively, it maintains its brilliance even at low volumes—no need to max out the volume.

Most users will value the Amp Ultra's simplicity in setup and use. Some similar amps entail overly complex menus and setup processes that can deter even seasoned users. However, this amp offers a refreshingly straightforward experience.

Buying Guidance from ZDNET

The WiiM Amp Ultra offers an exquisite balance of user-friendliness and superb sound quality. For streaming majority of your music, few alternatives excel at the $529 price point.

Compact yet mighty, the Amp Ultra earns top marks across the board.