Audio T Verdict
The WiiM Amp Ultra combines a network music streamer, high-resolution DAC, pre-amplifier and powerful Class D stereo amplifier in one compact component.
Its 100W-per-channel output, RoomFit room correction, extensive streaming support, HDMI ARC connection and clear touchscreen make it a particularly capable just-add-speakers system.
More ambitious separates can offer greater refinement and a wider upgrade path, but the Amp Ultra provides an unusually complete combination of power, flexibility and straightforward control for its size and price.
WiiM Amp Ultra Streaming Amplifier
The WiiM Amp Ultra is a compact streaming amplifier designed to form the centre of a modern music and television system.
Connect a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers and it can stream music, reproduce television sound, play files from network or USB storage and accommodate compatible digital and line-level analogue sources.
Control is available through the WiiM Home app, supplied WiiM Voice Remote 2, multifunction rotary control and 3.5-inch colour touchscreen.
100W-per-Channel Class D Amplification
Dual Texas Instruments TPA3255 Class D amplifier chips provide 100W per channel into 8 O or 200W per channel into 4 O, with both channels driven at the specified distortion level.
This gives the Amp Ultra sufficient output for a wide range of stand-mount and floorstanding passive loudspeakers, although sensitivity, impedance, room size and preferred listening level remain important when selecting a suitable pair.
Its copper heat pipe, aluminium heatsink and temperature-management system help control internal operating temperature during extended use.
Post-Filter Feedback Technology
Post-Filter Feedback, commonly shortened to PFFB, allows the amplifier to monitor the signal after the Class D output filter.
This helps maintain a more consistent frequency response as loudspeaker impedance changes, reducing the degree to which different speaker loads alter the amplifier's tonal balance.
It does not remove the need for careful loudspeaker matching, but it helps the Amp Ultra behave more consistently with the wide variety of passive speakers it may be asked to drive.
ESS ES9039Q2M DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, supported by six Texas Instruments OPA1612 operational amplifiers.
The streaming platform supports bit-perfect high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the analogue line input is converted to digital at up to the same resolution for processing, EQ, room correction and multiroom distribution.
Streaming Services and Network Playback
The WiiM Home platform provides access to compatible music services, internet radio, podcasts, network libraries and files stored on a connected USB drive.
Supported technologies include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Google Cast Audio, Alexa Cast, Roon Ready and DLNA. Service availability can vary by region and some services require a separate subscription.
Network connections include Wi-Fi 6E and 10/100Mbps Ethernet, allowing either wireless or wired installation according to the quality and layout of the home network.
AirPlay 2 Is Not Supported
The WiiM Amp Ultra does not support AirPlay 2, Siri or Apple HomePod grouping.
Apple phone and tablet users can still operate the amplifier through the WiiM Home app and compatible music-service apps.
RoomFit Room Correction
WiiM RoomFit uses measurements taken in the listening area to assess how the loudspeakers and room affect the frequency balance.
Digital correction can then be applied to reduce the influence of particular room-related peaks and produce a more even response from the available speaker positions.
Room correction cannot compensate for unsuitable loudspeakers or extremely poor placement, so the speakers should still be positioned and levelled carefully before RoomFit is configured.
Graphic, Parametric and Input-Specific EQ
The WiiM Home app includes 24 preset EQ profiles together with 10-band graphic and parametric equalisers for more detailed adjustment.
Separate settings can be retained for Wi-Fi streaming, HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth and line-level sources. This is useful when one source requires a different tonal adjustment from another.
HDMI ARC for Television Sound
HDMI ARC allows a compatible television to send audio to the Amp Ultra through an HDMI cable, creating a higher-quality stereo alternative to a conventional soundbar.
The HDMI ARC and optical digital inputs accept stereo PCM and Dolby Digital 5.1 signals. These are reproduced through the connected stereo loudspeakers rather than as a discrete five-channel surround system.
Check the Television Audio Format
DTS is not supported. Set the television or connected source to output stereo PCM or Dolby Digital if no sound is heard.
Analogue Line Input
A stereo RCA line input allows a compatible CD player, tuner, cassette deck, external phono stage or another line-level source to be connected.
The input accepts up to 2Vrms and converts the analogue signal to digital at up to 24-bit/192kHz so it can pass through the Amp Ultra's volume control, EQ, RoomFit and multiroom functions.
A Phono Stage Is Required for Most Turntables
The RCA connection is a line-level input rather than a dedicated moving-magnet or moving-coil phono input.
