Bluetooth speaker out + subwoofer out?

[brianz]

Can the Wiim Amp simultaneously output to a Bluetooth speaker and a subwoofer out? I'm trying to see if I can pair my Sonos Era 100's to the Wiim Amp through Bluetooth, and also use the sub out. I normally connect my Era 100's directly to my MacBook Pro via Bluetooth. I want to add a non Sonos sub to my Era 100's. Right now turning sub out on does nothing if audio output is set to Bluetooth out.

It would be nice if the EQ can also be applied for Bluetooth out.

Thanks

 

[Wiimer]

Can the Wiim Amp simultaneously output to a Bluetooth speaker and a subwoofer out? I'm trying to see if I can pair my Sonos Era 100's to the Wiim Amp through Bluetooth, and also use the sub out. I normally connect my Era 100's directly to my MacBook Pro via Bluetooth. I want to add a non Sonos sub to my Era 100's. Right now turning sub out on does nothing if audio output is set to Bluetooth out.

It would be nice if the EQ can also be applied for Bluetooth out.

Thanks

No, Bluetooth and the subwoofer can't output simultaneously. It is possible by connecting a Bluetooth transmitter adapter to the WiiM Amp's USB output.

 

[Barr]

Dear WiiM Team,

I am ready to purchase the WiiM Ultra because I love the hardware specifications and the WiiM brand. However, there are specific software limitations regarding the Bluetooth/USB Output implementation that are currently a dealbreaker for me.

The Request:
Please release a firmware update that allows:

1. Simultaneous Output: Keep the wired Subwoofer Output (RCA) active while the device is in Bluetooth Transmitter Mode or USB Audio Out Mode.
2. Independent Crossover Settings per Output: The Crossover frequency (HPF/LPF) should be saved separately for each output type. (e.g., Line Out set to 80Hz, but Bluetooth set to 100Hz).
3. EQ for Digital Out: Enable PEQ/GEQ processing for the Bluetooth Transmitter and USB Audio stream.

The "Why" (The Hybrid Use Case):
I intend to build a modern hybrid setup: My Bluetooth Speakers (Anker Soundcore Motion X600 TWS with Spatial Audio) combined with a High-Performance Wired Subwoofer (SVS SB-1000 Pro via WiiM Sub Out).

Currently, selecting "Bluetooth" output automatically disables the Sub Out. Furthermore, every speaker is different. My wired speakers might handle 50Hz easily, but my portable Bluetooth speakers need a High Pass Filter at 100Hz+ to avoid distortion. Using a single "global" crossover setting for all outputs is not viable.

By enabling an Independent Active Crossover on the Bluetooth/USB output, we can:

• Offload the bass: Stop sending <100Hz frequencies to the small Bluetooth speakers.
• Increase Clarity & Headroom: The BT speakers no longer waste power on bass they can't reproduce. This drastically reduces intermodulation distortion in the mids and highs.
• Avoid "Muddy" Bass: Prevents the BT speakers from fighting with the wired subwoofer in the low frequencies.

Addressing the Latency Concern:
I understand that Bluetooth introduces latency, which is likely why simultaneous output is disabled by default. However, the WiiM Ultra already has the Sync Audio settings. As an enthusiast, I am perfectly willing and able to manually delay the wired subwoofer to match the Bluetooth latency using the "Inverse Phase" method.

Suggested Implementation:
I propose adding a specific "Advanced Bluetooth" and "Advanced USB Out" section in the Audio Output Settings. The UI should be context-aware:

• [Toggle] Keep Subwoofer Out Active on Bluetooth:Keeps RCA Sub active when BT is connected.
  • Warning popup: "Note: Bluetooth processing introduces latency. Please adjust Subwoofer Delay in Sync Settings."
  • [Toggle] Enable Active Crossover: When enabled, the Crossover Frequency Slider appears immediately below. (This setting is saved uniquely for Bluetooth).
  • [Toggle] Apply Equalizer: When enabled, reveals the EQ settings for the Bluetooth stream.
• The same logic applies to the USB Out settings menu.

