WiiM Amp Ultra: Crackling of the speakers when turning on and off

[harkpabst]

where did i write that it's a "faulty device" ? it's an issue. a bug. a bad design. call it what you will.
the fact the newest amp from the WiiM amp line still have this issue (IF we're talking about the same low pop sound issue) same as the Vibelink - that's just sad

You're free to not accept this behaviour, as I already said.

However, from my point of view it's more important for future readers to know that these faint pops are not a sign of an error with their individual device. Returning their unit for a new one will not change anything, so it's not worth it for any party.

 

[slartibartfast]

where did i write that it's a "faulty device" ? it's an issue. a bug. a bad design. call it what you will.
the fact the newest amp from the WiiM amp line still have this issue (IF we're talking about the same low pop sound issue) same as the Vibelink - that's just sad

Apparently Fosi V3 mono also has a turn on noise.

 

[chardo]

Could your active speakers be producing pop noise? I've never heard pop noise when turning the Ultra on / off.

As I said, the phenomenon is random.
I'm not specifically blaming the Wiim Ultra.
I just need to try to understand why this is happening (speakers turning on before the Wiim or vice versa, volume level when turning on, etc.).
It's difficult when the problem is random.

 

[hgb]

Might be "normal" for WiiM devices but still agree it is an issue as I read this behavior has been improved via firmware on similar Class-D network amplifiers from other brands, so it seems technically achievable.
Possible firmware-only mitigations (no hardware change) to be considered:

• enforce mute before power-down and after power-up stabilization
• add a short gain ramp (fade-in / fade-out) around standby transitions (50–300 ms)
• slightly extend the soft-mute timing during standby entry/exit

Conscious it is probably complex (otherwise WiiM would have done it from start) but might worth digging? Will do my best to follow-up with the support service in case they can do something cause would be a material improvement

Hi all.
Got a response from support: "We will share this with our engineering team to determine whether the issue can be resolved through software optimization".
Doesn't say if and when but at least they are aware. If several of us push for that maybe they will address if they can. Will keep you posted if I learn more

 

[QuarryHunslet]

The only WiiM device that I get a very quiet pop when coming out of standby is my WiiM Amp, there is no pop from my Ultra/Vibelink combination, or my Amp Ultra.

 

[hgb]

The only WiiM device that I get a very quiet pop when coming out of standby is my WiiM Amp, there is no pop from my Ultra/Vibelink combination, or my Amp Ultra.

Many thanks. That is surprising cause that pop when exiting/entering standby is confirmed by several users across several threads and when I first posted about that I was told by senior members it is considered "normal behavior for WiiM powered devices".
Maybe several of us have faulty units

 

[Mr Ee]

The only WiiM device that I get a very quiet pop when coming out of standby is my WiiM Amp, there is no pop from my Ultra/Vibelink combination, or my Amp Ultra.

Whereas my amp pro, ultra/vibelink and amp ultra all give a quiet pop.
As does my March Audio.

 

[Wiimer]

Whereas my amp pro, ultra/vibelink and amp ultra all give a quiet pop.
As does my March Audio.

Me too. But the original Amp doesn't have pop noise.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

Whereas my amp pro, ultra/vibelink and amp ultra all give a quiet pop.
As does my March Audio.

I get a mechanical sounding click from my Vibelink shortly after powering on and off via the trigger cable, but nothing audible from the speakers.

With my 1980's Quad 44/405-2 combination, I used to get a very noticeable thump/pop noise through the speakers when turning on and off.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

Whereas my amp pro, ultra/vibelink and amp ultra all give a quiet pop.
As does my March Audio.

Me too. But the original Amp doesn't have pop noise.

In all cases, I have had my ears very close to the speakers, and the Amp is the only one that I have a very quiet pop noise from, but I don't think it would be audible from a few feet away.

 

[Wiimer]

Many thanks. That is surprising cause that pop when exiting/entering standby is confirmed by several users across several threads and when I first posted about that I was told by senior members it is considered "normal behavior for WiiM powered devices".
Maybe several of us have faulty units

At least I haven't been saying it's normal, but rather responding in the sense that it's "not a malfunction."

I submitted a ticket about the pop noise on the Amp Pro a year ago. At that time, I suggested auto-mute. The response I received from them was similar to what you received. However, there has been no progress on the pop noise issue to date.

Honestly, I think it's best not to get your hopes up too much. That said, of course it would be great if this were improved.

 

[slartibartfast]

Me too. But the original Amp doesn't have pop noise.

Except through the subwoofer

 

[QuarryHunslet]

Except through the subwoofer

I don't have a subwoofer connected to my Amp, but I still get a very quiet pop.

 

[hgb]

At least I haven't been saying it's normal, but rather responding in the sense that it's "not a malfunction."

I submitted a ticket about the pop noise on the Amp Pro a year ago. At that time, I suggested auto-mute. The response I received from them was similar to what you received. However, there has been no progress on the pop noise issue to date.

Honestly, I think it's best not to get your hopes up too much. That said, of course it would be great if this were improved.

Thank you.
Agree re not having too much hopes but worth a try; I read other brands fixed that (and my priori Bluesound Powernode never did that) so might be feasible maybe (even if complex). Let's see

 

[Wiimer]

Thank you.
Agree re not having too much hopes but worth a try; I read other brands fixed that (and my priori Bluesound Powernode never did that) so might be feasible maybe (even if complex). Let's see

As you suggested as a solution, I understand that manually turning standby on/off while mute is enabled prevents the pop sound, so I believe this is solvable.

 

[anonyless]

Many thanks. That is surprising cause that pop when exiting/entering standby is confirmed by several users across several threads and when I first posted about that I was told by senior members it is considered "normal behavior for WiiM powered devices".
Maybe several of us have faulty units

the 2nd matter here is "senior members" normalizing this ISSUE . same thing in ASR forums:

WiiM Vibelink Amp Review

it only happens when it goes into standby (there's no off) from the app / button / Ultra trigger. didn't have that pop sound with the 3e Audio A5 previously connected to the Ultra through SU1 DAC , so just found it weird this happens If you turn the volume dial on the VibeLink all the way...

www.audiosciencereview.com

though not all of them - because it is an issue

 

[dominikz]

My WiiM Amp Pro and WiiM Amp Ultra both have a slight pop when exiting or entering standby. I've actually mentioned this in my thread with measurements of both:

One thing I thought it is interesting to point out: both WiiM Amp Pro and Amp Ultra make a small 'pop' sound when going to standby. With the Denon there are no such noises.

I also see it as an issue, and there are absolutely amps without it. But I have to admit it is a relatively silent/benign pop, and I've definitely heard amps that pop louder. Would prefer if it wasn't there at all, though!

 

[cooky560]

I used to have a certain 70s Amp that had a "pop" that was almost the same volume as the music, the WiiM's gentle pop isn't that bad in comparison. Most my 80s Amps have no pop sound

 

[拾光者]

I've encountered the same problem as you. I haven't used other amplifiers before, and I assumed all amplifiers were like this.

 

[slartibartfast]

I used to have a certain 70s Amp that had a "pop" that was almost the same volume as the music, the WiiM's gentle pop isn't that bad in comparison. Most my 80s Amps have no pop sound

My Audiolab 8000A has a relay to disconnect the speakers at power on. The headphone output is a different story and pops loudly