Ethernet streaming on WiiM Ultra

[Tremmie]

I’m looking help trying to troubleshoot a problem with music streaming via Ethernet to my WiiM Ultra. I can connect to the WiiM no problem via Bluetooth through Tidal Connect. However, the actual streaming is going through my tablet and not the Ethernet. I can’t enable the native Tidal app within the WiiM home software. (Can’t complete the Tidal interface within the WiiM home app, keeps hanging.. another problem for another discussion) Question: when does the WiiM stream from the Ethernet and why can’t I get it to do that? There is a good Ethernet connection according to the network status screen.

 

[HansD-NL]

I’m looking help trying to troubleshoot a problem with music streaming via Ethernet to my WiiM Ultra. I can connect to the WiiM no problem via Bluetooth through Tidal Connect. However, the actual streaming is going through my tablet and not the Ethernet. I can’t enable the native Tidal app within the WiiM home software. (Can’t complete the Tidal interface within the WiiM home app, keeps hanging.. another problem for another discussion) Question: when does the WiiM stream from the Ethernet and why can’t I get it to do that? There is a good Ethernet connection according to the network status screen.

Welcome.
The ethernet (or wifi) "input" on WiiM devices is for all audio streaming from outside (internet) and inside your local network. So everything except direct inputs (from a cd player or other device) and Bluetooth.

For the first bit of your question you will get a to the point answer from the user Wiimer, quite sure of that

 

[Wiimer]

I’m looking help trying to troubleshoot a problem with music streaming via Ethernet to my WiiM Ultra. I can connect to the WiiM no problem via Bluetooth through Tidal Connect.

Hi,
First, I need to clarify: Are you using Tidal Connect within the Tidal app? Or is your phone connected to the Ultra via Bluetooth? Tidal Connect uses Wi-Fi. Please tell us what color the LED on the Ultra's volume knob is. If it's white, it's playing via Wi-Fi (or Ethernet). If it's green, it's playing via Bluetooth.

However, the actual streaming is going through my tablet and not the Ethernet. I can’t enable the native Tidal app within the WiiM home software. (Can’t complete the Tidal interface within the WiiM home app, keeps hanging.. another problem for another discussion) Question: when does the WiiM stream from the Ethernet and why can’t I get it to do that? There is a good Ethernet connection according to the network status screen.

Unfortunately, I haven't used Tidal myself, so I hope other members can offer advice. First, please try rebooting Ultra and logging out of Tidal.

 

[GeeTee]

wow learn something everyday .. "Please tell us what color the LED on the Ultra's volume knob is. If it's white, it's playing via Wi-Fi (or Ethernet). If it's green, it's playing via Bluetooth." thanks @Wiimer

 

[Mr Ee]

Welcome.

When you are in the Tidal app and press the 'cast' icon, do you see something like this for your ultra, showing tidal connect?


When you choose it, does the cast icon change from a rectangle to a circle, indicating it's connected?


In the Wiim app, what does the Now Playing screen show?
e.g. here it shows Tidal Connect.

 

[Mr Ee]

As for trying to use Tidal from within the wiim app, a couple of things that have caused issues for some are:
unusual characters in the password
the browser that opens, e.g. chrome, firefox etc.

Do you have another phone/tablet to try? The tidal logon details will be stored on the wiim itself, so you only need to get the registraton working from one phone/tablet.

 

[harkpabst]

I can’t enable the native Tidal app within the WiiM home software. (Can’t complete the Tidal interface within the WiiM home app, keeps hanging.. another problem for another discussion) Question: when does the WiiM stream from the Ethernet and why can’t I get it to do that? There is a good Ethernet connection according to the network status screen.

A simple point to clarify regarding both issues:

The WiiM Ultra does need access to the Internet, of course, not just access to your local network. It must not be blocked from the Internet.

Also, your phone running the WiiM Home App must be on the same logical network as the WiiM Ultra. It doesn't matter if it's Ethernet or Wi-Fi or what frequency range, but it must be the same subnet. The devices must not be on different VLANs and client isolation must not be enabled. Can you play any of the built-in Internet radio stations at all?

Finally a short comment on jargon: Most people over here would call the Tidal App installed on your smartphone (or on your PC) to be the "native app", not the Tidal support integrated into the WiiM Home App. It was very clear the way you put it, but could be confusing in the upcoming conversation.

 

[jjue1979]

I once had an issue with drop outs, streaming, and software update issues from either one of my WiiM Amps or my WiiM Ultra that was my related to my home network. After trying a different ethernet cable, it turned out that the issue was the ethernet switch (older TP-Link managed from Omada controller), and I had to disable IPv6 from the WiiM Device to get around it for the time being. This may not be your issue, although I might throw it out as a wild idea to look into.