WiiM Amp Ultra Users Experience

[Roedelheim]

I'm not going to break out my 40yo highschool Deutsche to read the classification system used here, but it reads that Reference Class is the pinnacle regardless of cost. And that Audio Test has only found 5 devices which perform/rate better than the WAU.

It’s basically pointless to discuss that. But I’ve got a bit of time to kill right now. Whether you like it or not, 95% in the entry-level category does not mean that the device is on par with those that also scored 95% in higher categories. 95% of 500 is not 95% of 1000. Even the often-cited democratization of high fidelity does not completely override certain fundamental rules. That said, I still consider the quality delivered by the WAU to be outstanding. It’s just nowhere near the end of the line.

 

[harkpabst]

In the end it's just another Hi-Fi mag and their rating system is as useful and reliable as such systems have been for decades.

I other words, the ranking itself is pretty much pointless.

 

[Roedelheim]

In the end it's just another Hi-Fi mag and their rating system is as useful and reliable as such systems have been for decades.

I other words, the ranking itself is pretty much pointless.

Agreed. I have not started with that. Magazines are business. But, from time to time I notice a fundamental loss of objectivity in this and other forums. Or even reality?

 

[harkpabst]

Agreed. I have not started with that. Magazines are business. But, from time to time I notice a fundamental loss of objectivity in this and other forums. Or even reality?

I mostly agree. OTOH people tend to forget what the price of entry level gear was 30 or 40 years ago. And a device like e.g. the WiiM Amp Ultra at 600 € easily beats everything that was sold for 1.200 DM 40 years ago, and in every thinkable way.

I've been using the WiiM Amp Ultra instead of my Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 for a couple of months into highly resolving speakers (admittedly, most of the time with two subwoofers). The difference when swapping back wasn't night and day (audiophiles tend to only notice night and day differences, no matter what, even when replacing a fuse). Probably the better room correction system had its fair share, too.

 

[Roedelheim]

Also, mostly agreed. Never gave I a bad word about the performance of the AU I've got with the words "try it". The performance is really outstanding! Nevertheless I gave it back on Thursday for other reasons. What I find funny is a kind of mechanism, normally reviewers and magazines are "paid instances misleading people". That immediately changed when the review is good for a product someone owns and wants a confirmation he was or will be smart. That's it.

 

[harkpabst]

That immediately changed when the review is good for a product someone owns and wants a confirmation he was or will be smart. That's it.

True.

 

[Goodnews]

. That immediately changed when the review is good for a product someone owns and wants a confirmation he was or will be smart. That's it.

A simple example of what is currently being used.

The technical design should be standardized…
It was completely different 40 years ago than it is today.

Over the past 2–3 years, the hi-fi (niche) sector has changed exponentially.

A decent streamer board costs very little these days.
And yes, for the price, a Wiim Amp Ultra is good.

But what actually constitutes “very good,” and how do I convey my listening experience to my neighbor sitting next to me, who has a completely different hearing profile and reference points?

I often get the impression that “mediocrity” has become the new standard.

 

[mrehorst]

But what actually constitutes “very good,” and how do I convey my listening experience to my neighbor sitting next to me, who has a completely different hearing profile and reference points?

I often get the impression that “mediocrity” has become the new standard.

Why do you have to convey anything to your neighbor who is sitting next to you? Can't he hear the system playing?

 

[Goodnews]

Why do you have to convey anything to your neighbor who is sitting next to you? Can't he hear the system playing?

We’ve all been there—those listening situations at “public” Events & Co

A track or album comes on that I recognize from home, and the person next to me thinks the performance is great, but I don’t?

There you go…

 

[Roedelheim]

Change the neighborhood

 

[Eddie Spaghetti]

We’ve all been there—those listening situations at “public” Events & Co

A track or album comes on that I recognize from home, and the person next to me thinks the performance is great, but I don’t?

There you go…

Well that person is obviously wrong. You need to hang out in a better class of bowling alley.

 

[BMeek]

Well that person is obviously wrong. You need to hang out in a better class of bowling alley.

Heh. Reminds me of an astute observation on 'other drivers' by a comedian whose name I don't recall - "[...when driving] everyone driving slower than you is an idiot; everyone driving faster than you is an asshole!".

 

[Goodnews]

Well that person is obviously wrong. You need to hang out in a better class of bowling alley.

 

[BMeek]

Heh heh. 'Knallerfrauen'. First I'd heard of this. Ich kann nur ein bisschen Deutsch... but soon realized the main joke here needs no words.