A turntable must have a suitable phono stage built in or be connected through a separate external phono stage.
Subwoofer and USB Connections
A mono RCA subwoofer output allows a compatible powered subwoofer to be added, with associated settings managed through the WiiM Home app.
The USB connection can read compatible FAT32, NTFS and EXT4 storage devices, making stored music available to the Amp Ultra and other compatible WiiM or DLNA devices.
USB audio output can also feed a compatible external DAC at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Speaker and USB outputs are selected through the WiiM interface rather than operating as completely independent listening zones.
Two-Way Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3 can receive audio from a compatible phone, tablet, computer or television using the SBC or AAC codec.
The connection is bidirectional, so the Amp Ultra can also send its audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones, earphones or wireless speakers.
There is no conventional wired headphone socket.
Touchscreen and WiiM Voice Remote 2
The 3.5-inch colour touchscreen displays album artwork, playback information and system status while providing direct access to common playback and source controls.
The supplied WiiM Voice Remote 2 uses Bluetooth, so it does not require a direct line of sight to the amplifier. Its push-to-talk microphone supports Alexa voice commands after the relevant account has been configured.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Compact just-add-speakers systems
- Stand-mount and suitable floorstanding speakers
- Music and television systems sharing one pair of speakers
- Rooms that may benefit from RoomFit correction
- Customers wanting app, touchscreen and remote control
- WiiM multiroom systems
Check Before Buying
- Loudspeaker sensitivity and impedance
- Required playback level and room size
- AirPlay 2 is not supported
- No wired headphone socket
- No built-in phono stage
- DTS television audio is not supported
Browse our
passive Hi-Fi speakers
or consider the compact
Acoustic Energy AE100²
,
which Audio T has previously partnered with the Amp Ultra as a complete system.
Finish Options
Silver
A light aluminium finish that highlights the compact unibody case and front touchscreen.
Space Grey
A darker and more discreet finish that complements black or graphite-coloured equipment.
Key Features
- Network streaming stereo amplifier
- 100W per channel into 8 O
- 200W per channel into 4 O
- Class D amplification with Post-Filter Feedback
- ESS ES9039Q2M DAC
- Dual TI TPA3255 amplifier chips
- Six TI OPA1612 operational amplifiers
- Bit-perfect playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet
- Two-way Bluetooth 5.3
- RoomFit room correction
- 24 EQ presets
- 10-band graphic and parametric EQ
- Input-specific EQ settings
- HDMI ARC and optical digital inputs
- Stereo RCA line input
- Mono RCA subwoofer output
- USB storage playback and USB audio output
- 3.5-inch colour touchscreen
- WiiM Voice Remote 2 included
- Silver and Space Grey finishes
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the WiiM Amp Ultra require a separate amplifier?
No. It contains a stereo power amplifier, so it can drive a suitably matched pair of passive loudspeakers directly.
Does it support AirPlay 2?
No. The Amp Ultra does not support AirPlay 2, Siri or Apple HomePod grouping.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, but the Amp Ultra has a line-level RCA input rather than a phono input. The turntable requires a suitable built-in or separate phono stage.
Can it improve television sound?
Yes. Connect a compatible television through HDMI ARC or optical digital. The Amp Ultra accepts stereo PCM and Dolby Digital 5.1, then reproduces the soundtrack through the connected stereo loudspeakers.
Does it support DTS?
No. The connected television or source should be set to stereo PCM or Dolby Digital.
Can I connect wired headphones?
No. There is no wired headphone socket, although two-way Bluetooth allows audio to be sent to compatible Bluetooth headphones or earphones.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. A mono RCA output is provided for a compatible powered subwoofer, with associated settings available through the WiiM Home app.
Is the WiiM Amp Ultra Roon Ready?
Yes. It is Roon Ready and supports high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.
What is included in the box?
The package includes the WiiM Amp Ultra, WiiM Voice Remote 2, mains cable, HDMI cable, RCA audio cable, optical cable, four speaker banana plugs and a quick-start guide.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable passive loudspeakers
- Speaker matching for your room and listening levels
- WiiM Home app and network setup
- RoomFit measurement and configuration advice
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet installation guidance
- HDMI ARC and television-audio setup
- Turntable and phono-stage connection advice
- Subwoofer matching and configuration
- USB storage and network-library setup
- WiiM multiroom-system planning
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss a suitable WiiM Amp Ultra system for your room.