By: Dipin Sehdev
The whole-house audio market has long been dominated by Sonos, but recent developments have opened doors for new players to challenge its dominance. Sonos's recent app-related issues and the growing demand for more versatile and feature-rich solutions have created an opportunity for alternative platforms like WiiM OS to shine. Audio Pro's latest A10 MKII and C10 MKII speakers, powered by WiiM OS, offer a compelling alternative, combining high-fidelity sound with advanced smart home features.
The Sonos Saga and the Rise of WiiM
Sonos, a long-time leader in the whole house audio market, has faced criticism for recent issues with its app. This has opened the door for competitors like Audio Pro to offer alternative solutions.
What is WiiM OS?
WiiM OS is a wireless audio platform developed by a consortium that includes Google and Harmon. It is designed to power high-resolution audio streamers and provide a feature-rich smart home audio experience.
Key Features of WiiM OS
- Multi-room audio: WiiM OS allows users to connect multiple speakers and control them all through a single app, similar to Sonos. However, WiiM OS boasts broader third-party compatibility.
- High-resolution audio support: The speakers support up to 24-bit/192kHz audio, ensuring high-fidelity sound for lossless music streaming services.
- Streaming service integration: WiiM OS integrates with popular services like Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, offering users flexibility in their music choices.
- Gapless playback: This feature ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, especially for high-resolution audio tracks.
- Versatile connectivity options: The A10 MKII offers a 3.5mm analog input, while the C10 MKII includes stereo RCA ports and a subwoofer output for more complex setups.
- Voice control integration: While the speakers themselves lack built-in microphones, they can be controlled using Google Assistant or Siri on other devices.
- EQ customization: WiiM OS provides extensive EQ options for tailoring the sound to user preferences and room acoustics. Future updates will include automatic room correction and advanced bass management.
Comparison to Sonos and Other Solutions
The table below compares key features of Audio Pro with WiiM OS, Sonos, Bluesound, and Roon:
| Feature | Audio Pro (WiiM OS) | Sonos | BluOS | Roon |
| Multi-room audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| High-res audio support | Up to 24-bit/192kHz | Up to 24-bit/96kHz | Up to 24-bit/192kHz |
Up to 32-bit/768kHz |
| Voice control | Google Assistant, Siri (via external devices) | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Limited |
| EQ customization | Yes (with future room correction and bass management) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
Audio Pro's A10 MKII and C10 MKII speakers, powered by WiiM OS, offer a compelling alternative in the whole house audio market. Their combination of high-fidelity sound, versatile features, and broad compatibility makes them strong contenders against established players like Sonos. As WiiM OS continues to evolve with new features, Audio Pro's speakers are well-positioned to remain competitive in the years to come.
In conclusion, the Audio Pro A10 MKII and C10 MKII speakers are a great option for those looking for a high-fidelity whole house audio solution with a wide range of features and compatibility. With WiiM OS, users can enjoy a seamless listening experience with multi-room audio, gapless playback, and versatile connectivity options. Additionally, the upcoming firmware updates for automatic room correction and advanced bass management will further enhance the sound quality and performance of these speakers.
