WiiM Ultra

[ATB]

I bet Wiim resolve it within a week or two, max.

Which one? The HMDI/Optical In auto on or Chromecast? First one is arguably the one that effects me the most and their ticket response indicated that HDMI and optical are rather joined somewhere (hopefully software not hardware) and not to expect a change anytime soon.

The Chromecast one I am also not expecting a quick resolution, but mostly since I suspect this may be more "Airfoil does not (yet) support this very new version of Chromecast" vs WiiM's implementation being currently broken-ish. But if it is on Airfoil, I do expect the vendor to get to it eventually. I did tell them it was not super critical since the AirportExpress to Ultra optical method did work fine. And fingers crossed WiiM fixes will fix it for me as well

 

[Joffy1780]

Which one? The HMDI/Optical In auto on or Chromecast? First one is arguably the one that effects me the most and their ticket response indicated that HDMI and optical are rather joined somewhere (hopefully software not hardware) and not to expect a change anytime soon.

The Chromecast one I am also not expecting a quick resolution, but mostly since I suspect this may be more "Airfoil does not (yet) support this very new version of Chromecast" vs WiiM's implementation being currently broken-ish. But if it is on Airfoil, I do expect the vendor to get to it eventually. I did tell them it was not super critical since the AirportExpress to Ultra optical method did work fine. And fingers crossed WiiM fixes will fix it for me as well

I meant the Chromecast issue.

 

[terryforsythe]

Which one? The HMDI/Optical In auto on or Chromecast?

Have you jumped into WiiM's forum? If not, I suggest that you do, and I suggest that you search for a thread pertaining to your issues and post there. Here is why I recommend doing so:

I upgraded to the WiiM Ultra from a Pro Plus specifically to get USB out, which would solve an issue I had. I had seen somewhere that the USB out functionality was not going to be available on the initial firmware release. I went to the WiiM forum and found a thread specifically discussing USB out. Therein I discovered that WiiM had beta firmware supporting USB out.

Someone made a post indicating that when they turned off their DAC the Ultra's output changed from USB to another port. I replied to that post indicating that would be inconvenient for me because I sometimes need to reboot my Raspberry Pi after applying updates. The next day I received a message from WiiM indicating that they will address that issue. They asked me to send to them my MAC address or S/N. The day I received my WiiM I sent both. In less than two days my Ultra received an update with beta firmware. USB out has been working flawlessly with that firmware update.

 

[Burnside]

Which one? The HMDI/Optical In auto on or Chromecast? First one is arguably the one that effects me the most and their ticket response indicated that HDMI and optical are rather joined somewhere (hopefully software not hardware) and not to expect a change anytime soon.

The Chromecast one I am also not expecting a quick resolution, but mostly since I suspect this may be more "Airfoil does not (yet) support this very new version of Chromecast" vs WiiM's implementation being currently broken-ish. But if it is on Airfoil, I do expect the vendor to get to it eventually. I did tell them it was not super critical since the AirportExpress to Ultra optical method did work fine. And fingers crossed WiiM fixes will fix it for me as well

Does Airfoil support UPnP via something I saw called AirUPnP? I’d try that to send the audio to your Ultra.

I’d also second posting in the WiiM forum itself…

Edit #1: while googling AirUPnP, I came across a HomeAssistant add-on called AirSonos which is based on AirConnect developed by the same person responsible for the excellent UPnPbridge and AirPlay bridge plugins for LMS. Basically, AirSonos allows Sonos/upnp devices to appear as AirPlay targets, and on adding it to my HA installation which I had recently setup on an old Raspberry PI 3 I had to mess around with using a flirc dongle and my harmony hub, my WiiM Ultra appeared as an AirPlay device from my IPad. So if you already have a Home Assistant instal or a spare Raspberry Pi kicking around, AirSonos might be a possible way to AirPlay-enable a WiiM Ultra and/or your Sonos speakers.

