WiiM Amp Ultra vs Amp Pro: Which Is the Better Buy This Holiday Season?
- Mike Perez
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
I’ve been using WiiM products for years, and every new release feels like a step in the right direction. The Amp Ultra and Amp Pro are no exceptions. WiiM is one of the few companies that truly listens to its customers, folding in feedback and lessons learned to create gear that delivers more performance and value. This comparison highlights each amplifier’s strengths, limitations, and unique advantages to reveal which model delivers the best overall experience for your needs.
Easy Setup and Familiar Excellence
If there’s one thing WiiM consistently nails, it’s ease of setup. Their products come ready to go, and you can usually be listening to music within five minutes. That’s been true since the original WiiM Pro streamer, and it continues today.
With every iteration, WiiM evolves thoughtfully, giving enthusiasts exactly what they’ve been asking for. This time, I spent some serious listening hours with both the Amp Ultra and the Amp Pro to find out if the differences in sound and user experience justify one over the other.
Hardware Breakdown
WiiM Amp Ultra
Around back, the Amp Ultra includes HDMI eARC for TV audio, a line-level input for legacy gear, USB and optical inputs for digital sources, and speaker binding posts with banana plug attachments for flexibility.
Under the hood, it’s packing serious components. The ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chip is the centerpiece here, but as I always say, the DAC alone doesn’t make the magic. Implementation is everything. A poorly integrated high-end DAC can sound worse than a well-tuned midrange one.
Given WiiM’s strong track record, I’m confident they handled it right. Powering the amp are dual Texas Instruments TPA3255 Class-D chips, with one dedicated to each channel for better separation and cleaner dynamics. That gives you up to 100 watts per channel at 8Ω and 200 watts per channel at 4Ω.
The Ultra’s stability into lower impedance loads adds peace of mind for those with demanding speakers or who like to listen loud. It even uses TI OPA1612 op-amps, which are premium-grade parts that reflect thoughtful engineering.
WiiM Amp Pro
The Amp Pro shares a similar foundation but steps down in power. It uses a single TPA3255 amplifier chip, producing 60 watts per channel at 8Ω and 120 watts per channel at 4Ω. That’s still plenty for efficient bookshelf speakers.
Its DAC, the ESS ES9038Q2M, is a slightly older but still excellent chip. The differences between it and the Ultra’s DAC are subtle. You might hear a bit more refinement and micro-detail on the Ultra, but it’s not a night-and-day improvement.
One thing to note: if you’re an Apple user, neither of these models currently supports AirPlay. That may change in a future firmware update, but for now, it’s something to keep in mind.
Design and Build
Both amplifiers share a similar design philosophy: clean, minimal, and meant to disappear into your decor.
The Amp Ultra adds flair with a brushed metal finish, a minimalist front panel, and a 3.5-inch glass-covered touchscreen. It feels high-end without trying too hard. The included USB-C rechargeable remote deserves special mention. It’s sleek, intuitive, and feels premium in hand.
You can choose between space gray or silver, both of which look great.
The Amp Pro, by contrast, is more understated. It only comes in dark gray and keeps things simple with a single play/pause and volume knob. You’ll use your mobile app for most controls, which fits its streamlined approach.
Sound Performance
Amp Ultra
The Ultra delivers a clean, confident presentation with a neutral tonal balance. Bass digs deep and gives real body to your speakers, mids are clear and natural, and the treble stays crisp without becoming harsh.
What stands out is its sense of control and space. The soundstage opens wide and deep, with impressive placement of vocals and instruments. It’s a refined, balanced amplifier that doesn’t add artificial warmth but still keeps music alive and engaging.
Paired with MoFi SourcePoint 10s, the Ultra delivered a fun and immersive experience.
Amp Pro
The Amp Pro leans into smoothness and musicality. It has a natural midrange that flatters vocals and instruments, while the treble remains relaxed, which is great for long listening sessions.
Bass is well-controlled, though not as prominent as on the Ultra. It performs best at moderate volumes and with easier speaker loads, offering a wide, organized soundstage that feels intimate and composed.
When compared directly, the Ultra feels more open and dynamic, but the Pro still delivers an enjoyable, fatigue-free experience.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
What impressed me most about both amps is how they redefine what you can expect from an all-in-one solution. These aren’t “good for the price” units. They’re genuinely capable centerpieces for a real hi-fi system.
They offer HDMI eARC, network streaming, and compact form factors that simplify your setup without sacrificing quality. For anyone who values price, space, and convenience, these WiiM amps make the idea of an integrated system more appealing than ever.
If I had to choose, I’d personally go with the Amp Ultra. It edges out the Pro in sonic refinement and power delivery.
However, if you’re looking strictly at value, the Amp Pro is an incredible deal. You get almost all the same functionality, minus the touchscreen and extra muscle, for a noticeably lower price.
Both models embody WiiM’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance, thoughtful design, and user-friendly features. Whether you’re a newcomer to hi-fi or just looking to simplify your system, these amps are smart, future-proof choices that deliver real musical satisfaction.
In short:
Check out the Amp Ultra
Check out the Amp Pro
Check out the review video here: