Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Compact size with high power output (120 watts at 8 ohms, 215 watts at 4 ohms) and runs cool
- Beautiful casework and customizable aesthetics with silver/black options and various knob choices
- Tube preamp section provides a holographic and smooth sound, described as warm, tonally rich, and organic
- Good bass control, power, and speed, confidently driving various speakers
- Versatile feature set including phono input, DAC with digital inputs, Bluetooth, analog inputs, subwoofer output, and headphone output
Product Considerations
- Not compatible with speakers that are high resistance and very high sensitivity, like Zu Audio
- RCA jacks are functional but unimpressive, potentially prone to weakness or breakage
- The volume control may exhibit a momentary spike when lowering the volume via remote
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audio Analogue I 150—the Billie is warmer and more focused on tonality, warmth, and holographics, while the I 150 is more analytical and detail-oriented
- Vs Pathos Classic 1 mark 3—Pathos offers more refinement in the treble region and better separation, but the Billie has slightly more confident bass
- Vs PrimaLuna Evo 100—the Billie can drive speakers much harder, especially harder-to-drive speakers, PrimaLuna is for those wanting a full tube amp experience
- Vs Hegel P20 preamp/Pass Labs X150.5 power amp—the Hegel/Pass combo sounds larger with a larger soundstage, but the Billie MKII has excellent midrange with the hallmarks of tube gear
- Vs Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra 2.0 DMC—the Billie MKII's midrange was denser and meatier than the Hegel/Orchard Audio combo, and the lower midrange had more body
Takeaway: The Billie is a compact and powerful integrated amplifier that brings high-end sound, especially with its warm and musical tube preamp, making it a great value for enjoying a variety of music. Its versatility and pleasing aesthetics make it a compelling choice for both new and experienced audiophiles.
All
Billie Amp MK2
reviews
Manufacturer details
- POWER: 215 watts RMS@4Ω | 120 watts RMS@8Ω
- AMPLIFIER: Class D ICEpower 200AS2
- PREAMP: Class A Mu-follower, JJ ECC99 tubes [12BH7, 12AU7 compatible]
- INPUT VOLTAGE: 120-240 V | 50-60 Hz [factory set via dongle]
- ANALOG INPUTS: 1 x Vinyl in [MM, 2mV-6mV], 2 x RCA in
- DIGITAL INPUTS: 1 x TOSLINK optical input, 1 x S/PDIF coax
- WIRELESS INPUT: Bluetooth: aptX HD | AAC on iOS
- DAC: ESS 9018K2M DAC | 192KHz-32bit
- HEADPHONES OUTPUT: 1 x 1/8″ (3.5mm) 142mW@32ohm
- SPEAKER OUTPUT: 1 x speaker pair: 5 way binding post
- DIMENSIONS: 14.25″ x 8″ x 3″ (360mm x 204mm x 75mm)
- WEIGHT: 12 pounds (5.4 kilos)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
Select products
Billie Amp
- Positioning: An integrated stereo amplifier designed for modern music lovers, offering a blend of analog warmth and digital precision.
- Description: Combines a tube preamp and a Class D amplifier, providing a dynamic soundstage and smooth top-end. Includes a built-in phonostage and Hi-Res DAC, making it ideal for users who want an all-in-one solution for small to medium rooms without needing additional components. Its affordability makes it suitable for those with a moderate budget who still desire high-quality sound and versatile connectivity options.
Billie Amp MK3
- Positioning: The flagship model, offering advanced customization and performance enhancements over previous versions.
- Description: Introduces a modular design, allowing users to customize the amplifier's sound characteristics, which is a unique feature compared to other models. Offers options for different amplifier modules and DAC configurations, making it perfect for audiophiles who want to tailor their sound experience.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
I think that the reason people responded to this amplifier, even though we're a young and unknown company, was the design aesthetic and the combination of tubes and Class D, which had been done before, but in my opinion, the things I’ve heard weren’t successful.
The tube preamp could have not been active; you wouldn’t have known the difference. For us, it actually makes a difference, and it adds a lot to the Class D sound signature.
And, you know, because it's a tube preamp and not a tube amplifier, you're getting the best of both worlds. Most of the tube sound comes from the preamp stage, not the amplification stage.
So we're still getting that tube sound, but we’re not getting all the problems that come with a Class A tube amp.
And we're getting much better bass performance than you would ever get from a tube amp, because usually tube amps are typically not that great for bass performance. Our tube + Class D hybrid is more than just the sum of its parts —it introduces a new sound, and that’s what people are really responding to. And of course, I’d be remiss not to mention the design. I spent a lot of time refining the aesthetic: getting the proportions right, like the knob size hierarchy, the orientation of the source LEDs so they don’t shine in your eyes, even the way the tubes ‘wink’ when a remote command is registered. These are the details that give the object personality and create an emotional link between machine and human. Without that, you might as well just get a pair of powered speakers. Who has space for another generic soulless black box collecting dust? Perhaps I'm exaggerating to make a point, but there's just too much thoughtless design out there.
