Mono output when I use the Wi-Fi input & 16-bit files

[Agon123]

I bought a used WIIM Mini recently and have been unable to fix very unique playback issue:
Instead of 2.0 (stereo) playback, audio playback is 1.0 (mono)

I've been unable to fix issue this so I'm asking for help. What is bizarre (to me anyway) is that this issue occurs only when I use WiFi as the input AND the file is 16-bit.

• If I play back a 24-bit file over WiFi from the same source -- presto -- stereo!
• If I change the input to Aux-In or Bluetooth and play the same 16-bit file -- presto -- stereo! Even 16-bit/ 88.2kHz files play back in mono.

I've tried just about everything that I can think of:

• Tried different Audio output (Optical, Bluetooth, Aux-Out), but this doesn't make a difference
• Tried Rebooting over and over; toggled fixed-volume; Audio Channel (toggled mono; stereo; left/right channel)
• Changed from 5ghz to 2.4gHz in WiFi
• Used different music sources over WiFi (Lyrion Music Server, Plex, MinimServer, DNLP)

I don't have this issue with the WiiM Plus Pro (same WiFI network; same music servers). And I can confirm I'm using the latest Firmware for the Wiim Mini.

What am I missing?

Thanks in advance

PS. My setup (Device/connection) with the issue is :
LMS --> WiFi --> WiiM Mini --> SPDF out ---> Topping E30 Lite --> RCA Out --> Schiit Magni --> DT 990 Pro 250 ohm (headphones)

 

[Agon123]

edit 1: I've also eliminated the Topping E30 Lite from the chain in my setup (rca out from the WiiM Mini to the Schiit Magni's rca inputs) without any change in 1.0 playback as described.

edit 2: I've checked the WiFi signal to the WiiM Mini and it is strength is very good.

 

[d6jg]

Although you have rebooted, have you physically disconnected from power for a few seconds?

 

[harkpabst]

Instead of 2.0 (stereo) playback, audio playback is 1.0 (mono)

How do you recognise it's playing in mono only? Does it say so in the WiiM Home app or are you evaluating this by listening? Don't get me wrong, I'm not questioning what you say, just want to find out about the details.

If power cycling the WiiM Mini does not help, have you tried to do a factory reset?

If the issue persists you should definitely send feedback to WiiM through the WiiM Home app (More > Feedback) right after the problem arises. Device logs will be send along with your feedback, so WiiM engineers can examine these to hopefully find the root cause.

 

[Agon123]

Although you have rebooted, have you physically disconnected from power for a few seconds?

Yes I did. I tried a different power source and USB c cable without any luck.

 

[Agon123]

How do you recognise it's playing in mono only? Does it say so in the WiiM Home app or are you evaluating this by listening? Don't get me wrong, I'm not questioning what you say, just want to find out about the details.

If power cycling the WiiM Mini does not help, have you tried to do a factory reset?

If the issue persists you should definitely send feedback to WiiM through the WiiM Home app (More > Feedback) right after the problem arises. Device logs will be send along with your feedback, so WiiM engineers can examine these to hopefully find the root cause.

Edit: Factory Reset fixed the problem--thx for the suggestion!

Good question. In the Audio Channel sub-section of the Audio Settings, there are four options: Mono, Stereo, Left, Right. For the 16 bit files (m4a, MP3, aac) the sound is the same regardless of which of these settings I pick. All of the Audio is dead on center-- if you know songs with clear separation you would spot it immediately (eg songs by The Doors with drums only in one side). As I mentioned, if I play the same song via Aux In or Bluetooth, the stereo effect is there.

After I try a factory reset, I'll submit feedback as you suggest

 

[harkpabst]

After I try a factory reset, I'll submit feedback as you suggest

Ideally you could have sent feedback through the app before the factory reset, so the logs might have contained something that explains how this irregular state came to be.

But nevermind, it's still worth letting them know, since I hadn't heard of this before. Occasionally, people found the channels to be reversed randomly. But everything clearly sounding like mono is new, I think.