WiiM Amp Ultra Users Experience

[Mr Ee]

Oh no, Hairy!
(Think about it....)

 

[Mr Ee]

Would you believe it...
Scrolling through stereonet, and someone has posted a Wanted ad for a black H190.
Decisions, decisions...

Can I bridge the vibelink and amp ultra?
(No, that's not a serious question.)

 

[QuarryHunslet]

Would you believe it...
Scrolling through stereonet, and someone has posted a Wanted ad for a black H190.
Decisions, decisions...

Can I bridge the vibelink and amp ultra?
(No, that's not a serious question.)

Just get rid of it, you know it makes sense.

 

[Wiimer]

I made a comparison video.
(Do some of you like this kind of thing?).

Amp Ultra vs Ultra + Vibelink Amp



EQ off, no Sub, mono recording.

Either blue or green is the WiiM Amp Ultra. If you are interested, play it on your WiiM using GoogleCast or Bluetooth.

#A video made by an very amateur using an IMM-6C microphone and an Android phone. I hope you enjoy it and please don't take it too seriously


WiiM Test Audio
View attachment 1000001327.mp4



Drill drum loop
View attachment 1000001333.mp4


I have no plans to answer the question at the moment.

From shooting scene..


Thank you

 

[adias]

I made a comparison video.
(Do some of you like this kind of thing?).

Amp Ultra vs Ultra + Vibelink Amp

View attachment 23409

EQ off, no Sub, mono recording.

Either blue or green is the WiiM Amp Ultra. If you are interested, play it on your WiiM using GoogleCast or Bluetooth.

#A video made by an very amateur using an IMM-6C microphone and an Android phone. I hope you enjoy it and please don't take it too seriously


WiiM Test Audio
View attachment 23407



Drill drum loop
View attachment 23408


I have no plans to answer the question at the moment.

From shooting scene..
View attachment 23410

Thank you

Very difficult and academic to evaluate anything like this, as we are listening through a filtered recording system, imposing its characteristics on the original sources. In any case, I listened to the recordings using a pretty high end dedicated headphone amplifier and a 4 figures known classic open-design headphones set (known to be vey neutral). My impression is that the first system (neutral gray screen) seems to sound somewhat more effortless and the other system (green screen) sounds more constrained,

 

[Wiimer]

Very difficult and academic to evaluate anything like this, as we are listening through a filtered recording system, imposing its characteristics on the original sources.

Agreed.
I think it can be used to some extent for relative comparisons.

In any case, I listened to the recordings using a pretty high end dedicated headphone amplifier and a 4 figures known classic open-design headphones set (known to be vey neutral). My impression is that the first system (neutral gray screen) seems to sound somewhat more effortless and the other system (green screen) sounds more constrained,

I could not tell the difference

 

[bavorak]

I want to ask the owners of WIIM AMP ULTRA for one favor. Can you please try setting the alarm, for example, to 7:00 on weekdays, the alarm sound source - Tune In and set the playback duration when waking up to 60 minutes? This is an important functionality for me, I want to wake up in the morning with music and relax in bed for an hour.
Thank you.

 

[harkpabst]

I want to ask the owners of WIIM AMP ULTRA for one favor. Can you please try setting the alarm, for example, to 7:00 on weekdays, the alarm sound source - Tune In and set the playback duration when waking up to 60 minutes? This is an important functionality for me, I want to wake up in the morning with music and relax in bed for an hour.
Thank you.

What I can tell you straight away: It does work with the WiiM Amp and the WiiM Amp Pro. I have no reason to think it wouldn't with the WiiM Amp Ultra, since the software is basically identical.

I also just tested a single, non-repeating alarm set to 5:29 pm, running Radio Paradise Rock Mix (stored as a preset in my case) for 3 minutes. As expected, it worked just the same as with the other WiiM Amps.

 

[Wiimer]

I want to ask the owners of WIIM AMP ULTRA for one favor. Can you please try setting the alarm, for example, to 7:00 on weekdays, the alarm sound source - Tune In and set the playback duration when waking up to 60 minutes? This is an important functionality for me, I want to wake up in the morning with music and relax in bed for an hour.
Thank you.

Yes, like @harkpabst, I have tested alarms too. And I was able to play the Tune In.

You can set repeating alarms only on weekdays.

