Publishers often viewed AMP as just another app they needed to support; it wasn’t perceived as an existential threat to Google’s search business like Apple News and Facebook Instant Articles are.
This WIIM Amp is an economical streaming amplifier and DAC combination, perfect for anyone who’s looking to incorporate digital streaming into their hi-fi system without breaking the bank.
Cambridge CXA81
The Cambridge CXA81 amplifier is an outstandingly capable amplifier that pays close attention to every element of music reproduction and provides it in a highly engaging, enjoyable manner. It represents a significant upgrade over Cambridge’s previous CX-series integrated DACs which earned praise for both value and performance over five years of market presence.
This 80W per channel amp features a class AB power stage which produces a powerful yet muscular sound, capable of driving any pair of speakers with exceptional force. Musical coherence across any source remains uncompromisingly clear, unveiling hidden intricacies of each song for an immersive listening experience beyond mere entertainment.
Loop Guru’s far-out dance fusion of looped ethnic samples known as Streaming Duniya perfectly showcased the CXA81’s clarity. Inner details were illuminated more vividly and toe-tappingly than I have previously experienced; even bass lines were tight without becoming unnaturally boomy or overwhelming.
Astounding performances like that of the CXA81 can make it easy to get lost in its impressive capabilities when listening to more demanding recordings, such as staccato rhythmic patterns. But its confidence and composure allow it to deliver dynamic rhythmic hammering with expert timing of loud/soft beat alternations without overburdening many systems. Plus it excels with more minimalist, detailed recordings such as solo piano works or chamber quartets; many rivals seem muffled compared to it!
CXA81 features four pairs of RCA analog line-level inputs as well as balanced XLR connections and an updated ESS Sabre DAC capable of handling digital files up to 32bit/384kHz or DSD256. There’s also a preamp output and 3.5mm headphone jack; unfortunately vinyl enthusiasts may be disappointed that Cambridge decided against including a phono input.
Cambridge has designed their CXA81 to be attractively finished in Lunar Gray for a smooth aesthetic with no balance or tone controls to distract from its main function of playing music. It comes equipped with a full-sized remote for ease of operation and provides support for their CXN network streamer ($1099) and CXC CD transport ($599) products.
Onkyo A-9110
Even at its budget price point, the Onkyo A-9110 does not compromise sonic quality. It produces lively yet spacious soundscapes with open yet subdued treble without ever crossing into aggression; additionally it drives speakers like Q Acoustics 3050i floorstanders effortlessly.
With its phono inputs and high-quality MM equaliser and high-grade phono stage, you can connect a turntable and enjoy dynamic analog performance from vinyl records. Plus, its Wolfson WM8718 DAC supports 24-bit/192kHz playback for superior digital audio playback; plus its Remote Interactive (RI) terminals let you control compatible Onkyo CD transports and tuners using its remote control; additionally, there is also an AUX output which lets you use another pre-amp with the amplifier.
Onkyo’s time-proven low-negative feedback amplifier topology produces an expansive frequency response with exceptional detail, yielding dynamic musical passages full of warmth and vitality, with deep bass notes boasting striking weight. The A-9110 provides five RCA line-level inputs plus one MM phono stage as well as two balanced TRS jacks to connect various sources.
The A-9110’s circuitry has been carefully engineered to minimize noise and distortion by shortening signal-path lengths. Its chassis is composed of thick 1.6mm metal with large insulators to further dampen vibration and noise-related noise sources, and features an enhanced phase-matching bass boost circuit that results in more precise bass definition than typical Loudness/Contour controls.
Purists will appreciate that the A-9110 includes a Direct Mode that bypasses its tone-control and phase-matching bass boost circuitry to increase accuracy, closer emulating original recordings – be they vinyl records, CDs or hi-res digital files.
The A-9110 may not be ideal for audiophiles as it doesn’t feature wireless connectivity – no Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi – however this doesn’t compromise its great value; instead it comes equipped with USB and headphone jack connections and boasts plenty of power at an excellent value for the money.
Lavardin ITx
Lavardin made waves several decades ago with its Model IT integrated amplifier, followed by the even more advanced ITx and now ITx 20. These products celebrate both their predecessor’s legacy and technical advancements; musicality-wise they rival amps costing twice as much while their remarkable transparency allows music lovers to hear every nuance and expression from vocal harmonies to complex bass patterns – the Lavardin IT is truly an audiophile-grade solution designed to please those with an appreciation for great recordings.
The Lavardin is also remarkable for its delivery of subtle dynamic subtleties even at higher volume levels, avoiding any overdriven sound that many modern amplifiers produce at this volume level. Playing Tool’s “Tool”, for instance, you can hear both its drumming beat and subtle guitar strumming; yet all without any overdrive effect being produced by this amplifier – something which truly distinguishes IT among high-end electronics.
Lavardin stands out from its competition by revealing musical structures with extraordinary clarity, particularly within the upper mid and lower treble regions. Furthermore, its architectural insight surpasses that of any integrated amplifier I’ve come across, even among tube gear. Furthermore, its ITx 20 can track even the most intricate rhythmic patterns to reveal how each instrument contributes towards making up a greater whole – something other integrated amplifiers cannot match!
Lavardin stands out with its musical integrity and is a reminder that Hi-Fi should not only focus on reproducing audio recordings faithfully but also making them truly enjoyable to listen to. An impressive amplifier that shows that high end products don’t always need to be expensive.
WiiM Amp
The WiiM Amp is one of the more economical network streamer-cum-amps available today and boasts an impressive array of features at an incredibly reasonable cost. It supports Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect and Amazon Music streaming protocols as well as DNLA two-way Bluetooth. Furthermore, built-in internet radio is supported along with accessing audio files stored on networked NAS storage drives.
Although not as feature-packed as some other hi-fi streamers, this device still provides enough options to meet most needs. With an ample display that shows the source of music and a classier aluminium case than many models in its price range. Plus, WiiM Home app makes managing and setting up multiroom setup easy!
There’s an impressive variety of input connections, such as HDMI ARC, optical, USB, and RCA ports to plug into any media cabinet or desktop gaming system. Furthermore, there is even a subwoofer output for added bass boost!
WiiM has chosen minimalism with their Amp, offering only a multifunctional volume dial and LED indicators as its control panel. But its smartphone app really shines – providing access to its functionality from your touchscreen device’s touchscreen interface – including selecting music, creating playlists, automating sleep and wake up routines, as well as controlling its internal EQ settings.
Our tests found the WiiM Amp to produce an impressively full and dynamic sound, easily handling most music we threw its way. Unfortunately, its only real drawback is lack of true sonic transparency: each recording had an affirmative tone which obscured some of the more delicate nuances found on higher-end hi-fi systems; nonetheless, we found this an enjoyable and affordable addition to any home entertainment system; we recommend it highly!