Sub Out Signal When Amp Is Muted

[joelnefph]

I’m having a difficult time blending in my sub, and noticed something strange. I have to turn the level down REALLY low on the sub. I’m able to do some fine adjustments through the app, but it ranges wildly depending on source - HDMI ARC (Samsung tv) or WiFi (streaming tidal). Also, if I mute my receiver, I can still hear a signal through the sub.

Below is my current signal chain for reference:

WiiM Ultra > coaxial out into the Schiit Modi 3E DAC > RCA out of DAC into my Sony STR-DH190.

I’m running a pair of Pioneer SP BS22 LR as my mains. And I’m running a Jamo C910 powered subwoofer, using a single RCA into the LFE input on the sub, from the WiiMs sub out.

The signal I hear through the sub when the receiver is muted goes away when I turn off the sub on the WiiM, so it seems it’s not an issue with my sub itself.

Am I getting some issues because of utilizing the LFE input on the sub? I have a new sub cable that’s rated for 75 ohm arriving tomorrow, so not sure if my current cable is different.

Wondering why there’s such a fluctuation in the sub level between sources, and why there’s a signal being sent to the sub when the amp is muted.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wiimer]

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Wondering why there’s such a fluctuation in the sub level between sources,

I believe that is normal. With the way you have it connected, the Ultra's sub out signal does not go through the amplifier (Sony AVR) .

Please tap the mute button on the left side of the volume slide bar in the WiiM app and make sure the sub sounds off.

and why there’s a signal being sent to the sub when the amp is muted.

Thanks in advance.

If DSP is used in both WiiM and AVR, this may happen; please try putting AVR in pure direct mode.

 

[joelnefph]

@Wiimer, I’m using fixed output so I can’t mute in the app. I was using a bit of EQ in the WiiM app, but the issue exists even when I turn it off. My stereo receiver is in pure direct mode, however.

Just strange that it takes so much finagling sub levels in between streaming and HDMI sources within the WiiM. I haven’t encountered that before with other products - amps, AVRs or streamers.

 

[Wiimer]

@Wiimer, I’m using fixed output so I can’t mute in the app. I was using a bit of EQ in the WiiM app, but the issue exists even when I turn it off. My stereo receiver is in pure direct mode, however.

Just strange that it takes so much finagling sub levels in between streaming and HDMI sources within the WiiM. I haven’t encountered that before with other products - amps, AVRs or streamers.

If you have a subwoofer connected to the WiiM, turn off the fixed output; you cannot control the volume of the subwoofer with the AVR.

If you want WiiM to have fixed outputs, connect a subwoofer to the AVR.

If you connect the subwoofer to WiiM (the current state), please use the WiiM app for all control.

 

[joelnefph]

If you have a subwoofer connected to the WiiM, turn off the fixed output; you cannot control the volume of the subwoofer with the AVR.

If you want WiiM to have fixed outputs, connect a subwoofer to the AVR.

If you connect the subwoofer to WiiM (the current state), please use the WiiM app for all control.

That makes sense to me. Thank you.

I wish I had a sub out on my receiver…. It’s a simple two channel receiver, which was one of the draws for the WiiM Ultra. Using it as a digital source for streaming, HDMI, and bass management with a sub seemed like a no brainer. Using it in conjunction with my receiver makes for a pretty capable system!

 

[Wiimer]

That makes sense to me. Thank you.

I wish I had a sub out on my receiver…. It’s a simple two channel receiver, which was one of the draws for the WiiM Ultra. Using it as a digital source for streaming, HDMI, and bass management with a sub seemed like a no brainer. Using it in conjunction with my receiver makes for a pretty capable system!

Sorry, I mistakenly thought the Sony receiver was an AVR.

Don't worry, the sound quality is still high even with the Ultra's fixed outputs turned off.

Ideally, the volume of other devices (Sub, DAC, Amp) adjusted beforehand to control the volume of Ultra in the range of 60%~100%. (This is just my personal opinion.)

Basically, the volume of these devices need not be changed once set. (Fine tuning of sub volume, phase, and crossover are also all set in the WiiM app).

Since the high pass filter of the main speaker is applied to the WiiM crossover, the response performance of the main speaker is expected to be improved.

All source devices connected to the WiiM and controlled by the WiiM app.

 

[harkpabst]

That makes sense to me. Thank you.

Once you have configured the correct sub level on the sub iteself (recommendation: set it at ~50% here and fine tune from within the WiiM Home app) you must not change the volume on your STR-DH190 ever again. At least you must set it to exactly the same volume level whenever you use it.

The WiiM Ultra must be the only device controlling the volume, otherwise it cannot keep the relative balance between sub out and the coaxial output (or any other output for that matter).

 

[joelnefph]

@harkpabst @Wiimer

Thank you both! That’s the trick! Loving the full functionality via CEC with my TV remote, for power on / power off, and volume control. Great little system for the bedroom, and easy to use for my better half as well.

Now to stave off the urge for a dedicated power amp like the Emotiva A2…. For at least a little bit.

 

[Wiimer]

@harkpabst @Wiimer

Thank you both! That’s the trick! Loving the full functionality via CEC with my TV remote, for power on / power off, and volume control. Great little system for the bedroom, and easy to use for my better half as well.

Now to stave off the urge for a dedicated power amp like the Emotiva A2…. For at least a little bit.

I'm glad your problem was solved.
And yes, the Ultra is the great device for the bedroom.
Have fun with it.