Music Streamers
WiiM Pro Plus Review: Does the AKM DAC Upgrade Justify the Price?
The WiiM Pro Plus pairs the familiar WiiM streaming platform with an AKM AK4493SEQ DAC and an included remote. Here is how it compares with the WiiM Pro.
Independent reviews
Product Reviews and Buying Guides – 630 / 805
From everyday tech and home products to lifestyle and specialist gear, each review focuses on practical use, strengths, limitations, and who the product suits.
Audio Streamers and DACs
WiiM Pro Plus vs WiiM Pro: Is an External DAC Still Worth It?
A practical comparison of five streaming and conversion setups, from the $220 WiiM Pro Plus to the WiiM Pro with an SMSL SU-1 or Geshelli Labs J2.
Audio Streamers
WiiM Pro Review: Free Room Correction in an Affordable Streamer
The WiiM Pro gained room correction through a free software update. Here is how the setup works, what the three curves change, and who benefits most.
Music Streamers
WiiM Pro vs EverSolo DMP-A6 vs Cambridge Audio CXN 100: Three Music Streamers Compared
A practical comparison of three network music streamers at three price points, covering connections, DAC hardware, app support, warranty, and sound character.
Smart Speakers
WiiM Sound Review: A Compact Smart Speaker Built to Challenge the Mainstream
A practical look at the WiiM Sound smart speaker: stereo pairing, sound quality, app control, Bluetooth behavior, and who should buy one.
Music Streamers
WiiM Mini vs WiiM Pro vs WiiM Pro Plus vs WiiM Amp: Which Streamer Fits Your System?
A practical look at four WiiM streaming options, from the compact WiiM Mini to the all-in-one WiiM Amp, and how to choose between them.
Hi-Fi Streamers
WiiM Ultra Review: An Affordable Streaming Preamp, Plus the SMSL SU-1 DAC Option
A practical look at the WiiM Ultra streaming preamp at $330, what its connectivity and software do well, where it falls short, and when adding a compact external DAC like the SMSL SU-1 makes sense.
Music Streamers
WiiM Ultra Review: A Feature-Packed Music Streamer Under $500
The WiiM Ultra pairs a 32-bit ESS DAC, HDMI ARC, a built-in phono stage, and room correction in a compact aluminum chassis. Here is what it does well and where it holds back.
Music Streamers
WiiM Ultra vs Cambridge Audio CXN100 SE: How Much Should You Spend on a Music Streamer?
A practical comparison of two music streamers at very different prices, covering software, controls, sound character, and the hidden cost of upgrading a cheaper model.
Music Streamers
WiiM Ultra vs Eversolo DMP-A6 vs Bluesound Node X: Which Music Streamer Fits Your System?
A practical comparison of three streaming DACs: the feature-packed WiiM Ultra, the more resolving Eversolo DMP-A6, and the warmer, more spacious Bluesound Node X.
Amplifiers
WiiM Vibe Link Review: A $299 Amplifier With Serious Current Delivery
The WiiM Vibe Link pairs a Texas Instruments TPA3255 chipset with PFFB and an internal power supply, delivering 100W into 8 ohms for $299.
Hi-Fi Amplifiers
WiiM Vibelink Amp Review: 100 Watts of Quiet, Load-Friendly Power
A compact stereo power amplifier rated at 100 watts into 8 ohms with a very low noise floor and steady response across speaker loads. Here is what it does well and what to weigh first.
Gravel Bikes
Wilier Rave SLR Review: A Fast Gravel Bike With Road Bike Manners
A carbon gravel frameset that keeps road bike geometry, an integrated flared bar and a wide-range Shimano GRX Di2 drivetrain. Here is what to know before buying.
Road Bikes
Wilier Verticale SLR Review: A 6.87 kg Climbers Bike With One Big Compromise
A very light carbon climbing bike with a smooth ride and rapid handling on its stock wheels, held back by a narrow one-piece cockpit and early-sample paint finish.
Hi-Fi Amplifiers
Willsenton R300 Plus Review: 8 Watts of Single-Ended Triode Sound
A close look at the Willsenton R300 Plus, a class A single-ended triode amplifier with 300B output tubes, 8 watts per channel, and a very particular set of requirements.
