LATEST ADDITIONS

Q I am installing my first home theater setup and using five ceiling speakers that were already pre-wired into the house when we bought it. Should I buy a receiver with Dolby Atmos or a better quality non-Atmos receiver? I do not want to add any more speakers, so I’m wondering if the Dolby Atmos is worth it or would I not notice the Atmos effect using only the ceiling speakers? — Mark Miller

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
Equalizer settings for each input
Can input/output Bluetooth and AirPlay
Uses passive speakers you may already own
Minus
No way to see the input or what song is playing
Could be easier to navigate with fewer clicks/taps
No headphone jack
No Bluetooth aptX for streaming hi-res audio

THE VERDICT
The reasonably priced WiiM Amp is the perfect device to leverage a house full of speakers to create a multi-room sound system. You may have Alexa, Google, or Apple HomePods. Or, passive speakers connected to other WiiM devices. This amp makes it easy to control streaming from the most popular music services anywhere in your home.

Many of us use smart speakers throughout our homes. They control everything from lights to microwaves and washing machines. Usually, these are inexpensive devices like the Amazon Echo, which are not optimal for music listening. But they are perfect for controlling more capable smart speakers and amps.