utilizing the HDMI ARC input for digital PC audio output

[anonyless]

yes, I know the best / most logical way would to use a DDC from USB to optical , but I would like to use the optical input on the Ulra for CD player transport ,
and since I have nothing connected on the HDMI ARC input, started looking into "HDMI ARC extractors" - such as this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003208834036.html (HDMI 2.0band HDCP 2.2,4K@60Hz 1X1 HDMI audio extractor with ARC,3.5mm Jack & optical Toslink SPDIF.support RGB 8:8:8(Dobly Atmos),EDID,HDR10 .)

does anyone have good/bad experience with such an adapter?

 

[slartibartfast]

yes, I know the best / most logical way would to use a DDC from USB to optical , but I would like to use the optical input on the Ulra for CD player transport ,
and since I have nothing connected on the HDMI ARC input, started looking into "HDMI ARC extractors" - such as this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003208834036.html (HDMI 2.0band HDCP 2.2,4K@60Hz 1X1 HDMI audio extractor with ARC,3.5mm Jack & optical Toslink SPDIF.support RGB 8:8:8(Dobly Atmos),EDID,HDR10 .)

does anyone have good/bad experience with such an adapter?

That doesn't appear to output audio to HDMI ARC. It looks like HDMI is the input and audio output is either RCA, 3.5mm or SPDIF.

 

[anonyless]

thanks. also tried searching for optical to hdmi arc (adapter?) and couldn't find anything. any ideas?

 

[jfbuk]

Have you thought of using PC USB output to a small DAC (e.g. SMSL SU1) with USB input and then RCA line input to your Wiim ?

 

[anonyless]

Have you thought of using PC USB output to a small DAC (e.g. SMSL SU1) with USB input and then RCA line input to your Wiim ?

it's an idea but that way it's D-->A->D->A . it would probably mean a lot of signal loss

 

[jfbuk]

it's an idea but that way it's D-->A->D->A . it would probably mean a lot of signal loss

I have no experience with the line input of the Ultra but I very much doubt you will hear any difference

 

[edgarnavarro]

thanks. also tried searching for optical to hdmi arc (adapter?) and couldn't find anything. any ideas?

The closest I have found is the device I describe in this post: https://forum.wiimhome.com/threads/...link-to-hdmi-audio-embedders.7805/post-142171
Problem is that I won't embed audio if no video signal is provided in its HDMI input. I have a Chromecast dongle connected there just to provide a "default" video signal.

 

[anonyless]

I have no experience with the line input of the Ultra but I very much doubt you will hear any difference

i just put this to the "test" using my ears and SU1 / PO100 (DDC) both connected at the same time to my laptop and the Ultra (SU1 to RCA input, PO100 to optical), and playing the same test tracks i hear often, to both sound cards using a Pulseaudio utility called paprefs , and switching inputs on the fly using the Ultra's remote . indeed couldn't tell the difference . thanks for the advise!

 

[anonyless]

anyone here thinks this adapter would work with the Ultra (optical out from DDC)?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1643842-REG/sonos_opadpww1blk_optical_adaptor_accessory.html

"Thanks to the Sonos Optical Audio Adapter, you can use your existing Sonos Beam or Arc soundbar with a TV that doesn't have an HDMI output. This short 4.5" adapter cable features a TOSLINK optical male connector to plug into your TV's optical audio output, and an HDMI Type-A female port for connection to your Beam/Arc soundbar via a standard HDMI cable "

 

[harkpabst]

Yes.

Post in thread 'Searching a second digital input option at the WiiM Amp Pro'

Aug 26, 2025

There is a Sonos SPDIF to ARC converter on this Danish site https://www.av-connection.dk/?PNo=SN-ATOO-BK
I have not been able to find it anywhere else but as it is from Sonos it should be possible to find somewhere.

The text say:

Connect your Sonos soundbar to the optical audio output on your TV—the adapter is a perfect fit for Sonos Arc, Beam, and AMP.

• hgo58

• 

 

[drrw119]

Not entirely clear what you require, but why not just use the HDMI output of any DVD or BluRay player to play your CDs? That will keep the audio stream in the digital realm until it reaches your Wiim device.

 

[harkpabst]

Not entirely clear what you require, but why not just use the HDMI output of any DVD or BluRay player to play your CDs? That will keep the audio stream in the digital realm until it reaches your Wiim device.

The HDMI output of a DVD or Blu-ray player cannot be used to play music through the WiiM HDMI ARC input.

HDMI ARC audio is different from HDMI audio.

 

[hgo58]

Not entirely clear what you require, but why not just use the HDMI output of any DVD or BluRay player to play your CDs? That will keep the audio stream in the digital realm until it reaches your Wiim device.

DVD and Blu ray players usually don't provide a HDMI ARC output. Only audio imbedded in the video signal.

 

[anonyless]

anyone here thinks this adapter would work with the Ultra (optical out from DDC)?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1643842-REG/sonos_opadpww1blk_optical_adaptor_accessory.html

"Thanks to the Sonos Optical Audio Adapter, you can use your existing Sonos Beam or Arc soundbar with a TV that doesn't have an HDMI output. This short 4.5" adapter cable features a TOSLINK optical male connector to plug into your TV's optical audio output, and an HDMI Type-A female port for connection to your Beam/Arc soundbar via a standard HDMI cable "

for future searches that get to this thread -
the Sonos adapter does not work with WiiMs HDMI ARC input

B

Post in thread 'Searching a second digital input option at the WiiM Amp Pro'

Aug 28, 2025

In the end, it was a letter in a bubble envelope. I tried the adapter right away. Unfortunately, it doesn't work. Apparently, Sonos has modified the HDMI connection so that it only works with Sonos soundbars. What a shame — obviously a total loss!

• Bernhard

• 

 

[anonyless]

i would like to be stand corrected!
the Sonos optical to HDMI ARC works perfectly with the WiiM Ulra HDMI ARC input:
this is out of my own personal experience, as I found the adapter locally in a (local) online computer chain at a reasonable price, so I ordered it.

connected it from my laptop using SMSL P0100 (2024) DDC to the adapter and CableMatters 1.5 meters HDMI cable to the Ultra. works flawlessly.

 

[Bernhard]

The Sonos Optical-to-HDMI Arc adapter works perfectly. I connected my PC to the Arc input of my WiiM Amp Pro via a USB Toslink sound adapter and this Sonos cable, with perfect results. A WASAPI plugin on the PC audio output ensures bit-accurate transmission.

 

[anonyless]

Whoever quoted me above should have posted my correction one day later, too.

i didn't "quote you above" - i posted a link to your very confusing thread, in which you wrote the Sonos adapter did not work for you.

The HDMI cable I used was defective, so here's the summary again:

The Sonos Optical-to-HDMI Arc adapter works perfectly. I connected my PC to the Arc input of my WiiM Amp Pro via a USB Toslink sound adapter and this Sonos cable, with perfect results. A WASAPI plugin on the PC audio output ensures bit-accurate transmission.

i believe I summed and clarified this thread I opened, very well