Bluetooth LDAC codec support

Probably because the WiiM family of devices already support a plethora of streaming protocols over (superior) wi-fi, we're not getting the best-of-the-best when it comes to bluetooth.

I could be wrong, but I believe LDAC is still a Sony technology. Yes, they've outsourced it to Google so every Android phone can support it, but to for audio manufacturers there's probably some sort of fee or license to implement it in their hardware.

Yup, as Wikipedia confirms:
The encoder of LDAC is open-source under Apache License 2.0, so that any device can be coded to transmit LDAC streams without patent or licensing issues. The decoder design remains proprietary.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
pieterv1 said:
Probably because the WiiM family of devices already support a plethora of streaming protocols over (superior) wi-fi, we're not getting the best-of-the-best when it comes to bluetooth.

I could be wrong, but I believe LDAC is still a Sony technology. Yes, they've outsourced it to Google so every Android phone can support it, but to for audio manufacturers there's probably some sort of fee or license to implement it in their hardware.

Yup, as Wikipedia confirms:
Click to expand...
For me the quote sounds like WiiM could encode LDAC without having to pay anything. The headphone manufacturer using the decoder might have to pay something. But not the encoding device. So please, @WiiM Team integrate LDAC!
 
Yoku-San said:
For me the quote sounds like WiiM could encode LDAC without having to pay anything. The headphone manufacturer using the decoder might have to pay something. But not the encoding device. So please, @WiiM Team integrate LDAC!
Click to expand...
For LDAC playback on the WiiM, it would also become the "decoder".

If you mean LDAC output from the WiiM to a headphone, the WiiM would be encoder, but that's a much more specific use case even... Would only make sense for people with compatible headphones (mostly Sony).

Licensing things aside, the current hardware probably won't support it.
 
The thing is, most of the users that stream via Bluetooth to the WiiM should be able to use Wifi streaming instead.

People with LDAC Bluetooth headphones have no other option then to use a very lossy codec or a cable.

It would be very nice if WiiM could enable at least LDAC output via Bluetooth.

Nowadays many Bluetooth headphones in addition to Sony headphones support LDAC.
 
Ldac is old and bad codec, something from current times should be added as aptx family. Many active speakers are using aptx Hd from many, many years. Also old but still.
 
Trekkis said:
Ldac is old and bad codec, something from current times should be added as aptx family. Many active speakers are using aptx Hd from many, many years. Also old but still.
Click to expand...
False statement!

LDAC and aptX HD Compared​

  • LDAC offers the highest bit rate among Bluetooth codecs at up to 990 kbps, supporting detailed and high-quality audio up to 24-bit/96 kHz.
  • aptX HD also focuses on high-resolution audio but with a lower bit rate of 576 kbps for 24-bit/48 kHz audio, balancing high fidelity with compatibility.
  • Key Difference: LDAC can handle higher resolutions and bit rates than aptX HD, making it suitable for the highest quality Bluetooth audio streaming.

 
Have the ultra now for one month. Really happy with it. Got in hooked up to a Rotel amp and a pair of Q Acoustics 5050's. Just this evening I thought; let's try the headphone. Must say that that was indeed an underwhelming experience. On my phone I have Tidal with Ldac support and the lack of better codecs is really noticable. Music sounds more flat. But the Wiim does have BT 5.3 so it should not be a problem. Would really be happy if Ldac support would be added. That would make the ultra indeed the ultimate streamer.
 
pieterv1 said:
Probably because the WiiM family of devices already support a plethora of streaming protocols over (superior) wi-fi, we're not getting the best-of-the-best when it comes to bluetooth.
Click to expand...
It indeed does but Wifi streaming is not for headphones right? So perfect when hooked up to an amp bit if you want to use your headphone (to not bother the misses e.g.) the happiness level drops significantly.
 
I would like the ability to change the balance of the bluetooth for headphone use. I hope that the per output eq will allow us to change the eq settings on the bluetooth out and include a balance adjustment as I am a bit deaf in one ear.
I would also like the same for the wired headphone out and a seperate volume control with an adjustable volume limiter. I did raise a ticket with wiim about this
The response was
"We would like to let you know that we have taken note of your request regarding the Bluetooth Out. Rest assured, your suggestion will be carefully reviewed and considered for inclusion in our future version updates."
This was at the end of August.
 
Yoku-San said:
The thing is, most of the users that stream via Bluetooth to the WiiM should be able to use Wifi streaming instead.

People with LDAC Bluetooth headphones have no other option then to use a very lossy codec or a cable.

It would be very nice if WiiM could enable at least LDAC output via Bluetooth.

Nowadays many Bluetooth headphones in addition to Sony headphones support LDAC.
Click to expand...
Why would you stream via Bluetooth TO the Wiim? That does not make sense to me. It is, indeed, about connecting your headphone via Bluetooth to the Wiim when you are not using your amp or powered speakers.
 
Bucksbunny said:
Why would you stream via Bluetooth TO the Wiim? That does not make sense to me. It is, indeed, about connecting your headphone via Bluetooth to the Wiim when you are not using your amp or powered speakers.
Click to expand...
Is it not the case that the lack of airplay leaves iphone users using bluetooth? Also some mp3 players support bt?
 
Also I am using bt from my phone as if I use chromecast I lose some controls from the lockscreen. I also have an issue when chromecasting and put my phone on charge. Sometimes the phone will disconnect from chromecast (android)
 
Bucksbunny said:
Why would you stream via Bluetooth TO the Wiim? That does not make sense to me. It is, indeed, about connecting your headphone via Bluetooth to the Wiim when you are not using your amp or powered speakers.
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I wrote. It is more important to establish LDAC encoding for Bluetooth Output to headphones.

People using Bluetooth to stream to the WiiM device should in most cases be able to switch to Wifi streaming options.
 
@WiiM Support Please inform us, if LDAC encoding for Bluetooth Output to LDAC-compatible headphones is technically possible, and if so, when it will be implemented!
 
What I still can not figure out is the use case where you would want to buy a Wiim, that streams all major music services, and then use it to stream stuff via Bluetooth from your phone to the Wiim so that you can send content from your phone via your Wiim to your amplifier. It just does not make sense to me.
 
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