Tube Amplifiers
Willsenton R8 Review: Tube Rolling with Psvane KT88-T2 and CV181-T2 Tubes
A close look at the Willsenton R8 tube integrated amplifier in stock form and with Psvane KT88-T2 and CV181-T2 tube upgrades, plus how it compares with the Exposure 2510.
Integrated Amplifiers
Willsenton R800i Review: 48 Watts of Single-Ended Class A Tube Power
A heavyweight Class A tube integrated amplifier with a warm, harmonically rich mid-range, a huge soundstage, and real potential for tube upgrades.
Loudspeakers
Wilson Audio Alexia Five Review: A Three-Way Floorstanding Loudspeaker With Effortless Detail
The Wilson Audio Alexia Five pairs a one-inch tweeter with a seven-inch midrange and two woofers. A close look at its strengths, trade-offs and who it suits.
Floorstanding Speakers
Wilson Audio Sabrina V Review: A Compact High-End Tower That Asks a Lot of Your Amplifier
A close look at the Wilson Audio Sabrina V, a compact three-way floorstander that borrows technology from much larger models, delivers genuine transparency, and demands serious amplification.
High-End Audio
Wilson Audio Watt Puppy Review: A Modern Take on an Iconic Loudspeaker
A close look at the 2024 Wilson Audio Watt Puppy, covering its Alex V tweeter, Sasha V woofers, amplifier demands, custom ordering process and on-site installation.
Tube Amplifiers
Wilsonton R300 Review: An Affordable 300B Integrated Tube Amplifier
A close look at the Wilsonton R300, a single-ended 300B integrated tube amplifier with a sweet top end, a warm midrange, textured bass, and roughly 8 watts of Class A power.
Audio Gear
Wired vs Wireless Earphones: Four Practical Options for Everyday Listening
A practical guide to four earphone options, from wired USB-C models with inline controls to true wireless earphones built for calls and noise cancellation.
Bike Pedals
Wolftooth Alt, Control and Delete: Adjustable Q-Factor SPD Pedals Compared
Three SPD-compatible pedals with an adjustable axle that sets Q-factor at 55, 57 or 59 mm, plus guidance on choosing between the Alt, Control and Delete.
Headphone Amplifiers
Woo Audio WA7 Mark III Review: A Compact Balanced Tube Amp and Preamplifier
The third generation WA7 adds balanced headphone output and a tube preamplifier stage, turning a small desktop amplifier into the centre of a complete system.
Cycling Gear
8 Workshop-Proven Cycling Products Worth Buying
Eight cycling products that solve real problems on the bike, from a magnetic bottle system and high-pressure tubeless sealant to removable drivetrain batteries and a radar tail light.
Road Bikes
X-Lab RT9 Review: A 550 g Carbon Disc Road Bike With Real Trade-Offs
The X-Lab RT9 pairs a 550 g carbon frame with Dura Ace components and a $9,150 price. Here is what the low weight costs you in ride comfort and finish.
Road Bikes
XDS X-Lab AD9 Review: Tour-Level Aero for Less, Plus the AD8 Alternative
A close look at the XDS X-Lab AD9 race bike, its strengths and compromises, and how the cheaper AD8 compares on the same frame mold.
Gravel Bikes
XDS X Lab GT8 Review: A Carbon Gravel Bike Built for Speed
The XDS X Lab GT8 pairs a carbon frame, wireless 1x12 Shimano GRX Di2, and 45 mm carbon wheels at a $3,199 RRP. Here is what to know before buying.
Hi-Fi Audio
xDuoo MU-603 vs iFi ZEN Blue: Which Bluetooth Receiver Fits Your Stereo?
A practical comparison of two compact Bluetooth receivers: codec support, outputs, tube character, and which one suits a vintage or modern stereo system.
Home Theater Projectors
XGIMI Titan Noir Max Review: A Bright Home Cinema Projector Built for Shared Evenings
A practical look at the XGIMI Titan Noir Max, a 7,000 ISO lumen home cinema projector with a dual iris, sealed optical engine, and Harman Kardon audio.