Implement USB-In for desktop PC, laptop & tablet (Windows, Mac & Linux)

[MNMLSM]

Hi there,

First of all, you do a great job with your products. I have 3 suggestions which would make your products perfect for even more use cases and I hope the input is seen by your product managers:

1. I think you underestimate how many listeners have their speakers right on their desk and listen to music only or most of the time, when they sit in front of their PC or laptop.
A USB-In to play their music straight from the device is a gamechanger for everyone with a computer. And is absolutely standard and well known for everyone who already used USB-intefaces or just DACs.

2. better bluetooth audio quality: at least aptx, LDAC would be optimal.

3. WiiM Amp with more power, a display and USB-In for the devices named above and you created heaven for all desk users!

That's it, hope the input finds you!

 

[Burnside]

I can safely say I’ve seldom if ever sat in front of a pc or laptop to listen to music and would generally speaking find a PC a potentially noisy source of half decent audio. Maybe it’s an age thing…

I fully expect WiiM to extend the amp range as you describe in terms of power and a screen, but I believe they may need new hardware to support USB in as I understand the USB interface in current models can’t be made to support audio in.

 

[MNMLSM]

Interesting, as usual tastes are different and also the way we listen to music but let me expand my point.

The WiiM Amp is a compact or mini amp with low/moderate power output which is totally fine, at least for me.
I think the majority uses the WiiM Amp with bookshelf speakers and of course there are also users with floor-standing speakers.

Let's take a popular speaker like the KEF LS50, search for desk setups and you will find a ton of pictures which show exactly my described scenario:



and I could add way more examples.

Listening to music in front of a desk is even more common in the pro scene where they mainly use active monitors and it is a huge market, most of us know brands like Genelec, Neumann or ADAM.
Nearfield monitors are a big part in audio and the usage at home (mostly on a desk with a PC or laptop) or in studios are widespread.

Your statement that "PC a potentially noisy source" is kind of true and false, USB has been tested quite a lot of time by amir (audiosciencereview) and it was actually always the best performing connection on DACs, compared to Toslink and Coaxial.

It would be really interesting to know if the addition of USB-In and the possibility to connect devices like a Windows PC are pretty complex and need additional hardware or they just don't care about the function because they don't see it as important.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

A USB-In to play their music straight from the device is a gamechanger for everyone with a computer. And is absolutely standard and well known for everyone who already used USB-intefaces or just DACs.

This is certainly not the case with I suspect the vast majority of WiiM users.

 

[Deleted member 404]

In addition to the Wiim Pro, I also have an HTPC in my living room. I have connected this to my DAC...via USB. Another scenario that could make USB-In useful.

 

[LucAce]

I can safely say I’ve seldom if ever sat in front of a pc or laptop to listen to music

I agree with MNMLSM.

@MNMLSM ...but for the meantime: https://www.amazon.de/Cubilux-TOSLI...ibel/dp/B09QFYNB7Y?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I agree with @MNMLSM .

I agree with @Burnside.

 

[LucAce]

That doesn't change the fact that USB In would be a very useful extension.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

That doesn't change the fact that USB In would be a very useful extension.

But probably unlikely to be used by many owners.

 

[LucAce]

No.

 

[MNMLSM]

@QuarryHunslet if your title is correct and you are actually a "Moderator" on this forum, you're doing a pretty bad job at moderating a thread.
Different point of views, no need to start trolling.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

@QuarryHunslet if your title is correct and you are actually a "Moderator" on this forum, you're doing a pretty bad job at moderating a thread.
Different point of views, no need to start trolling.

The title is correct, but I fail to see your relevance to trolling, I am just stating my own point of view.

By the way, there has been no moderating of this thread yet!

 

[Deleted member 404]

It's crazy how a simple question about more compatibility degenerates into a nonsensical discussion.

In the office, I could do without the external sound card if the amp had a USB in. I think there are several scenarios in which it would make sense. Be it just to be able to do without a large number of devices. The only reason I haven't upgraded to the Ultra so far is the lack of a USB input.

 

[MNMLSM]

I agree with MNMLSM.

@MNMLSM ...but for the meantime: https://www.amazon.de/Cubilux-TOSLI...ibel/dp/B09QFYNB7Y?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

Thanks, I already use the SMSL PO100 Pro.
But it will become a problem if there will be a release of a WiiM Amp with a display, there is no way to get the cover.jpg stored in the album folder.

 

[MNMLSM]

It's crazy how a simple question about more compatibility degenerates into a nonsensical discussion.

In the office, I could do without the external sound card if the amp had a USB in. I think there are several scenarios in which it would make sense. Be it just to be able to do without a large number of devices. The only reason I haven't upgraded to the Ultra so far is the lack of a USB input.

You're absolutely right, nothing to add.

Would love to get a statement from @WiiM Support @WiiM Team because I know that I will get a more professional and grown-up response.

 

[pieterv1]

I definitely see the added value in adding a USB input.
- for people using a WiiM device in a desktop setup next to a laptop or computer
- Connecting an iOS device to a USB DAC is currently the only way to do bit-perfect playback from Apple Music. Android 14 has added bit-perfect playback as well. It would also allow bit-perfect playback from Plexamp without the need for running Plexamp headless on a Raspberry Pi. Any other music source could work over USB as well of course, but then WiiM probably already has you covered with streaming over network
- less common use case maybe, but it would also open up the possibility to directly send audio over USB from an Android tv box, media pc or a Raspberry Pi

 

[Deleted member 404]

Would love to get a statement from @WiiM Support @WiiM Team because I know that I will get a more professional and grown-up response.

...it's not quite that bad, there are lots of nice people here in the forum who are willing to help. Everyone who has made a statement in response to your question is one of them

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I have just received this device from Amazon, and I am now listening to 24-bit/192 kHz audio on my WiiM Amp via a USB C port, and an optical cable, all for £21.91.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09QFYNB7Y?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[pieterv1]

I have just received this device from Amazon, and I am now listening to 24-bit/192 kHz audio on my WiiM Amp via a USB C port, and an optical cable, all for £21.91.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09QFYNB7Y?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Yes I know these exist, but people are making a big deal about the fact they can now send asynchronous digital audio out from their Ultra to a DAC directly over USB and why it should sound better. This dongle converts the audio from USB to an optical connection, possibly adding jitter and clocking issues where there shouldn't have to be if we could just directly connect a USB cable. So even though I would find it hard to believe, wouldn't a direct USB connection sound better theoretically?

 

[cooky560]

I use my wiim gear while relaxing in a comfy chair, I don't think I've used it near a PC, where I have a USB dac and a pair of headphones.

Most computer motherboards these days have an SPDIF out function, use this with the wiim? The wiim has optical in, no need for usb at all.