 

[bavorak]

Thank you both for your immediate testing and your willingness.
I can't wait for it to be available in Europe.
I originally wanted to buy a Marantz m-cr612, but it can't turn itself off after the alarm.

 

[harkpabst]

I can't wait for it to be available in Europe.

It's available from Amazon.de right now.

I originally wanted to buy a Marantz m-cr612, but it can't turn itself off after the alarm.

The M-CR612 used to be a bargain, given it's flexibility and sound quality. I did recommend it to friends and family in the past. But honestly, if you don't absolutely need the built-in CD drive, the WiiM Amp Ultra is in an entirely different league! This is not an exaggeration, I really mean it. It's the much more modern device, much easier in daily use ... and better sounding.

 

[Fernandodelae]

You would think that but it is not always the case. But no problem if you guys don't believe me, I tried....

I believe you, and I performed my WiiM amp setup exactly according to the manual. The manuals exist for a reason, you may or may not follow it, but then if something goes wrong, then those users are so quick to complain.

 

[Wiimer]

Amp Ultra has been played for over 8 hours in a room with a room temperature of 28°C and 54% humidity. Volume 147% (85%,62%)

Current temperature.
temperature_cpu": "55", temperature_tmp102": "56"
Top panel: 42.7°C
Bottom: 41.5°C

Mine is very stable at medium volume

 

[bavorak]

What I can tell you straight away: It does work with the WiiM Amp and the WiiM Amp Pro. I have no reason to think it wouldn't with the WiiM Amp Ultra, since the software is basically identical.

I also just tested a single, non-repeating alarm set to 5:29 pm, running Radio Paradise Rock Mix (stored as a preset in my case) for 3 minutes. As expected, it worked just the same as with the other WiiM Amps.

I have one more question. Can the Wiim Amp Ultra play Tunein stations without the app? As I asked, I would like to use it as a clock radio in the bedroom with just the remote control.

 

[Wiimer]

I have one more question. Can the Wiim Amp Ultra play Tunein stations without the app? As I asked, I would like to use it as a clock radio in the bedroom with just the remote control.

Sorry I'm not @harkpabst, but yes, you can. If you registered Tunein as a preset, it can be play back simply by pressing the preset button on the remote.

How to use the presets here.

How to Use the Preset Feature on Your WiiM Device

TABLE OF CONTENTS How to Set Up Presets Scenario 1: Save Current Playback as a Preset in WiiM Home App Scenario 2: Save a Radio Station from a Music Service as a Preset Scenario 3: Save an Album or Playlist from a Music Service, USB Disk, or...

faq.wiimhome.com

 

[hgo58]

I have one more question. Can the Wiim Amp Ultra play Tunein stations without the app? As I asked, I would like to use it as a clock radio in the bedroom with just the remote control.

You may assign radio stations to the Presets and then use that for alarms, the screen and the remote. You will however need the app to set it up.

There is a limited number of radio stations directly available from the screen also.

 

[Woody]

User experience so far has been favorable. I replaced my WiiM Amp with the WiiM Amp Ultra. To me it sounds more open and vibrant. EQ settings from running one Room Correction which I had also done with the Amp but may make a difference too.

I also decided to take my soundbar and sub (for the sound bar) out of the setup and will be using the Amp Ultra for all audio from the TV. I kinda miss the center channel for voice but I think I can get used to it. Music from YouTube sounds super, so happy with that.

I have the Ultra Amp as a Echo Device in for mult-room music. Works fine to speak to an Echo and it plays on the Amp and other devices like it should. I did notice that the display reverts to the clock and can't be changed if I initiate play from another Echo device in the group.
If I play only on the Ultra Amp then the display shows what I have selected (VU Meter). Not a big deal but wanted to mention it.
Probably similar to not always showing what's being played in the Home App when I initiate play from another Echo. Sometimes the now playing is correct but often not. Display is clock if playback started from Echo Group. Display is correct if playback started from Ultra Amp.

Overall I'm pleased with the way it drives my Thiel 3.5's. Old WiiM Amp found a new home to drive a pair of Klipsch outdoor rock speakers.

 

[adias]

Amp Ultra has been played for over 8 hours in a room with a room temperature of 28°C and 54% humidity. Volume 147% (85%,62%)

Current temperature.
temperature_cpu": "55", temperature_tmp102": "56"
Top panel: 42.7°C
Bottom: 41.5°C

Mine is very stable at medium volume

Pretty much matches my experience.

