Comments on: WiiM Amp Ultra: The Sonos Slayer Born from the Ultra and Amp Pro?

By: Ian White

Ian White — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:31:37 +0000

Larry,

Sonos has become somewhat lost as a brand. I agree with you assessment of what the Amp Ultra will mean. I do wish that it supported Airplay 2.

By: larry hennessey

larry hennessey — Wed, 14 May 2025 15:21:54 +0000

Hi Ian,

I love the Sonos line, although I think it could be expanded to every company making sub $1K amps. While I’ve never cared for the WiiM software (when using Qobuz), the devices are a home run. I’ve used a WiiM Pro with Qobuz (via Audirvana Studio) and now Qobuz Connect, and it sounds great and is stable.

This amp with QC, including room correction, will be too much for many companies to counter. Coupled with good passive speakers, the ULTRA will be less expensive than a pair of streaming speakers (except for the KEF LSX LT or Q Acoustics M20/M40). With most streaming speakers recommending a network cable between them, the ULTRA and a pair of World’s Best speaker cables are almost the same.

Streaming services like Qobuz raise the sound quality bar beyond what most thought was possible from a mid-priced system.

Larry

By: Ian White

Ian White — Wed, 14 May 2025 13:17:40 +0000

In reply to Catherine Lugg.

Catherine,

We’re all in agreement. About most of the points you raised. I just hope that the price is smart. Like they can’t make this $1,000.

By: Catherine Lugg

Catherine Lugg — Wed, 14 May 2025 12:44:12 +0000

Ooooooo. Just oooooo. Yah know who also needs to start fussing? Bluesound. I have 2 Bluesound Amps, and they are lovely. The Powernode Edge at 40 watts has more enough power for my small townhome. But it does occasionally glitch on me. And I have fallen in love with my WiiM Ultra Streamer. I’m still not using it to full capacity, but it’s limited by the powered speakers it flows into (KEF LS50 wireless, an expensive mistake–very pretty trash because of the internal electronics). Sooooo, I might have the next upgrade (after replacing the KEFS with ELACs or Q Acoustic passives, since metal tweeters are hard on tinnitus). Oooooo. And thanks!!!!

By: Ian White

Ian White — Wed, 14 May 2025 10:34:21 +0000

In reply to Antonio Solomon.

Sir Cook,

We do not know the prices yet. And I wonder if the tariffs have influenced the roll-out later in 2025. These are not coming out until September at the earliest.

By: Antonio Solomon

Antonio Solomon — Wed, 14 May 2025 10:25:20 +0000

Interesting and hopefully under $750.

Sonos might face some real competition from this.

Does it work with Qobuz Connect?