WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

[Jazz]

It is currently not possible to configure a lower volume for a single open network stream preset strictly within the WiiM app.

The app's "Smart Preset" volume slider is designed to do exactly this, but a known firmware bug prevents it from applying saved volume levels to custom network URLs. Until WiiM releases a firmware patch to fix this specific behavior, the WiiM app cannot execute this action on its own.

 

[harkpabst]

As clarified on the WiiM forum: No bug to be fixed.

As long as the Ultra is set for a fixed output all volume settings specific to presets are ignored. Works as designed.

 

[somebodyelse]

As clarified on the WiiM forum: No bug to be fixed.

As long as the Ultra is set for a fixed output all volume settings specific to presets are ignored. Works as designed.

So a case of "Works as designed" != "Works as desired" for at least some people. I'd put that down as WONTFIX rather than NOTABUG - the design is failing to meet a reasonable requirement. Wanting a fixed output level because you have volume control downstream and wanting to change gain on different inputs to match input level aren't mutually exclusive.

 

[waynel]

As a practical matter, what functionality do I lose if changing my WiiM pro to an Ultra as an iPhone user due to no airplay support.

 

[Power Pop 23]

As a practical matter, what functionality do I lose if changing my WiiM pro to an Ultra as an iPhone user due to no airplay support.

Possibly none - if you retain the WiiM Pro.

A WiiM Pro can be 'grouped' via the WiiM Home app to play via the WiiM Ultra

In this way you can still use Airplay with an Ultra.

 

[harkpabst]

So a case of "Works as designed" != "Works as desired" for at least some people. I'd put that down as WONTFIX rather than NOTABUG - the design is failing to meet a reasonable requirement. Wanting a fixed output level because you have volume control downstream and wanting to change gain on different inputs to match input level aren't mutually exclusive.

I thought you would think so and elaborate yourself, ignoring the fact that there already is a way to "change gain on different inputs" (it's called pre-gain).

The problem in this case is that different radio stations (needlessly trying to top each other in who has the highest average level) are allusing the same physical input: the network.

Presets are a solution to this problem, unless you insist on using a fixed output (which is often selected to preserve but perfectness). Sure enough, a relative volume control per preset could mitigate this issue and I'd explicitly second sich a request. What I don't second is this "I want it! Why do I even have to ask for it? My wishes should be their command even before I know them!" attitude.

 

[waynel]

Possibly none - if you retain the WiiM Pro.

A WiiM Pro can be 'grouped' via the WiiM Home app to play via the WiiM Ultra

In this way you can still use Airplay with an Ultra.

And if I don't retain the WiiM pro, what capability practically to I lose?

Thanks

 

[Power Pop 23]

And if I don't retain the WiiM pro, what capability practically to I lose?

Thanks

As noted, you would lose capability to use Airplay with the Ultra

As an alternative, one could use Bluetooth to transmit to an Ultra.

 

[waynel]

As noted, you would lose capability to use Airplay with the Ultra

As an alternative, one could use Bluetooth to transmit to an Ultra.

So when I pull down the corner of my iPhone I won't be able to select the device right there by tapping the triangle thing in the upper right?(see screenshots below) If so that's a dealbreaker for me.

 

[Power Pop 23]

I am not certain...

Consider trying to connect via Bluetooth between your iPhone and the WiiM Pro

I believe if you find that protocol to be convenient, it will be the same using Bluetooth to connect an iPhone to an Ultra


EDIT - Besides a WiiM Pro, a WiiM Mini can be grouped with another WiiM device to add Airplay capability.

Occasionally, WiiM's parent company Linkplay offers refurbished WiiM gear at on outlet store on Ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/127668221012?

 

[anonyless]

This does not work.

this works very well as i've just tested this
by creating a custom parm EQ for minus 5db on all frequencies,
created a custom stream for a local radio (i know its direct url stream) and assigned it to a preset,
configured that preset with the new custom preset EQ for minus 5 db. result -
every time I use this preset , it loads the the new EQ and lowers the audio by 5db . switching to a different preset without a EQ set - disabled the EQ.

learn to use your device

 

[john61ct]

I have no idea why anyone would think "fixed volume"

or bit perfect in general

is actually useful.

Having a "fixed output volume" separate from "fixed input gain"? No.

 

[john61ct]

If you want AirPlay, don't use Ultra.

Or keep a lesser device that has AirPlay support.

Just as an input source, no need to use multi-room grouping.

Or just use BT

 

[somebodyelse]

I thought you would think so and elaborate yourself, ignoring the fact that there already is a way to "change gain on different inputs" (it's called pre-gain).

The problem in this case is that different radio stations (needlessly trying to top each other in who has the highest average level) are allusing the same physical input: the network.

Presets are a solution to this problem, unless you insist on using a fixed output (which is often selected to preserve but perfectness). Sure enough, a relative volume control per preset could mitigate this issue and I'd explicitly second sich a request. What I don't second is this "I want it! Why do I even have to ask for it? My wishes should be their command even before I know them!" attitude.

I understood the chain of posts ending in yours to mean that the per-URL or streaming input pre-gain had been put in as a feature request/bug report, and closed as current behaviour was by design. I should have asked for a link to the Wiim forum post to check though. It always struck me as odd that the different streaming sources were lumped under Ethernet with only one pre-gain, but not enough to put in a feature request, so 'input' was a poor choice of words in my description. I've put in feature requests for the ones that bother me more, but haven't felt the need to follow up the lack of response - my wish certainly isn't their command. I do like to see the right closure reasons in issue trackers though, especially having dealt with systems engineers.

 

[Jazz]

How to Set Up Bit-Perfect Playback on WiiM Devices

TABLE OF CONTENTS Bit-Perfect Playback Overview Set Up Bit-Perfect Playback Before You Begin Step 1. Disable EQ Step 2. Disable RoomFit™ Step 3. Configure Audio Settings Step 4. Configure Audio Input Settings Step 5. Disable Volume Norm...

faq.wiimhome.com

 

[Ruediger]

Latest update May 26 just came through.

The most interesting thing for me is dual output to line, toslink, coax. Works as advertised.

 

[waynel]

Latest update May 26 just came through.

The most interesting thing for me is dual output to line, toslink, coax. Works as advertised.

can you send the LR signal to one of the digital outs and the sub signal to the other?

 

[Ruediger]

can you send the LR signal to one of the digital outs and the sub signal to the other?

I don't think so. The dual output setup is from the audio output menu. Subwoofer is sub out unchanged, if configured.

 

[thcdru2k]

Latest update May 26 just came through.

The most interesting thing for me is dual output to line, toslink, coax. Works as advertised.

Pretty cool. You can have two zones, a separate headphone setup, or compare internal and external DAC

 

[john61ct]

Wiim Ultra has allowed the mono Sub output concurrent with any digital or analog stereo for a long time now.

What is new is multiple outputs of the stereo signal concurrently.

No DSP bass management for stereo Subs.

So, from my POV all this does is bring the output Y-ing internal rather than downstream (Topping D10S)

Still, it is a step in the right direction.

Hopefully will come to the Amp Ultra so speaker output can be concurrent with USB pre out.