Edit #2: re AirUPnP, it looks like it’s part of the GitHub AirConnect software which then works with Airfoil to present UPnP players as AirPlay endpoints. Guess it depends on how comfortable you are around such projects but here are some links in the event you are: https://github.com/philippe44/AirConnect and here where its use with airfoil is discussed https://github.com/philippe44/AirConnect/issues/343

Edit #3: Depending on what media you’re playing from your Mac mini you might want to consider a UPnP service like mini server to serve full resolution tracks to your Ultra using the WiiM Home app as a client. In a similar vein, installing LMS (Lyrion - previously Logitech - Media Server) and using its Material Skin interface could also serve up those tracks full resolution to the Ultra’s unbuilt squeezelite client. LMS also has an airbridge plugin to play to AirPlay devices. Another plugin, Shairtunes, presents UPnP players like the Ultra as AirPlay endpoints - indeed, even a bare bones install of LMS with just the Shairtunes plugin (like AirConnect above) might be sufficient to overcome the Ultra’s lack of native AirPlay support and have it appear as another AirPlay target in your otherwise unchanged setup

 

[Emiyanez]

I have a question, maybe I'm talking nonsense. But is an external DAC recommended to work with the WiiM Ultra? If so, what would be recommended? I know the prices can vary a lot. But is there a significant improvement in the sound?

No, the internal DAC is totally fine and sounds great.

 

[uofmtiger]

Long time watcher, first time member/poster.

I've had an Ultra for abut a month. It replaced a SMSL AD18 in our living/TV room setup. While The AD18 was okay for the use case of 2.1 audio for general TV watching and background music, I wanted to upgrade so it could also be a somewhat stand-in primary music system as well.

Original Setup
AirportExpress optical to AD18
LG C2 OLED TV analog to AD18 (optical caused numerous audible pops when anything changed)
AppleTV in to LG for all video streaming content. Do not use it for audio streaming due to not wanting an OLED TV on constantly while listing to audio only
AD18 out to Boston Acoustics CR6 (circa 1998)
AD18 line out to Dayton SUB-1200

Current Setup
AirportExpress optical to Ultra
LG C2 OLED HDMI ARC to Ultra
AppleTV in to LG for all video streaming content.
Ultra out to Rotel RBM-1066 bridged to Zaph Audio Seas L18 / Seas 27TBFCG DIY
Ultra line out to Dayton SUB-1200
Ultra Sub x-over set to 70Hz
Initial room correction attempted with significant reduction in some of the auto boosts in bass region

Sounds really good to start. Yes, I changed multiple things at once so can't say its the Ultra digital processing, significantly more power, completely different main channels. Probably mostly the speakers. The Ultra functionality is also rather good. Great being able to control everything video related via the AppleTV remote. I waited to order until most of the HDMI ARC issues appeared to be resolved and so far the ARC functionality with my LG has been fantastic. Ultra is ideal for this. It did take some manual tweaking to get the audio delay sync between TV and Ultra set properly.

A key reason for posting is to explain my Airplay dependent use case, why the Ultra as-is is sufficient, and how it could be better

Why Airplay?
I have an Apple-based ecosystem. Some homepods and airport expresses throughout the house to make synced whole house audio work somewhat easily. I use a MacMini in a media rack in the basement as the hub. I play what I want on the Mini via remote control software and then use Airfoil software to send to any Airplay (and Chromecast) compatible device in my home.

Since the AD18 didn't support Airplay, swapping in the Ultra resulted in no real change in operation. But ideally I want an improvement in ease of use being able to stream directly to the Ultra. Why? The cons:

• Ultra auto on is lacking for HDMI + Optical. It auto senses HDMI great - no matter the prior input before the Ultra went to sleep, it will wake up and change to HDMI. For Optical, if Optical was the last input then it will wake up (usually) with an optical signal. If HDMI was the last input, Ultra has to be woken up manually and switched to Optical input. WiiM support says this is the way it works currently and suggested disconnecting the HDMI cable "when not in use" to make it work. Clearly not an option for a mostly TV audio system.
• Currently near-useless screen for optical input. Does not show (obviously) any track/title info. Shows a distracting random animated spectrum analyzer.
• Extra external device. AirportExpress isn't getting any younger and I'd like to retire it if at all possible. And not have to pay to buy say a WiiM Mini to replace it. Plus there is some oddness with the Ultra once in a while pausing audio from the AirportExpress. Unclear if this is the AirportExpress, Ultra, my network, or other. Although AirportExpress and Ultra are both ethernet connected.