This feature would turn the WiiM Ultra into the Ultimate Wireless Pre-Amp Hub, allowing users to combine portable Bluetooth speakers with the raw power of a wired subwoofer, with precise control per device!

Best regards,

Barr

 

[Burnside]

The subwoofer and EQ settings are active when using USB audio out.

 

[Mr Ee]

Welcome.

Sub out does work with usb out.
If you want eq etc. for bluetooth then probably the best way would be an external BT transmitter. Do whatever you want to the audio within the wiim app, output to a BT transmitter, then on to whatever BT device.

 

[Burnside]

Welcome.

Sub out does work with usb out.
If you want eq etc. for bluetooth then probably the best way would be an external BT transmitter. Do whatever you want to the audio, output to a BT transmitter, then on to whatever BT device.

Nice workaround, plus you’d have access to better BT codecs. Given the issues often mentioned around BT, maybe WiiM should add such an external BT transmitter to its range that would enhance all existing devices.

 

[Mr Ee]

The fiio bt11 has been mentioned a few times here iirc.
And if I don't recall correctly someone will correct me!
It might have been the sr11? Maybe a differerent use case?
Did I get too much sun today? I seem to be having a few senior moments, and I'm not even 72.

 

[Barr]

The subwoofer and EQ settings are active when using USB audio out.

Thank you Burnside! That is extremely interesting news

If I understand correctly: If I plug in a USB DAC (or USB Bluetooth Transmitter), the RCA Sub Out remains active?

Two crucial follow-up questions to verify if this solves my hybrid setup:

1. High Pass Filter: Does the WiiM apply the Crossover (HPF) to the USB Output? (So the USB device receives NO bass, and the Sub receives ONLY bass?)
2. Sync/Delay: Since a USB Bluetooth transmitter introduces latency (~150ms), allows the WiiM to apply a delay to the RCA Sub Out to sync it with the delayed USB audio? Or is the 'Sync Audio' setting global and will it also delay the USB Output even further?

 

[Burnside]

I seem to be having a few senior moments, and I'm not even 72.

Didn’t realise that would be used as a stick to beat me with

 

[Barr]

The fiio bt11 has been mentioned a few times here iirc.
And if I don't recall correctly someone will correct me!
It might have been the sr11? Maybe a differerent use case?
Did I get too much sun today? I seem to be having a few senior moments, and I'm not even 72.

Thanks! Yes, it's the FiiO BT11.
Your brain functions like a 27-years old

The FiiO BT11 had some issues (connection problems). FiiO has released an improved version, the Air Link: https://www.fiio.com/airlink

 

[Wiimer]

Thank you Burnside! That is extremely interesting news

If I understand correctly: If I plug in a USB DAC (or USB Bluetooth Transmitter), the RCA Sub Out remains active?

Two crucial follow-up questions to verify if this solves my hybrid setup:

1. High Pass Filter: Does the WiiM apply the Crossover (HPF) to the USB Output? (So the USB device receives NO bass, and the Sub receives ONLY bass?)
2. Sync/Delay: Since a USB Bluetooth transmitter introduces latency (~150ms), allows the WiiM to apply a delay to the RCA Sub Out to sync it with the delayed USB audio? Or is the 'Sync Audio' setting global and will it also delay the USB Output even further?

I think your request is a bit unreasonable, but let's set that aside for now.

Adding another WiiM Amp should resolve all issues except for the crossover. If you absolutely want to share 1 subwoofer between 2 systems, you could use an RCA switch box to connect the subwoofer outputs from both amps to a single subwoofer.

Of course, as @Mr Ee mentioned, you'll also need a Bluetooth transmitter.

 

[Barr]

Dear WiiM Team,

I am ready to purchase the WiiM Ultra because I love the hardware specifications and the WiiM brand. However, there are specific software limitations regarding the Bluetooth/USB Output implementation that are currently a dealbreaker for me.

The Request:
Please release a firmware update that allows:

1. Simultaneous Output: Keep the wired Subwoofer Output (RCA) active while the device is in Bluetooth Transmitter Mode or USB Audio Out Mode.
2. Independent Crossover Settings per Output: The Crossover frequency (HPF/LPF) should be saved separately for each output type. (e.g., Line Out set to 80Hz, but Bluetooth set to 100Hz).
3. EQ for Digital Out: Enable PEQ/GEQ processing for the Bluetooth Transmitter and USB Audio stream.