What's your approach to customer support?
We have a 5-year warranty on parts and labor for the amps. Usually, a good 60 or 70% of the support questions I get, I can fix for people through email. If we can’t fix it remotely, then we ask customers to send their product to our engineer, and if there’s anything that needs to be done, they’ll take care of it. We then ship it back.
We usually offer the option to use our discounted shipping, but shipping is not included for repairs.
We’re a direct-to-consumer company, so it makes sense for us to offer this kind of support model. If we were mostly working on a dealer-distributor kind of paradigm, it would be too many SKUs.
That’s also why we’re able to offer a 30-day trial period, so people can try it out with their system and see whether they like it or not.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
I have quite a few, actually. Meet Me in the Morning by Bob Dylan.
These days, my favorite track to use is called Arpegiator. It's from The Concerts in China by Jean Michel Jarre. It's quite an old track from the early '80s, but it still sounds pretty amazing because it has tons of bass, mid-bass, and a bit of high-end, and it keeps panning from left to right, so you get the transients.
And if I want to torture my system, I listen to Aretha Franklin. If your wires or speaker wires struggle or anything, you’ll hear it with Aretha Franklin. When she belts out, it’s not supposed to sound glassy or shiny.
Another torture track I use is The Party’s Over by Wynton Marsalis because that has screechy trumpet solos, and if there’s any problem with your system, you’re gonna hear it.
What other products pair best with yours?
There’s a lot of gear from other brands that I like to pair my amps with.
I know that a lot of customers use the Buchardt S400, now the E50. I was so sick of hearing them rave about the S400 that I actually went out and bought a pair for myself to see what the hype was all about. The S400, for their size, are pretty amazing.
In the legacy speaker brands, another that is small and very impressive are the Falcons LS3/5A. I kept hearing about them and I just heard them recently, and they blew me away.
If we’re talking full-size, then Pure Audio Project Trio 10s. I love the dipole sound, and this is a dipole speaker that actually has kick; it actually has bass. You don’t need a sub with it.
Used
Heaven 11
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
- Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
- Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
- Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail
Product Considerations
- The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
- Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
- Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated
Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity with both wireless (Bluetooth 5.1 with various codecs) and wired options (USB, S/PDIF, analog inputs) makes it suitable for various setups—from desktop to portable usage
- Eloquent, informative, and entertaining sound quality, able to produce clear, non-artificial sound across different headphones
- Features such as XBass II and XSpace provide additional sound shaping options for the user to customize the sound to their liking
- The aluminum build provides a robust and premium feel, with a design that's described as sleek and comfortable to handle
Product Considerations
- The user interface is not very intuitive
- Decent headphones are needed to reveal its quality
- The OLED screen can be difficult to read
- Battery life is around six to eight hours
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the hip-dac2, the Gryphon offers better sound quality, more features, and flexibility
- Compared to the iFi GO bar, the Gryphon is bigger and has a built-in battery, and the GO bar is much smaller and draws power from the source device
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo, the Diablo has more power for very demanding headphones, Gryphon has more functions
- Compared to the Zen DAC, the xDSD Gryphon has a more sophisticated and detailed sound
Takeaway: The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a portable and versatile device delivering high-quality sound with extensive features that cater to audiophiles. Its ability to improve sound quality from various sources and its robust build make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Bluesound POWERNODE is the HiFi amp reinvented for the streaming age, combining audiophile-grade componentry and multi-room music capabilities to create an intuitive “just add speakers” hi-res sound system for modern music lovers. The compact minimalist exterior disguises 2 x 80 watts of award-winning HiFi amplification, a premium hi-res DAC design, and access to all the music ever recorded with a tap in our BluOS Controller app for smart devices and laptops.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Punchy and musical performer
- BluOS is a treat to operate
- Convenient design as a source and amplifier in one, only needing speakers to complete the system
- Engagingly musical performer—dynamically fluid and punchy, with plenty of energy
- More neutral sounding now, making gains in clarity and insight across the frequency range
- Connectivity options are through 3.5mm headphone-type connectors, shared with mini-TosLink connections
Product Considerations
- Tough competition from other streaming amplifiers
- No way to send data out to an external DAC
- The Powernode was occasionally hard on transients and dynamic bursts
- There is no included remote
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Marantz has a wider-scale, roomier soundstage and greater subtlety
Takeaway: The Bluesound Powernode is a superb streaming amplifier that is better than ever, offering excellent sonic talent and a well-rounded feature set. It provides a convenient and high-quality music experience for anyone looking to simplify their home audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Product Strengths
- Fully balanced technology, with balanced inputs and outputs.
