WiiM Pro with Fosi BT20A query

[Erebus]

Another newbie question if someone has time to indulge my growing but still lacking knowledge of WiiM devices please?

I was hopeful of purchasing a WiiM Amp, but for a variety of reasons I had to put that purchase on hold for now. In the meantime, I have secured a Fosi BT20A streaming amp which I have connected to my Q Acoustic speakers and JVC CD Player. All of that works fine, but of course I only have Bluetooth for streaming.

So, my questions are: If I get a WiiM Pro, can I connect my CD player to it, using the RCA line in, with the RCA line out going to the BT20A, together with the WiiM Pro's streaming output? Presumably you can select either CD or streaming input in the WiiM Home App? If all that works, would I then be able to have CD, and both casting and Bluetooth input into the Fosi amp from the WiiM Pro? Presumably if that works, I wouldn't need the Fosi amp Bluetooth with all input coming to it from the WiiM Pro?

I'm still trying to get my head around his all of this works.

PS: Maybe the CD player would be better connected via Optical, or given the input into the amp is RCA, would it make no difference?

 

[Wiimer]

Another newbie question if someone has time to indulge my growing but still lacking knowledge of WiiM devices please?

I was hopeful of purchasing a WiiM Amp, but for a variety of reasons I had to put that purchase on hold for now. In the meantime, I have secured a Fosi BT20A streaming amp which I have connected to my Q Acoustic speakers and JVC CD Player. All of that works fine, but of course I only have Bluetooth for streaming.

So, my questions are: If I get a WiiM Pro, can I connect my CD player to it, using the RCA line in, with the RCA line out going to the BT20A, together with the WiiM Pro's streaming output? Presumably you can select either CD or streaming input in the WiiM Home App? If all that works, would I then be able to have CD, and both casting and Bluetooth input into the Fosi amp from the WiiM Pro? Presumably if that works, I wouldn't need the Fosi amp Bluetooth with all input coming to it from the WiiM Pro?

I'm still trying to get my head around his all of this works.

PS: Maybe the CD player would be better connected via Optical, or given the input into the amp is RCA, would it make no difference?

Yes, I think they all work.

As you already said, the Pro and CD player have better sound quality with the optical connection. Not sure if you can hear a difference.

When using Wi-Fi streaming and line in on the WiiM, the inputs are automatically switched by auto-sensing. (You have to pause the streaming and then play the CD.)

And presumably, you will no longer need to use Bluetooth with the BT20A. However, operating music apps via Wi-Fi may cause delays in operation compared to Bluetooth. However, Wi-Fi streaming eliminates the need to worry about the phone's battery life.

 

[Erebus]

Yes, I think they all work.

Oh, but you don't know for sure?

As you already said, the Pro and CD player have better sound quality with the optical connection. Not sure if you can hear a difference.

So from CD player to WiiM Pro via Optical, and then Wiim Pro via RCA to the amp would be the best option? I only have RCA in on this amp.

When using Wi-Fi streaming and line in on the WiiM, the inputs are automatically switched by auto-sensing. (You have to pause the streaming and then play the CD.)

Okay. I guess there is a manual option in the WiiM Home App as well?

And presumably, you will no longer need to use Bluetooth with the BT20A. However, operating music apps via Wi-Fi may cause delays in operation compared to Bluetooth. However, Wi-Fi streaming eliminates the need to worry about the phone's battery life.

Yes. I figured I wouldn't need the Bluetooth on the BT20A, but what you say about WiFi streaming being delayed has me concerned. I assumed music via WiFi would be a better option for sound quality, but if it's no better than Bluetooth, why would I use it? Sorry, I'm a little confused by this.

Thank you for your responses. Much appreciated.

 

[Wiimer]

Oh, but you don't know for sure?

The WiiM side is fine, but I have never used the BT20A so I can't say for sure. But there should be no particular problem.

So from CD player to WiiM Pro via Optical, and then Wiim Pro via RCA to the amp would be the best option? I only have RCA in on this amp.

Yes, when using Pro and BT20A.

Okay. I guess there is a manual option in the WiiM Home App as well?

Yes, you can switch inputs with the WiiM app and remote.

Yes. I figured I wouldn't need the Bluetooth on the BT20A, but what you say about WiFi streaming being delayed has me concerned. I assumed music via WiFi would be a better option for sound quality, but if it's no better than Bluetooth, why would I use it? Sorry, I'm a little confused by this.

Wi-Fi streaming provides lossless, high-resolution music playback.

As for latency, it depends on the streaming service you are using. Which streaming service do you use?

The only time you will experience latency is when you interact with the app. For example, with Amazon music, if you press the next track button during playback, the next track will start playing about 3 seconds later.

 

[Erebus]

Which streaming service do you use

Mostly Spotify or my own music from an iPad, and also the Australian RadioApp. I am also trialling Tidal currently, but not very impressed with it thus far.

I assumed that casting music direct to the WiiM Pro would be a better option than sending the stream from the iPad via Bluetooth to the amp. Perhaps I have this wrong, but from a streaming service, doesn't the stream come direct from the service server to the WiiM rather than a Bluetooth stream from a device? And then the WiiM outputs into the BT20A? Is that not a better option than sending to the BT20A Bluetooth receiver?

Of course if I add the WiiM I will also have the app functionality, which the Fosi doesn't include. There is however no remote with the WiiM Pro unless I'm wrong. I understand the remote only comes with the WiiM Pro Plus?