The "Why" (The Hybrid Use Case):
I intend to build a modern hybrid setup: My Bluetooth Speakers (Anker Soundcore Motion X600 TWS with Spatial Audio) combined with a High-Performance Wired Subwoofer (SVS SB-1000 Pro via WiiM Sub Out).

Currently, selecting "Bluetooth" output automatically disables the Sub Out. Furthermore, every speaker is different. My wired speakers might handle 50Hz easily, but my portable Bluetooth speakers need a High Pass Filter at 100Hz+ to avoid distortion. Using a single "global" crossover setting for all outputs is not viable.

By enabling an Independent Active Crossover on the Bluetooth/USB output, we can:

• Offload the bass: Stop sending <100Hz frequencies to the small Bluetooth speakers.
• Increase Clarity & Headroom: The BT speakers no longer waste power on bass they can't reproduce. This drastically reduces intermodulation distortion in the mids and highs.
• Avoid "Muddy" Bass: Prevents the BT speakers from fighting with the wired subwoofer in the low frequencies.

Addressing the Latency Concern:
I understand that Bluetooth introduces latency, which is likely why simultaneous output is disabled by default. However, the WiiM Ultra already has the Sync Audio settings. As an enthusiast, I am perfectly willing and able to manually delay the wired subwoofer to match the Bluetooth latency using the "Inverse Phase" method.

Suggested Implementation:
I propose adding a specific "Advanced Bluetooth" and "Advanced USB Out" section in the Audio Output Settings. The UI should be context-aware:

• [Toggle] Keep Subwoofer Out Active on Bluetooth:Keeps RCA Sub active when BT is connected.
  • Warning popup: "Note: Bluetooth processing introduces latency. Please adjust Subwoofer Delay in Sync Settings."
  • [Toggle] Enable Active Crossover: When enabled, the Crossover Frequency Slider appears immediately below. (This setting is saved uniquely for Bluetooth).
  • [Toggle] Apply Equalizer: When enabled, reveals the EQ settings for the Bluetooth stream.
• The same logic applies to the USB Out settings menu.

This feature would turn the WiiM Ultra into the Ultimate Wireless Pre-Amp Hub, allowing users to combine portable Bluetooth speakers with the raw power of a wired subwoofer, with precise control per device!

Best regards,

Barr

I've refined my feature request based on community feedback (thanks @Mr Ee for pointing out that Sub Out does work with usb out) and improved insight (Every paired Bluetooth device is different):

Dear WiiM Team,

I am ready to purchase the WiiM Ultra because I love the hardware and the brand. However, after some helpful community feedback, I’ve refined my request to focus on the specific software gaps that currently prevent a high-quality "Hybrid Wireless 2.1" experience. Lacking Hybrid 2.1 is a dealbreaker for me.

The Request:
Please release a firmware update that allows:

1. Simultaneous Output: Keep the wired Subwoofer Output (RCA) active while the device is in Bluetooth Transmitter Mode.
2. Independent Crossover & EQ for every Digital Output (Bluetooth/USB): The Crossover frequency (HPF/LPF) should be saved separately for each output type, including each paired Bluetooth device. (e.g., Line Out set to 80Hz, but Bluetooth device X set to 100Hz and Bluetooth device Y set to 90 Hz).
3. Fixed Latency Mode (Stability): Bluetooth latency can fluctuate between handshakes. Fixed latency will keep the sub sync stable between listening sessions.
4. EQ for Digital Out: Enable PEQ/GEQ processing for the Bluetooth Transmitter and USB Audio stream.

The "Why" (The Hybrid 2.1 Use Case):
I intend to build a modern hybrid setup: My Bluetooth Speakers (Anker Soundcore Motion X600 TWS) combined with a High-Performance Wired Subwoofer (SVS SB-1000 Pro via WiiM Sub Out).