- Delivers powerful amplification, with up to 7.5 watts of power, capable of driving a wide range of headphones, including hard-to-drive models.
- Features a linear power supply with a large transformer and capacitor bank, providing a stable and powerful power source.
- Provides two current modes (50mA and 100mA) to tailor the sound tonality, allowing users to choose between a more forward/analytical sound and a warmer/fuller sound.
- Employs an R2R network for volume control, ensuring channel balance even at low volumes.
Product Considerations
- Runs quite hot due to its Class A amplification, requiring adequate ventilation, with chassis temperatures potentially reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius, and the unit may switch from 100mA to 50mA mode if it overheats.
- High power output might not be ideal for very sensitive IEMs, potentially limiting volume control flexibility.
- The preamplifier output is always active, meaning it doesn't mute when headphones are plugged in, requiring caution to prevent damage.
- The LCD display cannot be dimmed or switched off, and the red color of the 100mA mode may appear washed out.
- Some report volume slots are not regular or have large jumps, and/or that the remote control can be buggy.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Topping A90 Discrete: The S17 has a richer sound, wider soundstage, and easier dynamics, especially in 100mA mode, placing it in a higher tier.
- Vs. Topping A90D: The S17 Pro is capable of even stronger dynamic swings, with a slightly cleaner and less cluttered soundstage.
- Vs. Violectric V222: The Aune S17 Pro is more 'tubey' and warmer sounding than the V222.
- Vs. HIFIMAN EF600: The Aune S17 has better volume control, higher dynamic range, better driving power, and better resolution.
Takeaway: The Aune S17 Pro is a powerful and versatile headphone amplifier that delivers rich, detailed sound, allowing listeners to experience music in new ways. With its balanced design and flexible current modes, it can enhance a wide range of headphones and audio setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and expansive presentation, offering a sonic upgrade to phones, especially when portability is a priority
- Versatile, with both wired and wireless connectivity options, including balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
- Impressively small size and lightweight design, making it pocket-friendly and convenient for on-the-go use
- Sound quality is generally linear, with fast and accurate bass, flat and clean mids, and a detailed treble that is not harsh
- XBass and XSpace features offer customized listening experiences
- Build quality and aesthetics are generally well-received, with its design standing out from other devices
- ChronoDial volume knob is particularly praised for its tactile feel and functionality
Product Considerations
- Black rubberized plastic casing can feel a bit flimsy to some users
- Some reviewers noted hiss with sensitive IEMs, especially on the balanced output
- Battery life estimation can be unreliable
- No dedicated app for the device, limiting EQ and DSP options
- Lacks a clip, making it less convenient for truly portable use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Audiolab M-DAC Nano, the Go Blu offers a wider soundstage, better separation, and dynamic sensitivity, though the M-DAC Nano is fractionally punchier in the bass
- Compared to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, the Go Blu is a wireless proposition, unlike the DragonFly Cobalt, which is a USB plug-in DAC
- Compared to the FiiO Q3, the iFi GO blu highs are a bit too brilliant, but everything else sounded quite impressive
- Compared to the NuPrime Hi-mDAC, the iFi GO Blu mids sound a lot like it, even if voices are slightly less natural
- Compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro and Aune BU2, the GO Blu provides a relaxed sound and has better build and functionality compared to the Hidizs S9 Pro, but is better when using bluetooth compared to Aune BU2, however when competing on wired terms, the Aune is clearer
Takeaway: The iFi GO blu is a tiny but mighty device that delivers impressive sound and versatility—improving the wireless music experience. It is easy to use and has some cool features, making it a good pick for anyone looking for a portable upgrade for their headphones.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a neutral and transparent sound signature, providing an accurate representation of the source material
- Offers plenty of power for its size, capable of driving even demanding bookshelf speakers without losing composure
- Features built-in EQ presets and bass/treble tone controls for customizing the sound
- Built with high-quality materials, featuring an aluminum alloy chassis that is both durable and lightweight
- Has versatile connectivity options, including balanced XLR inputs, RCA inputs, USB input, and Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- Internal DAC and Bluetooth performance are underwhelming compared to the amplifier section
- The stock SBC Bluetooth codec limits wireless audio streaming quality
- EQ settings can be confusing and require some experimentation to dial in a balanced sound
- The volume knob might be slightly wobbly
- The power cord could be too short for some setups and might need to be replaced
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The MKII offers nearly double the power output and sounds more dynamic than the SMSL AO200 (original)
- Compared to the Yamaha A-670, the AO200 MKII offers more detail and soundstage, though the Yamaha is warmer and more forgiving
- The AO200 MKII has higher driving power, a more dynamic sound, and lower distortion than the Arylic A50+
- The AO200 MKII offers a more palpable and lifelike sound than the Topping PA5
- The AO200 MKII has better driving power at times, better EQ with no degradation, and is a better value than the Burson Funk
Takeaway: The SMSL AO200 MKII is a compact and powerful stereo amplifier with a neutral sound, making it a solid option for those who want clean sound, plenty of connectivity options, and customization features. It is a good value that can improve the sound of many speaker setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Phenomenal sound quality.
