WiiM Amp Ultra vs. Marantz Model M1 - Which Small Box Wins Your Room?

The Super-Compact Streaming Amp category is the most crowded it has ever been. In 2026, two titans stand apart, the feature-packed WiiM Amp Ultra and the luxury-tuned Marantz Model M1. Both promise to replace a rack of gear with one small box, but they cater to very different ears.

ProHiFi Expert Note

"After testing both units with everything from the Elac Debut Reference DBR62 to the Klipsch RP 600M and Fyne Audio series, here is the honest truth: The WiiM is a 'Swiss Army Knife' for the modern tinkerer, while the Marantz is a 'Scalpel' for the musical purist.

If you love EQ, room correction, and a futuristic screen, the WiiM is untouchable at its price. However, the Marantz M1 has a secret weapon its Dolby Digital+ LFE decoding. This makes the M1 the only choice for a high-end 2.1 TV setup where you want 'true' cinematic bass management that the WiiM simply can't replicate."

The Direct Comparison

At first glance, the specs look nearly identical, but the devil is in the details of the Digital-to-Analog conversion.

The WiiM Amp Ultra uses the flagship ESS 9039Q2M chip, which provides a very clean, high-SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) sound that appeals to those who want to hear every micro-detail in a recording. It's 'Fast' and 'Punchy.'

In contrast, the Marantz M1 relies on their proprietary MMDF (Marantz Musical Digital Filtering). This isn't just about specs; it’s about a specific 'voicing' that Marantz is famous for. The M1 sounds smoother and more 'analog' despite being a digital amp. Also, for power-hungry 4-ohm speakers, notice that the WiiM actually claims a higher peak output (200W vs 125W), making it a surprisingly strong contender for larger floor-standing speakers that need a bit more current."

Still confused which one pairs better with your speakers? Contact our experts for a personalized consultation.