Okay, no Airplay but the Ultra supports Chromecast. Great. But it does not work with Airfoil. I can send audio to the Ultra via Airfoil, the Ultra shows it is receiving Chromecast via Airfoil, but there is no sound. Ultra is using a/the new type of Chromecast named "Google Castlite" per WiiM. I've opened tickets with both Airfoil and WiiM but due to this being a rather tiny use case for both Airfoil and WiiM, I do not expect it to get resolved with any priority unless resolving the Chromeast issues other users are reporting with more popular sources (e.g. PLex) addresses the Airfoil issue.

Happy to answer any questions on Ultra, my use case, or my system!

I had the same Airfoil issue and emailed them about it. They told me to start a ticket or something in the app, but I never got around to it.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Nice comparison with the Bluesound Nano

 

[Brian Hall]

The only issue I've had and still have with the Ultra is that the subwoofer out doesn't stop when using a headphone. Have to manually turn it off and then back on when switching back to speaker output.

I wish Wiim would fix that.

 

[staticV3]

The only issue I've had and still have with the Ultra is that the subwoofer out doesn't stop when using a headphone. Have to manually turn it off and then back on when switching back to speaker output.

I wish Wiim would fix that.

Have you opened a support ticket already?

WiiM are usually very quick at fixing bugs and implementing new features.

 

[Abdo]

I disagree with this comparison, because the WiiM has a Phono input and an LCD. The correct comparison would be to compare it with the new Node Icon, and even then the Node Icon is still missing a Phono input. And the Node Icon costs 3x as much... for me the WiiM will continue to reign supreme...
Could someone explain to me what even the Node Icon has that is superior to the Ultra? Airplay 2? I've never used it and never will. If necessary, there is a solution for less than $100.

 

[Brian Hall]

Have you opened a support ticket already?

WiiM are usually very quick at fixing bugs and implementing new features.

Yes. They replied that it was being worked on. That was right after I received the Ultra.

 

[Brian Hall]

 

[Dr. Noooooo]

Focusrite interface and the mic that came with a pair of IK Multimedia iLoud MTM speakers, I suppose?

Very short answer: By all means, stay away from clipping! As @sealpin said, at least 3 dB, maybe even better 6 dB.

How would that Focusrite interface allow for calibration of the microphone? Honestly, I'd be a little suspicious of that microphone. IK Multimedia might have included a fix calibration (compensating for known anomalies) into their hardware and software products, that isn't available to you when using the WiiM Home App.

Results may be better than with a smartphone's built-in mic, but I don't think it's guaranteed.

I don’t understand what’s the point of using the Room Correction tool in Wiim, especially if you have a calibrated microphone since you cannot load the calibration files into the software. I tried it with Umik-1 and got completely different results and the equalisation sounded horrible compared to REW ones. Honestly seems more of a gimmick to me.

 

[Yorkshire Mouth]

I don’t understand what’s the point of using the Room Correction tool in Wiim, especially if you have a calibrated microphone since you cannot load the calibration files into the software. I tried it with Umik-1 and got completely different results and the equalisation sounded horrible compared to REW ones. Honestly seems more of a gimmick to me.

I’ve run RC over the last few days, and I’ve found it to be most useful, and it’s actually a little more flexible than it first appears.

Some have clearly had issues, but others have found the results compatible with what they’ve got from both REW and the HouseCurve app.

By the way, it’s good to remember that you can run REW (or anything else), then manually input those results into the WiiM’s PEQ. That’s a tad long-winded, but for anyone used to the complexities of REW, it really shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

It saves buying a separate box for EQ, which would probably cost you more than the Ultra.