 

[pjorgenunes]

This is my experience with the WiiM Amp Ultra. First of all, here's unboxing video.

View attachment 23268



View attachment 23269



View attachment 23270


Before I get down to business, must confess. I never even imagined I would like the new Remote 2 so much..

View attachment 23281View attachment 23283View attachment 23282View attachment 23284
Excellent Completion



The 3 WiiM Amp sisters side by side.
View attachment 23272

View attachment 23290

It may not be new to those who already have an Ultra, but the weight is completely different, giving it a luxurious feel and a high level of satisfaction when I hold it in my hand.


Speed comparison of standby on/off by Remote. Amp Ultra is so fast.

Top:Amp
Middle:Amp pro
Bottom:Amp Ultra
View attachment 23285



Screen comparison between Ultra and Amp Ultra. Although there may be individual differences, the Ultra's screen looks slightly yellowish compared to the Amp Ultra.
View attachment 23286View attachment 23287


I believe the resolution and refresh rate are the same; the UI is basically the same as the Ultra and I didn't notice any difference in touch sensitivity. No particular problems.
The orange VU meter looked more beautiful on the Amp Ultra.
View attachment 23288


Comparing the aluminium chassis, the Ultra has joints, whereas the Amp Ultra is one-piece. Chassis sizes also vary slightly.
View attachment 23291


The back panel of the Amp Ultra is similar to the Vibelink amp, but as you may know, the speaker terminals are colour-coded.
View attachment 23292

View attachment 23314

Note, however that unlike previous WiiM Amp sisters, Optical, HDMI, USB and LAN jacks on the Amp Ultra are upside down. I was a little confused during set-up.


Since I had 3 WiiM Amps lined up, I played each one for an hour and compared the temperatures.

Use an inexpensive kitchen thermometer.
View attachment 23293


First, temperatures were measured on 3 units that had been on Standby for more than 12 hours.


[Amp Ultra] Top: 32°C, Bottom: 31°C
(CPU temperature: 43°C)
View attachment 23295View attachment 23296

[Amp Pro] Top: 33°C, Bottom: 31°C
(CPU temperature: 44°C)
View attachment 23299View attachment 23300

[Amp] Top: 34°C, Bottom: 31°C
(CPU temperature: 42°C)
View attachment 23301View attachment 23302


One "Sade" album was played at approximately 75 dB (1m) with the EQ and Sub turned off respectively. (My speaker is 8 ohms/87dB)

After 1 hour...


[Amp Ultra] Top: 39°C, Bottom: 38°C
(CPU temperature: 53°C)
View attachment 23303View attachment 23304


[Amp Pro] Top: 39°C, Bottom: 39°C
(CPU temperature: 59°C)
View attachment 23305View attachment 23307


[Amp] Top: 39°C, Bottom: 37°C
(CPU temperature: 52°C)
View attachment 23308View attachment 23309

The CPU was hottest on the Amp pro; the Amp and Amp Ultra were almost same.

The temperature of the top panel was almost the same for all three units.

Also, the Amp Pro seemed to have a harder time lowering its CPU temperature after standby compared to the others. (I will not pursue this at this time as need more time to investigate this.)

Note that Amp Ultra has been tested before. After 7 hours of continuous playback at approximately the same volume, the results were as follows.

[Amp Ultra] Top: 46°C, Bottom: 42°C
(Sorry, I forgot to look at the CPU)



Now, suddenly the topic changes, they say that Amp Ultra is Wi-Fi 6E compliant, is this true?

...Yes, I was able to connect successfully
View attachment 23310


I did almost all other basic operational checks and could not find any problems with the Amp Ultra hardware. On the software side, we found a few small bugs,
but these have already been fixed, or I'm confident that they will be improved soon.

Overall, I thought it was wonderfully complete.

I used to Ultra+Vibe as my main system. But I've fallen in love with the Amp Ultra so much that I now use it as my main system. For me, the sound quality of the Amp Ultra is excellent and I love the simplicity of having just one unit



(From the scene during my test.)
View attachment 23312
View attachment 23313


Thank you




Review by other members

Review by @adias

Hi, how did you check cpu temp?

 

[QuarryHunslet]

Hi, how did you check cpu temp?

This can be done with the following

https://ip Address of your device/httpapi.asp?command=getStatusEx

Replace "IP Address of your device" with the actual IP Address.