PC to Wiim Ultra Connection Conundrum

[Hoarseman]

Hi folks

Wondering if anyone is able to help me with this:

I have a Wiim Ultra hooked up to a simple (single RCA pair input) class D amp which is connected to a pair of passive speakers. I have successfully configured the Ultra to stream music sent from wireless phone and tablet.

I also connected my Windows 11 pc to the Ultra via an adaptor from usb out on pc to SPDIF in on the Wiim. I use a non-internet connected tv as the monitor for my pc via HDMI from my graphics card.

Now I would like to be able to watch concert videos that are either stored as mp4 files on my pc's HDD, or streamed from websites like YT at other times. I am able to get audio and video through the tv/monitor but cannot figure out how to get the audio from these concerts correctly configured to play through the Ultra to my stereo system rather than through the tv speakers.

Suggestions most appreciated.

Edit: with any connection suggestions you may have, please also include what the appropriate configuration settings should be on each of the devices, ie Ultra, PC, TV. This is all pretty new stuff for me and I appreciate if you ELI5. Cheers

 

[HansD-NL]

Hello and Welcome. The only thing to do on the Wiim side is that you switch the input to optical. Then if your pc already recognizes the USB to Optical device (what is it exactly?) switch the audio output of your pc in the Windows sound panel from hdmi (the speakers in your tv/monitor) to the USB device in question and that should be it. If off course you have connected an optical cable between the two first.

 

[Hoarseman]

Hello and Welcome. The only thing to do on the Wiim side is that you switch the input to optical. Then if your pc already recognizes the USB to Optical device (what is it exactly?) switch the audio output of your pc in the Windows sound panel from hdmi (the speakers in your tv/monitor) to the USB device in question and that should be it. If off course you have connected an optical cable between the two first.

Thanks for responding.

I've tried that using both a HDMI eArc out from tv/monitor to Ultra and SPDIF out from same, changing the input source on the Wiim as appropriate but no audio is heard through Ultra when watching a video, only through the tv speakers.

 

[Mr Ee]

Thanks for responding.

I've tried that using both a HDMI eArc out from tv/monitor to Ultra and SPDIF out from same, changing the input source on the Wiim as appropriate but no audio is heard through Ultra when watching a video, only through the tv speakers.

The wiim doesn't accept eArc, and it's possible that the tv won't send audio over optical if the hdmi is attached.
Try removing cables / fiddling with some tv settings....

 

[HansD-NL]

Thanks for responding.

I've tried that using both a HDMI eArc out from tv/monitor to Ultra and SPDIF out from same, changing the input source on the Wiim as appropriate but no audio is heard through Ultra when watching a video, only through the tv speakers.

I don't think that we are talking about the same thing. I try again. Your said: "I also connected my Windows 11 pc to the Ultra via an adaptor from usb out on pc to SPDIF in on the Wiim"
What is that device? Does your pc recognize it and if so is it available in the Windows sound panel to switch audio output to it.

 

[harkpabst]

I also connected my Windows 11 pc to the Ultra via an adaptor from usb out on pc to SPDIF in on the Wiim. I use a non-internet connected tv as the monitor for my pc via HDMI from my graphics card.

Are you using the TV as a monitor exclusively?

If so, I don't see why you would need the USB to S/PDIF converter at all. Since the PC does obviously output video and audio to the TV, getting the connection between TV and WiiM Ultra working is all you need. There's no need for an additional direct connection.

As mentioned by @HansD-NL and @Mr Ee you can either use the TV's optical output or HDMI ARC (not eARC). Only one HDMI port is usually capable of ARC, so make sure to use the correct one. Also, the required configuration options in the TV's menu might be called differently depending on make and model. If you ca post this information most probably other users can step in.

If you have other use for the optical input on the Ultra it makes sense to try and get HDMI ARC working. This will also allow you to use the TV's remote for volume control. If you prefer to go with the optical output, this might need to be enabled through some menu setting as well.

The WiiM Ultra supports uncompressed LPCM (sometimes just called PCM) and compressed Dolby Digital (sometimes called AC3 or bitstream). For 2 channel audio I recommend sticking with lossless PCM.

 

[Burnside]

I don't think that we are talking about the same thing. I try again. Your said: "I also connected my Windows 11 pc to the Ultra via an adaptor from usb out on pc to SPDIF in on the Wiim"
What is that device? Does your pc recognize it and if so is it available in the Windows sound panel to switch audio output to it.

I suspect something like this which has been mentioned and reportedly successfully used several times in the forum https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cubilux-TOSLINK-Converter-Compatible-Computer/dp/B0B2DBGKL3/

 

[HansD-NL]

I suspect something like this which has been mentioned and reportedly successfully used several times in the forum https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cubilux-TOSLINK-Converter-Compatible-Computer/dp/B0B2DBGKL3/

Should indeed do the trick. This particular dongle is Class Compliant and doesn't need a driver. Then the only thing left the OP needs to do is select it in Windows sound panel as the (default) output and enjoy. What a nice and cheap thing to have in any soundtech daily bag.

 

[Hoarseman]

I suspect something like this which has been mentioned and reportedly successfully used several times in the forum https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cubilux-TOSLINK-Converter-Compatible-Computer/dp/B0B2DBGKL3/

That's what I use.

 

[Hoarseman]

Are you using the TV as a monitor exclusively?

Yes

If so, I don't see why you would need the USB to S/PDIF converter at all. Since the PC does obviously output video and audio to the TV, getting the connection between TV and WiiM Ultra working is all you need. There's no need for an additional direct connection.

