Weird Mini problem.

[Waltbro]

I have been using the WiiM Mini for sometime now but recently purchased the Ultra. My current amp, the Cambridge Audio axa35, only has analog inputs so I was using a 3.5 mm to rca cable. I thought the Ultra sounds really good using the unit’s DAC. But for comparison, I hooked the Mini back up. But there was no audio coming from the right channel. I checked and double checked all settings and connections and tried different inputs on my amp but nothing helped. I also tried another 3.5 mm cable I had but still no audio from the right channel. I still have my Chromecast Audio streamer so I connected it in place of the Mini. Still no sound from the right channel! I am at a total as to why this is happening. The only difference between the three streamers connection wise is that the Mini and Chromecast Audio use a 3.5mm to rca cable, but the Ultra uses rca to rca cables. I’m wondering if anyone has any idea as to why this is happening. I’m stumped. I’m going to hook up my other amp with a toslink and connect that to the Mini and see what happens.

 

[Burnside]

So the Ultra works ok but the other two devices don’t?

 

[Waltbro]

Yep.

 

[d6jg]

Power the amp off and unplug it from wall for 30 seconds then retry?

 

[Waltbro]

I’ll give it a try when I get home. Thanks.

 

[Wiimer]

I’ll give it a try when I get home. Thanks.

Also please check that the 3.5 mm jack connected to the Mini is stuck all the way in. Check that there is no poor contact by turning or moving it slightly. And check that the RCAs are connected to the correct terminals on the amplifier side.

Also check that the volume balance is set to 0 in the audio settings.

 

[Mike in NY]

Also please check that the 3.5 mm jack connected to the Mini is stuck all the way in. Check that there is no poor contact by turning or moving it slightly. And check that the RCAs are connected to the correct terminals on the amplifier side.

Also check that the volume balance is set to 0 in the audio settings.

I agree with this sentiment, a fully seated and slightly rotated in place 3.5mm plug is likely the answer.

 

[Mr Ee]

As the amp's right channel works for the ultra (using dual rca lead) and the 3.5mm right channel doesn't work for both a mini and a chromecast then that implies to me that the lead is the issue.
It's somewhat unlikely that the 3.5mm end is not fully seated when it's been done multiple times to diferent devices.
(Edit - just read tried two cables! Strange indeed.)

If you really want to check the mini / chromecast, plug in some headphones.

 

[Wiimer]

Also you can try connecting the Mini to the Ultra's Line-in.

 

[Waltbro]

I have been using the WiiM Mini for sometime now but recently purchased the Ultra. My current amp, the Cambridge Audio axa35, only has analog inputs so I was using a 3.5 mm to rca cable. I thought the Ultra sounds really good using the unit’s DAC. But for comparison, I hooked the Mini back up. But there was no audio coming from the right channel. I checked and double checked all settings and connections and tried different inputs on my amp but nothing helped. I also tried another 3.5 mm cable I had but still no audio from the right channel. I still have my Chromecast Audio streamer so I connected it in place of the Mini. Still no sound from the right channel! I am at a total as to why this is happening. The only difference between the three streamers connection wise is that the Mini and Chromecast Audio use a 3.5mm to rca cable, but the Ultra uses rca to rca cables. I’m wondering if anyone has any idea as to why this is happening. I’m stumped. I’m going to hook up my other amp with a toslink and connect that to the Mini and see what happens.

Also please check that the 3.5 mm jack connected to the Mini is stuck all the way in. Check that there is no poor contact by turning or moving it slightly. And check that the RCAs are connected to the correct terminals on the amplifier side.

Also check that the volume balance is set to 0 in the audio settings.

Power the amp off and unplug it from wall for 30 seconds then retry?

I did as you suggested. Oddly enough, the Mini now works with one of my 3.5 cables but not the other one. Close enough! Thanks.

 

[Waltbro]

As the amp's right channel works for the ultra (using dual rca lead) and the 3.5mm right channel doesn't work for both a mini and a chromecast then that implies to me that the lead is the issue.
It's somewhat unlikely that the 3.5mm end is not fully seated when it's been done multiple times to diferent devices.
(Edit - just read tried two cables! Strange indeed.)

If you really want to check the mini / chromecast, plug in some headphones.

Long story short, after unplugging the amp and then plugging it back in, the Mini now works with one of the cables, but not the other. So must have been a cable issue. Thanks.

 

[moo369]

Long story short, after unplugging the amp and then plugging it back in, the Mini now works with one of the cables, but not the other. So must have been a cable issue. Thanks.

I was just about to say that I've heard of issues in the past with some of the cheap 3.5mm cables on Amazon. They're TS (Tip/Sleeve) as opposed to TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve), despite having two phono plugs on the other end. That means they're mono, not stereo!

The difference is visible in the number of black bands that run around the jack. If you compare it with the lead that works, do they look the same?

 

[Waltbro]

Well, the cable that is working is the more expensive one. I’m afraid to disconnect it out of fear of getting back to the same problem. That said, in going back and forth between the Mini and the Ultra, maybe it’s my old ears, but I’m having a hard time discerning any differences. So I’m going to send the Ultra back. Thanks.

 

[moo369]

Well, the cable that is working is the more expensive one. I’m afraid to disconnect it out of fear of getting back to the same problem. That said, in going back and forth between the Mini and the Ultra, maybe it’s my old ears, but I’m having a hard time discerning any differences. So I’m going to send the Ultra back. Thanks.

Fair enough! No point spending money for the sake of it.

Maybe have a look at the lead that has the problem. If it doesn't have two stripes near the tip like this, then it's probably the reason for the problem. Maybe you could get your money back on that too