5.1 experience

[Newb0815]

Hi all,

I currently own a Wiim Ultra attached to an RME Dac and a Purifi power amp for critical stereo listening.

I have been watching Wiim and the 5.1 capabilities for over a year now as I would ideally like to use a single system for both HT and HiFi. Currently, TV and HT run completely separately via a Sonos system (Arc Ultra with Sonos Sub and rears). The fact that I recently experienced the limit of the Sonos subwoofer capabilities (pumping audibly) led me to overthink a Wiim HT setup again (and of course, it is a hobby and I like to change and try things all the time ).

A big advantage of a Sonos system is its usability (at least for HT purposes when there is not much need for the app) as well as its great dialogue enhancement functions, night modes etc.

A potential Wiim surround setup for me would probably include Wiim Sound Lites as Center and surround speakers. My fronts are Klipsch Forte IVs (sub is an Elac Rs 700). Since I read that in a Wiim surround setup, EQ and room calibration are disabled, I am a little afraid that I might have the theoretically better speaker and sub config compared to Sonos but that harmonisation of those speakers as well as dialogue clarity might be much worse than with my current Sonos setup. Therefore, I would highly appreciate your experience with a Wiim surround setup, particular in respect to the points mentioned above.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wiimer]

Hi all,

I currently own a Wiim Ultra attached to an RME Dac and a Purifi power amp for critical stereo listening.

I have been watching Wiim and the 5.1 capabilities for over a year now as I would ideally like to use a single system for both HT and HiFi. Currently, TV and HT run completely separately via a Sonos system (Arc Ultra with Sonos Sub and rears). The fact that I recently experienced the limit of the Sonos subwoofer capabilities (pumping audibly) led me to overthink a Wiim HT setup again (and of course, it is a hobby and I like to change and try things all the time ).

A big advantage of a Sonos system is its usability (at least for HT purposes when there is not much need for the app) as well as its great dialogue enhancement functions, night modes etc.

A potential Wiim surround setup for me would probably include Wiim Sound Lites as Center and surround speakers. My fronts are Klipsch Forte IVs (sub is an Elac Rs 700). Since I read that in a Wiim surround setup, EQ and room calibration are disabled, I am a little afraid that I might have the theoretically better speaker and sub config compared to Sonos but that harmonisation of those speakers as well as dialogue clarity might be much worse than with my current Sonos setup. Therefore, I would highly appreciate your experience with a Wiim surround setup, particular in respect to the points mentioned above.

Thanks in advance!

Sorry it's me again.

Based on my experience, using the WiiM Sound as the center speaker made the difference in sound color compared to the front speakers quite noticeable. At least in the current state where EQ adjustment isn't possible, I wouldn't recommend it. However, whether you and your family would mind it is something you'd have to try.

Since WiiM's wireless Dolby has a virtual center function, I think it's better to try a 4.1ch setup without a center speaker first. If you use the WiiM Sound as a surround speaker, I suspect it might not be as noticeable. (I haven't tried it yet, so I can't be certain.)

That said, as I mentioned in another thread, there are several other potential issues that could arise, so I recommend considering this carefully.

 

[Newb0815]

Thanks a lot again, Wiimer!

As mentioned in the other thread, a dedicated Center speaker is a requirement for me, particularly if EQ e.g. for vocal boost (that I tried yesterday and which was ok) is not available.

I hope Wiim will come around with a new solution/product soon to bring high-quality HiFi and HT together!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

 

[rccarguy]

I'd just get a AVR. Connect the Wiim to the AVR via coaxial, and plug your speakers into the AVR.

Wiims are stereo products, and any multi channel is a bodge around method at best

 

[Newb0815]

I'd just get a AVR. Connect the Wiim to the AVR via coaxial, and plug your speakers into the AVR.

Wiims are stereo products, and any multi channel is a bodge around method at best

That way I would be using a mediocre DAC and power amp for my speakers - that is what I specifically try NOT to do (both the RME DAC and my Purifi power amp measure significantly better than AVRs). Apart from the DAC question, I would have to hardwire all speakers and buy a dedicated Center speaker (which can realistically never be used for anything different other than a Wiim Sound). Only Sony and Yamaha offer wireless rear speaker solutions, but the Sony does NOT offer a pre-out while the better Yahama AVRs with pre-out simply don’t fit due to their size.

But of course your thought is absolutely justified; I checked all kinds of possible alternatives about a year ago. I think this a a gap between HiFi and HT that (hopefully) some players on the market will soon close.

 

[rccarguy]

That way I would be using a mediocre DAC and power amp for my speakers - that is what I specifically try NOT to do (both the RME DAC and my Purifi power amp measure significantly better than AVRs). Apart from the DAC question, I would have to hardwire all speakers and buy a dedicated Center speaker (which can realistically never be used for anything different other than a Wiim Sound). Only Sony and Yamaha offer wireless rear speaker solutions, but the Sony does NOT offer a pre-out while the better Yahama AVRs with pre-out simply don’t fit due to their size.

But of course your thought is absolutely justified; I checked all kinds of possible alternatives about a year ago. I think this a a gap between HiFi and HT that (hopefully) some players on the market will soon close.

Just saying for a 5.1 system, that's the recommended solution, as AVR's decode all movie soundtracks, don't discard LFE info, can downmix surround formats back to stereo or keep native etc.

Using multiple stereo streamers to get it pseudo 5.1, when it won't be DTS at all, and suspect in processing, all the extra hassle , compared to one box AVR/AV pre amp which is designed to do that etc..

I've got stereo systems and a 9.3.4 AV pre amp seperates system, Wiim Ultra, Squeezeboxes etc, and getting Wiim native 5.1 is a bodge around.

Another alternative is use a AV pre amp instead of a AVR. Then have power amplifiers to suit whether two monoblocs, three monoblocs, a five channel, 11 channel, or 13 channel etc.