WiiM Mini with Echo 4th Gen to create WiiM Group with Pro Plus
I am using the Echo as a dumb speaker only at the moment. I've not configured it for anything else at this stage, and as I mentioned previously, I'm not game to change anything in case I mess it up.
Even though you have the echo plugged in to a Mini, it’s still an Echo configured in your Amazon account and able to respond to voice commands such as the suggestion above - every Amazon account comes with at least free Amazon Music. I have a pair of Echo Plus devices acting as speakers connected to a WiiM Pro and they also still function as if they were standalone, unconnected Echo devices.
However, it’s your shout…
However, it’s your shout…
Understood. I have the mic off and didn't do any of the Alexa setup, as I use Alexa with the Pro Plus and its remote. I have the Echo volume at Max, which I believe was your suggestion, with volume control through the WHA instead. That could be part of the problem perhaps, but knowing now that it's a known issue when using the AUX output on the Mini, but with no available fix currently, I'm happy to live with it. It's curious that I hadn't noticed it before though. Aging ears maybe.
That will definitely make the crackling from the Mini louder.
Still, it is for sure more convenient to control volume from WHA if you don't use Alexa on the Echo.
If with current settings you never listen at 100% volume in WHA, you can decrease Echo volume accordingly without losing usable headroom. That will reduce the crackling a bit as well.
Ah, my suspicions were correct. So noise or pops like this are not governed by the WiiM App volume levels then? That being the case, I might try lowering the Echo volume to 50% instead. Unfortunately I know nothing about the technical requirements relating to these settings so I tend to stumble along with trial and error and the wonderful support from the members here, for which I am most grateful.
Correct, they are constant in level and not affected by WiiM volume setting.
One way to optimize the level may be to set Echo volume to min and Wiim volume to max. Then play some music and increase Echo volume until it is as loud as you ever will need it to play. Keep this Echo volume setting, and continue using WiiM volume control only.
If you notice distortion/clipping with WiiM volume set to max you may need to reduce the level a bit.
With issues on echos, I’d normally suggest reseating or cleaning the connecting cable, and in extremis factory resetting the echo. However, reducing the echo from its max volume may indeed be sufficient.
Tried the Echo at 50% volume but that seemed too low. Currently testing at 60% which seems quite good. Obviously the WiiM Mini volume output is higher now to compensate for the Echo's reduction, but an added bonus seems to be a little more bass, unless I'm imagining it?
Haven't heard any noticeable pops or crackles with the new configuration but will continue testing with different sources when time allows.
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