PC to WIIM Amp audio output

[MichaelR]

I want to setup a PC to output audio to the WIIM Amp. I have reviewed a lot of documentation regarding this. One solution is to connect the PC headphone jack to the WIIM line-in ports with a 3.5mm to RCA connector. Is this a reasonable solution with good quality sound?

Other solutions that utilize DLNA/music streaming apps seem to be overkill. I do not own that much music. The PC and the WIIM Amp are on the same network. If there is a network solution, that would be better than a direct connect to the WIIM, but I don't see one.

My music streaming service allows me to create playlists but the WIIM Amp does not recognize the playlists. So, the goal is to be able to play playlists through the streaming website to take advantage of the high-quality speakers attached to the WIIM.

 

[anonyless]

get a DDC (Digital to Digital Converter): output bit perfect audio from your PC using USB connection to the DDC as output and SPDIF (optical) to the WiiM amp spdif input
this is the one i use and recommend https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/903.html (SMSL PO 2024)
it costs about 30 USD and takes hardly any desk space

 

[BMeek]

This thread makes me wonder if anyone's created 'virtual USB' drivers to allow for peer-to-peer (or to Hub) connections to USB accessories via LAN or internet connections. Could be useful.

Anyway, you refer to a browser sound source - have you tried Google Cast from Chrome to the WiiM Amp's receiver? I would prefer a generic PC Sound output as @anonyless recommends, but you've stated your preference for a network connection.

 

[MichaelR]

get a DDC (Digital to Digital Converter): output bit perfect audio from your PC using USB connection to the DDC as output and SPDIF (optical) to the WiiM amp spdif input
this is the one i use and recommend https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/903.html (SMSL PO 2024)
it costs about 30 USD and takes hardly any desk space

Has anyone tried the 3.5mm to RCA connector? Is the cost of a DDC and connectors ($30 vs. $10)? worth it? Does the 3.5mm to RCA connector approach lack in quality?

 

[MichaelR]

This thread makes me wonder if anyone's created 'virtual USB' drivers to allow for peer-to-peer (or to Hub) connections to USB accessories via LAN or internet connections. Could be useful.

Anyway, you refer to a browser sound source - have you tried Google Cast from Chrome to the WiiM Amp's receiver? I would prefer a generic PC Sound output as @anonyless recommends, but you've stated your preference for a network connection.

I stay clear of Google. A connector seems more generic. A network solution seems ideal.

 

[d6jg]

Has anyone tried the 3.5mm to RCA connector? Is the cost of a DDC and connectors ($30 vs. $10)? worth it? Does the 3.5mm to RCA connector approach lack in quality?

It’s not the cable per se it’s the quality of the PCs onboard audio card.
For better audio quality a DDC will be better - USB to Optical would be how I would connect. Cubilux make a good cheap one. Make sure you get USB to Optical and not the reverse. They make both and they look identical. This is the correct one - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cubilux-TOSLINK-Converter-Compatible-Computer/dp/B0B2DBGKL3
For non cable connection consider Stream What You Hear https://github.com/dheijl/swyh-rs
This will stream whatever audio that hits your PC sound card to your WiiM