New Streaming Amplifier

[GwMarshy]

Hi, I currently have a Wiim Amp Pro and am looking to upgrade. I would like to keep the streaming otions.

My current set up is:
Rega P3rs with ND7
Rega MM Mk5 Phono
Bowers and Wilkins 607 S3
Rel TZero Mk3
and the Wiim Amp Pro

Ive spoken to different companies and as usual they have all given different opinions. I dont really want to go any higher that £650 and below are what they have suggested.

AudioLab 6000a Play Wireless amplifier and Streaming Player (£399 on Peter Tyson)
Marantz Model M1 (£576 richer sounds clearance including the extra 10% off)
Eversolo Play (£599)

I would like to have access to apple music or at least airplay. Whats everyones opinions on the above and better options?

Thanks
Gaz

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

What don't you like about the WiiM Amp Pro?

 

[RJW232]

To be honest, I don't think the amplifiers you mention will give a huge upgrade. If you want to go a serious step up you have to look at higher priced amps.

 

[GwMarshy]

What don't you like about the WiiM Amp Pro?

nothing major, I just wanted something that would bring a little more out of my music. especially when everyone is saying thats the "let down" in my set up

 

[Al ears]

nothing major, I just wanted something that would bring a little more out of my music. especially when everyone is saying thats the "let down" in my set up

Probably only seen as a "let down" because of the price of the thing compared to rest of system . If it serves a purpose then stick with it.

 

[GwMarshy]

Probably only seen as a "let down" because of the price of the thing compared to rest of system . If it serves a purpose then stick with it.

Thats the feeling im getting. everyone i speak to says its a reasonably decent amp and would take quite bit of money to get a worthwhile upgrade. Do you have any experience with Graham Slee? Ive been potentially given a good price on an Era Gold or Reflex M, do you think this would give me a decnt uplift in sound from my vinyls?

 

[RoA]

I have not heard your or the other mentioned amplifiers in your list but I use an Audiolab 6000A (non streamer version) amongst other amplifiers.

Imho it is a fantastic sounding item and well worth trying. RS do them and you can always return it if you find yours is better or no different.

However, Audiolab's streaming platform is far from great and I decided to add a WiiM instead.

 

[Al ears]

Thats the feeling im getting. everyone i speak to says its a reasonably decent amp and would take quite bit of money to get a worthwhile upgrade. Do you have any experience with Graham Slee? Ive been potentially given a good price on an Era Gold or Reflex M, do you think this would give me a decnt uplift in sound from my vinyls?

I don't but think you would have to aus those yourself if you were thinking of upgrading the Rega .
He has a reputation of producing good kit but what you would hear with the cartridge you currently have I don't know.
If you can get one to in house audition then go for it.

 

[matthewpianist]

Audiolab’s streaming element is pretty much worthless. The Eversolo platform is excellent, but I don’t think switching to that will give you any upgrade in sound, and may even be a step backwards. Marantz uses HEOS, which is okay but not on the same level as WiiM, BluOS or Eversolo in terms of user experience.

I think you’re better off sticking with what you have unless you want to risk wasting money.

 

[GwMarshy]

Thanks everyone for the opinions, I have decided to stick with what I’ve got

 

[Fandango Andy]

Hi, I currently have a Wiim Amp Pro and am looking to upgrade. I would like to keep the streaming otions.

My current set up is:
Rega P3rs with ND7
Rega MM Mk5 Phono
Bowers and Wilkins 607 S3
Rel TZero Mk3
and the Wiim Amp Pro

Ive spoken to different companies and as usual they have all given different opinions. I dont really want to go any higher that £650 and below are what they have suggested.

AudioLab 6000a Play Wireless amplifier and Streaming Player (£399 on Peter Tyson)
Marantz Model M1 (£576 richer sounds clearance including the extra 10% off)
Eversolo Play (£599)

I would like to have access to apple music or at least airplay. Whats everyones opinions on the above and better options?

Thanks
Gaz

The Audiolab is a bargain at the moment. If you were starting off from scratch I would recommend it over all the others you mention. It will be better than you have but not night and day different.

 

[matthewpianist]

The Audiolab is a bargain at the moment. If you were starting off from scratch I would recommend it over all the others you mention. It will be better than you have but not night and day different.

I respectfully disagree. The streaming on the Audiolab isn’t anywhere near good enough to compete with WiiM. I’ve been listening to the WiiM Amp Ultra, and it comfortably competes with the best sub-£1k amplifiers, and has one of the best streaming platforms built in. It’s compact, easy to use, powerful (100wpc into 8 Ohms, 200wpc into 4), stable down to 2 Ohms, and manages to sound detailed, dynamic and engaging.

The amp section isn’t the same as in the Amp Pro, it’s the more powerful one used in the Vibelink, but the Amp Ultra manages to sound even better than Ultra+Vibelink (certainly compared to using the Ultra connected by RCA to the Vibelink). The Amp Ultra also solves the irritations of the Ultra/Vibelink combination in that it has proper remote control including volume.

The Audiolab is a fine amp, but the Amp Ultra offers much more for the money. For context, I have owned 6000A, 6000N, and Omnia amongst lots of other things.