Currently, selecting "Bluetooth" output automatically disables the Sub Out. Furthermore, every speaker is different. My wired speakers might handle 50Hz easily, but my portable Bluetooth speakers need a High Pass Filter at 100Hz+ to avoid distortion. Using a single "global" crossover setting for all outputs is not viable.

By enabling an Independent Active Crossover on the USB output and each paired Bluetooth Device, we can:

• Offload the bass: Stop sending <100Hz frequencies to the small Bluetooth speakers.
• Increase Clarity & Headroom: The BT speakers no longer waste power on bass they can't reproduce. This drastically reduces intermodulation distortion in the mids and highs, resulting in improved mid-range clarity and sonic transparency.
• Avoid "Muddy" Bass: Prevents the BT speakers from fighting with the wired subwoofer in the low frequencies.

Addressing the Latency Concern:
I understand that Bluetooth introduces latency, which is likely why simultaneous output is disabled by default. However, the WiiM Ultra already has the Sync Audio settings. As an enthusiast, I am perfectly willing and able to manually delay the wired subwoofer to match the Bluetooth latency using the "Inverse Phase" method.

To ensure a stable hybrid setup, I propose adding a "Forced Codec Selection" and "Fixed Latency Mode" setting so latency is stable between listening sessions.

Suggested Implementation:
I propose adding a specific "Advanced Bluetooth" and "Advanced USB Out" section in the Audio Output Settings. The UI should be context-aware. Because different Bluetooth devices require a different configuration, the configuration should be saved per paired device. This would make switching between different bluetooth setups seamless.

Advanced settings per paired Bluetooth device:

• [Toggle] Keep Subwoofer Out Active on Bluetooth: Keeps RCA Sub active when BT is connected.
  • Warning popup: "Note: Bluetooth processing introduces latency. Please adjust Subwoofer Output Latency in Syncing Subwoofer and Speakers settings."
  • [Toggle] Enable Active Crossover: When enabled, the Crossover Frequency Slider appears immediately below.
  • [Toggle] Apply Equalizer: When enabled, reveals the EQ settings for the Bluetooth device.
  • [Dropdown] Codec Selection: Manually lock the codec to stabilize latency. Dropdown values: Automatic, SBC , AAC, LDAC - Connection Priority (330 kbps), LDAC - Balanced (660 kbps), LDAC - Quality Priority (990 kbps)
  • [Toggle] Fixed Latency Mode: When enabled a Fixed Latency slider appears below. The WiiM enforces a constant buffer (preventing sync drift between handshakes).
    • Smart Helper: The UI displays a "Suggested Latency" based on the currently active codec (e.g., ~170ms for SBC, ~250ms for LDAC) to give the user a reliable starting point for manual sync.
• The same logic applies to the USB Out settings menu (except for codec selection ofcourse).

This feature would transform the WiiM Ultra into the ultimate digital hub, enabling a seamless Hybrid Wireless 2.1 experience. It allows users to pair the convenience of Bluetooth speakers with the raw performance of a wired subwoofer—all with precise, device-specific control.

Best regards,

Barr

 

[Barr]

Addendum to Feature Request:

To truly make these devices the ultimate "all-in-one" digital hubs, I propose making this Hybrid Wireless 2.1 functionality (simultaneous Bluetooth Out + Sub Out) a standard feature across the entire lineup. It allows for a seamless bridge between wired subs and wireless speakers.

Applicable models:

• WiiM Ultra
• WiiM Amp / WiiM Amp Pro
• WiiM Pro / Pro Plus

 

[hgo58]

Addendum to Feature Request:

To truly make these devices the ultimate "all-in-one" digital hubs, I propose making this Hybrid Wireless 2.1 functionality (simultaneous Bluetooth Out + Sub Out) a standard feature across the entire lineup. It allows for a seamless bridge between wired subs and wireless speakers.

Applicable models:

• WiiM Ultra
• WiiM Amp / WiiM Amp Pro
• WiiM Pro / Pro Plus

As Bluetooth is part of the LinkPlay hardware module, it's probably not possible to change in current models?

 

[Barr]

As Bluetooth is part of the LinkPlay hardware module, it's probably not possible to change in current models?