The current configuration is the pc delivers video and audio to the tv via hdmi to watch/hear concerts. But wanting the audio routed to the Wiim during viewing became the conundrum. Connecting another hdmi cable from the tv to Wiim didn't accomplish this.

I had been using a SPDIF cable (with adapter) between the pc and the Wiim for when I was listening only to flac and mp3 files stored on the hard drive of my pc.

As mentioned by @HansD-NL and @Mr Ee you can either use the TV's optical output or HDMI ARC (not eARC). Only one HDMI port is usually capable of ARC, so make sure to use the correct one. Also, the required configuration options in the TV's menu might be called differently depending on make and model. If you ca post this information most probably other users can step in.

My tv-slash-monitor is a Hisense 65" U7N. I don't use any of its "smart" features due to privacy concerns with the tv phoning home. I also don't have or want any network streaming services.

If you have other use for the optical input on the Ultra it makes sense to try and get HDMI ARC working. This will also allow you to use the TV's remote for volume control. If you prefer to go with the optical output, this might need to be enabled through some menu setting as well.

The WiiM Ultra supports uncompressed LPCM (sometimes just called PCM) and compressed Dolby Digital (sometimes called AC3 or bitstream). For 2 channel audio I recommend sticking with lossless PCM.

And there's the rub. I can't figure out how to get an hdmi audio return from the tv through the Wiim to my hifi when viewing video.

 

[Hoarseman]

I don't think that we are talking about the same thing. I try again. Your said: "I also connected my Windows 11 pc to the Ultra via an adaptor from usb out on pc to SPDIF in on the Wiim"
What is that device? Does your pc recognize it and if so is it available in the Windows sound panel to switch audio output to it.

Correct. It's a simple usb-to-optical adapter that I use for listening to my audio collection stored on my pc through the Wiim to my hifi.

 

[Hoarseman]

The wiim doesn't accept eArc, and it's possible that the tv won't send audio over optical if the hdmi is attached.
Try removing cables / fiddling with some tv settings....

Fiddling was enacted, with some success (please see update)

 

[harkpabst]

Connecting another hdmi cable from the tv to Wiim didn't accomplish this.

Yes, and that's what I'd like to change. This is exactly what HDMI ARC is for.

My tv-slash-monitor is a Hisense 65" U7N. I don't use any of its "smart" features due to privacy concerns with the tv phoning home. I also don't have or want any network streaming services.

HDMI ARC and CEC settings are totally independent of if you're using any smart features of your TV. It's about how the local.ports work, only.

And there's the rub. I can't figure out how to get an hdmi audio return from the tv through the Wiim to my hifi when viewing video.

The only way to find out is through your TV's configuration options.

Or go the way of adding an additional output connection to your PC, of course. Seems.lime.you prefer that.

 

[adias]

An audio toslink out from the tv to the Ultra doesn’t work for you (OP)?

 

[Hoarseman]

Hi folks

Wondering if anyone is able to help me with this:

I have a Wiim Ultra hooked up to a simple (single RCA pair input) class D amp which is connected to a pair of passive speakers. I have successfully configured the Ultra to stream music sent from wireless phone and tablet.

I also connected my Windows 11 pc to the Ultra via an adaptor from usb out on pc to SPDIF in on the Wiim. I use a non-internet connected tv as the monitor for my pc via HDMI from my graphics card.

Now I would like to be able to watch concert videos that are either stored as mp4 files on my pc's HDD, or streamed from websites like YT at other times. I am able to get audio and video through the tv/monitor but cannot figure out how to get the audio from these concerts correctly configured to play through the Ultra to my stereo system rather than through the tv speakers.

Suggestions most appreciated.

Edit: with any connection suggestions you may have, please also include what the appropriate configuration settings should be on each of the devices, ie Ultra, PC, TV. This is all pretty new stuff for me and I...

Update

The solution was to use the SPDIF out from the tv to the Wiim for the audio channel to the hifi. I hoped to use hdmi for that but as Mr. Ee pointed out it doesn't appear possible when using hdmi from the pc to tv when viewing concerts.

Now I need to get another SPDIF connection to replace the one I was using for listening to my music collection stored on my pc through the Wiim.

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses!

 

[harkpabst]

I hoped to use hdmi for that but as Mr. Ee pointed out it doesn't appear possible when using hdmi from the pc to tv when viewing concerts.

I don't think that this is what @Mr Ee said and I don't see what would be the difference between concerts and any other content, as long as you computer plays it to your TV.

But as long as.you found a workable solution everything is fine.

 

[Hoarseman]

An audio toslink out from the tv to the Ultra doesn’t work for you (OP)?

It did indeed. Just configured it that way.

Thanks for your response.

 

[Hoarseman]

I don't think that this is what @Mr Ee said and I don't see what would be the difference between concerts and any other content, as long as you computer plays it to your TV.

But as long as.you found a workable solution everything is fine.

Most likely I misunderstood their post then.

And apparently I have.

Cheers!

ps. I referred to concerts instead of just saying A/V content because it was the best example for my use case and avoided confusion when referencing audio vs visual or both.

 

[Hoarseman]

Yes, and that's what I'd like to change. This is exactly what HDMI ARC is for.


HDMI ARC and CEC settings are totally independent of if you're using any smart features of your TV. It's about how the local.ports work, only.


The only way to find out is through your TV's configuration options.

Or go the way of adding an additional output connection to your PC, of course. Seems.lime.you prefer that.

Thanks for clarifying!

 

[Mr Ee]

No worries, I'm often misunderstood

Just confirming that you realise only one of the hdmi sockets on the tv is the Arc one, and the ultra has to be connected to that.
However, glad you found a workable solution.