Lack of full functionality when not connected to wifi?

[wordsum]

One thing I do not understand about the design of the wiim amps is why they are not fully functional when not connected to wifi. Audio will still play from the wired input, however you cannot access the full settings and the power light will continue blinking non-stop. This is a design flaw in my opinion. One does not even have the option to use bluetooth to control the settings. Kind of ridiculous. I don't use it much for streaming and would prefer the option to turn off wifi altogether and still use it normally. No point broadcasting a wifi signal constantly if it's not being used for anything. Ideally I would like to control the settings from my pc without having to go fool around with my cell phone.

 

[harkpabst]

One thing I do not understand about the design of the wiim amps is why they are not fully functional when not connected to wifi.

You can connect the WiiM amplifiers to the network either through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Both work absolutely the same, there's no requirement for Wi-Fi.

One does not even have the option to use bluetooth to control the settings. Kind of ridiculous.

Yes, that's correct and it is no secret.

I don't use it much for streaming and would prefer the option to turn off wifi altogether and still use it normally. No point broadcasting a wifi signal constantly if it's not being used for anything.

What exactly is your definition of "use it normally"? These are streaming devices in the first place. If you don't connect the WiiM devices to any network, you cannot control them through the WiiM Home app on your smartphone. That's not a design flaw, it's simply by design, even if it's not perfectly suited to your needs. Pretty much all the selling points of WiiM devices (including the RoomFit room correction system) rely on network and Internet access.

Ideally I would like to control the settings from my pc without having to go fool around with my cell phone.

This is probably never going to happen. It's just not what WiiM are after. Personally, I would love to see a web based user interface where the configuration application is hosted by the device itself. All it needs to access it is any plain web browser. But this also requires a network connection between the device running the web browser and the WiiM device.

As of now there is one alternative. You can have your smart phone create a Wi-Fi hotspot and use the WiiM Home app on the same smartphone to set up and use your WiiM Amp Pro. But this is mainly intended for setups where no other access to the Internet is available.

 

[Burnside]

Once the device is setup you can use the WiiM remote to control it, but I can’t imagine how you could possibly change its settings over Bluetooth.

 

[wordsum]

You can connect the WiiM amplifiers to the network either through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Both work absolutely the same, there's no requirement for Wi-Fi.

And who wants to run an ethernet cable all the way from their amplifier to their router? Utterly ridiculous.

These are streaming devices in the first place. If you don't connect the WiiM devices to any network, you cannot control them through the WiiM Home app on your smartphone. That's not a design flaw, it's simply by design, even if it's not perfectly suited to your needs. Pretty much all the selling points of WiiM devices (including the RoomFit room correction system) rely on network and Internet access.

I assumed it was foremost an amp since it's part of the name. A selling point is added functionality, not required functionality. I could honestly see this being part of a planned obsolescence, where the company decides not to update the app anymore and now you can no longer operate your device properly because it's considered outdated. Not to mention the extra wattage being used and extra electromagnetic frequencies broadcasted in your home for no reason.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I assumed it was foremost an amp since it's part of the name. A selling point is added functionality, not required functionality. I could honestly see this being part of a planned obsolescence, where the company decides not to update the app anymore and now you can no longer operate your device properly because it's considered outdated. Not to mention the extra wattage being used and extra electromagnetic frequencies broadcasted in your home for no reason.

Perhaps you have purchased the wrong type of device for your needs. Did you do any research before making your purchase?

 

[wordsum]

Perhaps you have purchased the wrong type of device for your needs. Did you do any research before making your purchase?

I in fact did. However it is difficult to find an amplifier that is both compact and has the proper inputs/outputs to connect to a pc and subwoofer. I imagine with the amount of "chifi" gear being released, this will change in the next few years.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I in fact did. However it is difficult to find an amplifier that is both compact and has the proper inputs/outputs to connect to a pc and subwoofer. I imagine with the amount of "chifi" gear being released, this will change in the next few years.

So you knew how the WiiM devices relied upon WiFi for full functionality, and still purchased one?

 

[harkpabst]

Or simply connect it to your wi-fi and use it as intended. What's the problem?

 

[wordsum]

So you knew how the WiiM devices relied upon WiFi for full functionality, and still purchased one?

That aspect I was not aware of and did not see advertised anywhere.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

That aspect I was not aware of and did not see advertised anywhere.

It must have been fairly obvious, as the WiiM amplifiers have no physical controls other than the volume control.

 

[d6jg]

I in fact did. However it is difficult to find an amplifier that is both compact and has the proper inputs/outputs to connect to a pc and subwoofer. I imagine with the amount of "chifi" gear being released, this will change in the next few years.

Denon PMA30 plus USB to Optical converter

 

[Burnside]

Personally the very mention of an app in the product description screamed WiFi to me. I’m not aware of any app that relies on Bluetooth for full control of another device.

 

[wordsum]

Personally the very mention of an app in the product description screamed WiFi to me. I’m not aware of any app that relies on Bluetooth for full control of another device.

SVS subwoofers use only bluetooth to control the app. Not that it's strictly necessary since basic controls are also found on the subwoofer.

 

[Burnside]

The WiiM remote also only uses Bluetooth to control but not configure WiiM devices.