Thank you for thinking along @hgo58 ! The WiiM Amp Pro and Ultra use the Amlogic A113X quad-core processor (part of the LinkPlay A98 series). According to the technical datasheets for this SoC, it supports multiple simultaneous I2S and TDM audio outputs.

This means the hardware is natively capable of routing audio to the internal DAC and the Bluetooth stack at the same time. It is not a hardware 'switching' limitation like in older A31-based modules, but a matter of firmware implementation.

Adding a 'Hybrid 2.1' mode should be a viable software update for these Pro-level models.

I am specifically looking to buy the WiiM Amp Pro. For my setup, being able to use the Sub Out (wired) simultaneously with Bluetooth Out would be the ultimate 'killer feature'. It would allow me to not only bring my Bluetooth speakers to social gatherings, but to add a sub to ignite a party!

 

[hgo58]

Thank you for thinking along @hgo58 ! The WiiM Amp Pro and Ultra use the Amlogic A113X quad-core processor (part of the LinkPlay A98 series). According to the technical datasheets for this SoC, it supports multiple simultaneous I2S and TDM audio outputs.

This means the hardware is natively capable of routing audio to the internal DAC and the Bluetooth stack at the same time. It is not a hardware 'switching' limitation like in older A31-based modules, but a matter of firmware implementation.

I am specifically looking to buy the WiiM Amp Pro. For my setup, being able to use the Sub Out (wired) simultaneously with Bluetooth Out would be the ultimate 'killer feature'. It would allow me to bridge the gap between high-end passive speakers and wireless expansion.

Adding a 'Hybrid 2.1' mode should be a viable software update for these Pro-level models.

I am specifically looking to buy the WiiM Amp Pro. For my setup, being able to use the Sub Out (wired) simultaneously with Bluetooth Out would be the ultimate 'killer feature'. It would allow me to not only bring my Bluetooth speakers to social gatherings, but to add a sub to ignite a party!

Ok, I don't have the knowledge of the actual implementation but as the Bluetooth output don't have EQ either, I was expecting it to be implemented in parallel with the other digital path using its own dedicated communication chip.

The subwoofer output work together with the other outputs (digital and analog) and I think it has its own DAC?

But as I said, I am just guessing based on how I see it works and my experience with similar designs.

 

[Barr]

Addendum 4 - Extending "Auto-Sync" to Bluetooth & USB Digital Outputs

To make the Hybrid 2.1 or 4.1 setup truly user-friendly, the existing 'Syncing Subwoofer & Speakers' calibration tool must be extended to include all digital outputs.

The Request: Please enable the microphone-based Auto-Sync (acoustic measurement) specifically for Bluetooth and USB Audio modes.

Why: Bluetooth latency is the "elephant in the room" for hybrid setups. While enthusiasts can calculate offsets manually, the average user cannot. Since WiiM already has a proven acoustic measurement algorithm, applying it to the Bluetooth/USB chain would allow the system to automatically delay the wired Subwoofer (RCA) to match the wireless latency of the speakers.

The Goal: This ensures that the wired subwoofer and the Bluetooth/USB speakers are perfectly time-aligned and in-phase. It removes the "echo effect" and "bass cancellation" typically associated with mixing wired and wireless hardware, making the Hybrid 2.1 experience easy plug-and-play.

 

[Barr]

Addendum 5: Portable Multiroom Speaker, Stereo Fill & 4.1/5.1 Wired/Wireless Hybrid

To expand on the "Hybrid 2.1" concept, I have posted a comprehensive framework for Wireless Expansion. This vision explains how to transform the WiiM into a modular hub by enabling Simultaneous Wired + Wireless (Bluetooth/LinkPlay/USB) Output.

This covers:

• Wireless Stereo Fill: Using Bluetooth speakers as "Rear Fill" for an immersive music experience.
• Roaming Multiroom: Using a Bluetooth speaker as a synced portable speaker throughout the house.
• True 4.1/5.1 Hybrid: A cable-free surround setup using wired fronts and wireless rears.

I’ve mapped out the technical UI requirements (Fixed Latency Mode, Codec Locking, and Channel Mapping) in more detail here: Play simultaneously on wired speakers and Bluetooth