 

[Dr. Noooooo]

I’ve run RC over the last few days, and I’ve found it to be most useful, and it’s actually a little more flexible than it first appears.

Some have clearly had issues, but others have found the results compatible with what they’ve got from both REW and the HouseCurve app.

By the way, it’s good to remember that you can run REW (or anything else), then manually input those results into the WiiM’s PEQ. That’s a tad long-winded, but for anyone used to the complexities of REW, it really shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

It saves buying a separate box for EQ, which would probably cost you more than the Ultra.

According to my microphone calibration file data there can be over 3dB variations (mid highs and lowest bass regions) and none of this will be applied to the RC results. However, if your speaker & room setup has variations more than that then I suppose it can help but I would still take the results with a grain of salt and try to adjust them further by ear according to each ones personal preferences. Having the ability to use the graphic equaliser would be handy here but unfortunately it’s not possible in Wiim together with the PEQ. Also, the overall quality of the microphone is a significant factor (dedicated measurement mic vs. phone mic) and how well the measurements are executed.

 

[Overseas]

I use Wiim RC with Umik1, with Wiim Pro. The Harmann curve sounds good and balanced. I would rather invest in a calibrated mic than using a separate RC box.

 

[harkpabst]

According to my microphone calibration file data there can be over 3dB variations (mid highs and lowest bass regions) and none of this will be applied to the RC results.

Your UMIK-1calibration file certainly doesn't exhibit a 3 dB variation in the frequency range between 40 Hz an 4 kHz. This happens to be the default range for correction in the WiiM Home App, but you can further limit that range.

Not being able to apply the cal file is not ideal, but it's not the biggest concern with the current procedure. Using REW provides much more flexibility and power but requires a lot more knowledge.

 

[CT Man]

I don’t understand what’s the point of using the Room Correction tool in Wiim, especially if you have a calibrated microphone since you cannot load the calibration files into the software. I tried it with Umik-1 and got completely different results and the equalisation sounded horrible compared to REW ones. Honestly seems more of a gimmick to me.

I'm not technical and would have a long learning curve for something like REW. I have my Ultra in a 12' x 15' room where my reclining listening position adjoins a corner on the opposite wall. What sounds good elsewhere has a very boomy bass in some frequencies near that corner. Before the WiiM room correction update I was considering stacking a couple GIK Soffit Bass Traps in that corner. Running flat correction up to 400hz sounds much better to me so far. Still need to play more music to see if that does the trick.

Depending on the music, I turn off the RC PEQ for other listening positions. Perhaps with bass traps the room would be more even and I wouldn't need to turn on/off RC.

The default RC frequency range sounded terrible to me. I'd describe it as hollow vocals and mids, and probably more problems if I had bothered to analyze it further.

 

[Abdo]

New FW today, ART Cover Radio Paradise .. work now....

 

[mlsstl]

I don’t understand what’s the point of using the Room Correction tool in Wiim, especially if you have a calibrated microphone since you cannot load the calibration files into the software. I tried it with Umik-1 and got completely different results and the equalisation sounded horrible compared to REW ones. Honestly seems more of a gimmick to me.

Not sure I understand the need for uploading the calibration file -- the file for the IMM-6C i bought shows every frequency below 9.5KHz within 0.5 dB. It strikes me odd that, given that few non-professional setups have rooms with sophisticated acoustic treatment, needing that level of precision included from the calibration file strikes me as needless overkill. I know I've run the WiiM RC software multiple times and, while the curves remain in the "ballpark", the pivot frequencies are always slightly different and the level of dB correction changes up to 20% or more. My experience suggests this ties to slightly different positioning of the microphone -- since one is talking both left and right speakers involved in the measurements, the amount and precise frequencies of reinforcement and cancellation varies. Short of placing one's head in a vice while listening, thinking one can get an absolutely flat in-room response from any system is not realistic.

I'm in the category of hoping to make my in-room response better, not perfect. To that end I've been very pleased with the improvements I'm hearing from the room correction offered by my Ultra.