- Very usable and enjoyable interaction due to a physical volume knob.
- Plenty of power for almost everything and can drive just about anything.
- Versatile; it can be used as a desktop all-in-one, a Bluetooth portable DAC/amp, a portable amplifier, and even a DAC for speakers.
Product Considerations
- Susceptible to EMI noises, which can be a deal breaker; static noises, pops, and crackle sounds can occur when a phone is placed directly on top of it.
- Not a completely balanced architecture; the 3.5mm & 4.4mm headphone outputs sound the same.
- Charging port may not indicate charging on anything higher than an 18W charging block, and some chargers may not work.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FIIO BTR-7: Sounds more refined and has more detail and resolution.
- Vs SMSL C200: The C200 sounds significantly warmer with a fuller, juicier bass line and a little bit more airy, while the G5 is more focused on clean and clear edges, tidy, well-focused—and clean.
- Vs SMSL M500 MK2: The M500 MK2 sounds overall better with dynamics at the same level as the G5 and fuller, warmer tonality—and a bigger, more spacious soundstage.
- Vs Moondrop Moonriver 2: The treble is more refined, better details up top, and a sharp edge without being overboard like the Moonriver 2 can.
Takeaway: The G5 is a well-built and versatile portable DAC/amp with a neutral, clean, and dynamic sound. It is great for those looking for an all-in-one solution that can drive almost any headphone or IEM.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The DO400 is a versatile device, serving as a DAC, preamp, headphone amplifier, and Bluetooth receiver
- It offers a highly resolving and transparent sound, with a measured dynamic range of 133dB on its XLR output and 126dB on its headphone output
- It has very tight control over the drivers, sounds quite dynamic and clean, and delivers a punchy sound
- The DO400 features extensive I/O with HDMI, USB, XLR 4-Pins, and Pentaconn 4-Pins
Product Considerations
- It does not have analog inputs, which limits the sources one can pair it with
- The DO400's case cover is steel, and the rotary knob wobbles
- Some may find its sound signature a bit too linear for some genres
- The remote control is plastic-y
- The speedy nature of the ESC by Silicon might result in a less impressive initial kick in the eardrums via headphones, compared to the XLR and RCA outputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Topping DX7 Pro Plus, the DO400 is more organic and dynamic sounding
- Compared to the Topping DX5, the DO400 offers noticeably better line output
- Compared to the Chord Mojo 2, the Chord Mojo 2 sounds better when used as a DAC, offering better detail retrieval and a richer tone timbre, but the DO400 has more power
- Compared to the SMSL SU-9, the DO400 sounds slightly brighter and less-smoothed over—there's an analytical quality to the treble end
Takeaway: The SMSL DO400 is a great-sounding all-in-one unit that offers a lot of features for the price. Its noiseless performance with IEMs and ability to drive most headphones make it a worthwhile purchase.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Features and performance at an affordable price
- Stylish, well-made design
- Native support for nearly all streaming services like Spotify and Tidal, both wired and wirelessly
- Simple setup via smartphone and the WiiM Home app
- Includes HDMI with ARC as well as CEC, and a dedicated subwoofer output with bass management
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth and AirPlay communication can be inconsistent, particularly for iPhone users
- At higher volumes, the amp can struggle with certain genres of music or recordings with greater dynamic range, resulting in audible distortion and clipping
- Sound can become more sterile and two-dimensional at higher volumes, glossing over nuance and fine detail
- May not be suitable for larger spaces or for those who prefer listening at higher volumes, especially with speakers that are hard to drive
- Some users might hear a faint whine from the chassis or speaker tweeters, as the amplifier is not completely silent
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Arylic B50: The WiiM Amp has a more complete chassis design with an internal power supply, a slicker app, and better overall industrial design, even if they use similar chipsets
- Vs Bluesound PowerNode/Audiolab 6000A Play/7000A: The Bluesound and Audiolab products are better options for larger spaces or higher listening volumes
- Vs Denon AV receiver: The Denon AV receiver does not have the streaming comprehensiveness of the WiiM Amp
- Vs Sonos Amp: The Sonos Amp may sound better, but the WiiM Amp combined with a subwoofer can provide a more complete sound experience for less money
- Vs PS Audio Sprout 100: The WiiM Amp's amp and DAC sections are superior
Takeaway: The WiiM Amp is a versatile and affordable streaming amplifier packed with features, making it a great entry point into hifi or a convenient solution for smaller spaces. Its comprehensive streaming capabilities and user-friendly app provide a seamless listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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