 

[Wiimer]

Mostly Spotify or my own music from an iPad, and also the Australian RadioApp. I am also trialling Tidal currently, but not very impressed with it thus far.

I assumed that casting music direct to the WiiM Pro would be a better option than sending the stream from the iPad via Bluetooth to the amp. Perhaps I have this wrong, but from a streaming service, doesn't the stream come direct from the service server to the WiiM rather than a Bluetooth stream from a device? And then the WiiM outputs into the BT20A? Is that not a better option than sending to the BT20A Bluetooth receiver?

Of course if I add the WiiM I will also have the app functionality, which the Fosi doesn't include. There is however no remote with the WiiM Pro unless I'm wrong. I understand the remote only comes with the WiiM Pro Plus?

Spotify connect works just like Bluetooth with almost no delay.

And yes, with Bluetooth the music to be played on the iPad is sent to the BT20A. Since playback takes place on the iPad, it drains the battery. Also, notifications on the iPad would interrupt the music.

For Wi-Fi streaming, please think of the iPad as a remote control. It is the WiiM device that performs playback. Therefore, putting the iPad to sleep will not stop the music.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

The Pro does not come with a remote, but you can purchase just the remote for $20 if you need it. But in that case, you might as well opt for the Pro Plus. Considering the difference.

 

[Erebus]

You might as well opt for the Pro Plus. Considering the difference.

Weirdly, here in Australia, the WiiM Pro Plus costs AUD$110 more than the WiiM Pro. I can't see the value for the Pro.

Anyway, the outcome seems to be if I get a WiiM Pro, I should be able to use my CD player through it, which means I should be able to control its volume and use the EQ via the WiiM Home App, and for the most part, streaming music should be better quality via WiFi instead of Bluetooth. I assume that the stored music on the IPad would AirPlay instead of Bluetooth, which I hope is slightly better quality?

 

[Wiimer]

Weirdly, here in Australia, the WiiM Pro Plus costs AUD$110 more than the WiiM Pro. I can't see the value for the Pro.

Anyway, the outcome seems to be if I get a WiiM Pro, I should be able to use my CD player through it, which means I should be able to control its volume and use the EQ via the WiiM Home App, and for the most part, streaming music should be better quality via WiFi instead of Bluetooth. I assume that the stored music on the IPad would AirPlay instead of Bluetooth, which I assume is slightly better?

If you have music files stored on your Ipad storage, you can play them directly on the WiiM device via DLNA; you should be able to control it from the WiiM app without using AirPlay. (I don't have IOS so I don't know the details, but it works fine on Android.)

 

[Erebus]

If you have music files stored on your Ipad storage, you can play them directly on the WiiM device via DLNA; you should be able to control it from the WiiM app without using AirPlay. (I don't have IOS so I don't know the details, but it works fine on Android.)

Okay, I'm not familiar with that. The music is in the iTunes/Music App.

Another question: is there anyway to find out if the WiiM App supports the Australian RadioApp?

 

[Wiimer]

Okay, I'm not familiar with that. The music is in the iTunes/Music App.

Another question: is there anyway to find out if the WiiM App supports the Australian RadioApp?

No. This is a list of services that are currently available directly on the WiiM app.




However, it should be possible to play RadioApp on WiiM using AirPlay or Chromecast.

 

[Erebus]

No. This is a list of services that are currently available directly on the WiiM app.

View attachment 14183
View attachment 14184

However, it should be possible to play RadioApp on WiiM using AirPlay or Chromecast.

Yes, it can be cast from the App. Thank you again.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

The Pro does not come with a remote, but you can purchase just the remote for $20 if you need it. But in that case, you might as well opt for the Pro Plus. Considering the difference.

I have purchased two WiiM Pro devices this year, and both came with the remote control included.

 

[Erebus]

I have purchased two WiiM Pro devices this year, and both came with the remote control included.

That's very interesting. Here in Australia it appears you only get the remote with the WiiM Pro Plus, which is an extra 110 dollars.

 

[Wiimer]

I have purchased two WiiM Pro devices this year, and both came with the remote control included.

As you said, there used to be a set of Pro and remote for sale, but I can't find it on Amazon US or JP now.

 

[Mr Ee]

That's very interesting. Here in Australia it appears you only get the remote with the WiiM Pro Plus, which is an extra 110 dollars.

On Amazon, yes.
A number of other places are selling the pro plus for about A$263, so $44 more than the pro on amazon.
And/or wait for black friday sales.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

Here is a photo of one of my boxes.

 

[Erebus]

This is the What's in the Box from the official manual:

 

[Erebus]

On Amazon, yes.
A number of other places are selling the pro plus for about A$263, so $44 more than the pro on amazon.
And/or wait for black friday sales.

Absolutely, you can get the WiiM Pro for AUD$175 in the BF sales. Hopefully Amazon will match soon. Nevertheless, it doesn't confirm or otherwise if the the WiiM Pro includes a remote. All my research suggests you only get a remote with the WiiM Pro Plus, which as you say, has been reduced in some sales to $263.

 

[Wiimer]

Here is a photo of one of my boxes.

View attachment 14187

I assume you bought the "WiiM pro with remote"?

It does not appear that the current pro sold does not come with a remote..?

Amazon.com

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I assume you bought the "WiiM pro with remote"?

It does not appear that the current pro sold does not come with a remote..?

Amazon.com

There was no mention about it coming with a remote control when I bought mine in March, and May this year, and there was a 15% off offer, so I ended up paying £126.65 each time.