WiiM setup suggestions

Solus47

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Joined
Aug 5, 2024
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25
Hi guys,

My current setup is a WiiM Ultra connected to some Edifier R1280DB active speakers by rca. Soon to be replaced by some Edifier MR3 speakers. I initially posted a question elsewhere on the forum about connecting up the new speakers. I think the general consensus is that the speakers aren’t great 😊



It then dawned on me that I’ve had a Cambridge Aero 5.1 speaker set in storage and an old Sony amplifier that used to run my Home Theatre setup. I touched on this yesterday in my previous post asking of the viability of using the Sony amp and speakers. I thought however, that the Sony amp is bulky and I’d prefer something smaller.

I appreciate there are a couple of similar posts asking what the best amp is to pair with the WiiM ultra, but I was hoping that you lovely people could take a look at the specs below of my Aero speaker and suggest what amps would power these speakers to there full potential


I don’t want to break the bank but would be happy to spend up to £300-350 on a solution. By all means offer more expensive options if relevant.

My goal being proper 24bit/192kHz playback.

I do apologise as my knowledge in these areas is lacking. In the past like with my Home Theatre System, someone else set it all up.

One last thing… I have a aero 9 powered sub woofer. Is it beneficial to add in a sub woofer to this setup? I see people on here that have.


If connecting a sub woofer is that to the amp or ultra?

Thanks
 
Hi guys,

My current setup is a WiiM Ultra connected to some Edifier R1280DB active speakers by rca. Soon to be replaced by some Edifier MR3 speakers. I initially posted a question elsewhere on the forum about connecting up the new speakers. I think the general consensus is that the speakers aren’t great 😊



It then dawned on me that I’ve had a Cambridge Aero 5.1 speaker set in storage and an old Sony amplifier that used to run my Home Theatre setup. I touched on this yesterday in my previous post asking of the viability of using the Sony amp and speakers. I thought however, that the Sony amp is bulky and I’d prefer something smaller.

I appreciate there are a couple of similar posts asking what the best amp is to pair with the WiiM ultra, but I was hoping that you lovely people could take a look at the specs below of my Aero speaker and suggest what amps would power these speakers to there full potential


I don’t want to break the bank but would be happy to spend up to £300-350 on a solution. By all means offer more expensive options if relevant.

My goal being proper 24bit/192kHz playback.

I do apologise as my knowledge in these areas is lacking. In the past like with my Home Theatre System, someone else set it all up.

One last thing… I have a aero 9 powered sub woofer. Is it beneficial to add in a sub woofer to this setup? I see people on here that have.


If connecting a sub woofer is that to the amp or ultra?

Thanks
I have no knowledge of your existing components, I can tell you that there are many options to chose from out there. The Wiim should work happily with all of your existing gear. You can connect the WIIM to any integrated amp just as if it was a tuner or a CD player. The connectivity is the same as for any line level component. Most modern line inputs match the Wiims output level of 2vrms, but older amps can also be catered for with the apps many features The way to use the Wiim with any integrated amp is to turn the Wiims volume to a high level, the volume is then controlled by whatever amp you plug it into just as you would if it was a CD player. Matching a new budget integrated amps with it shouldn't be too difficult. I have a Marantz PM6006 with both analogue and digital inputs. I also have a pair of budget Tannoy's it all sounds fine. Some older amps will not take the high output level but using the tape in or aux input should be the best option to avoid unwanted distortion. As I previously mention this level can be adjusted through the settings on the app. The output sensitivity can be adjusted through 4 levels from .500mv up to 2vrms Obtaining the highest setting will depend on what your amp will accept. You can also connect it to a powered sub via the dedicated sub out feature. This feature has very comprehensive settings that will match it to any powered sub This answers your sub enquiry I also have a 1980's vintage Quad 405-2 power amp. The input sensitivity is 500mv. When used In this configuration you have to remember that the volume control and output sensitivity of the wiim must be used carefully. The Wiim is quite neutral sounding, but has many options. to customize the sound with fixed presets and full EQ settings. Every input can be customized separately and individually saved. You can even set separate EQ settings for internet stations. This is very handy for commercial radio stations that use high compression If a CD that you own was recorded to low or too high there is a input for pre gain control which is probably one of the best features. This is where you can turn up the signal or reduce it. This can also be used on all inputs except USB So there is no need to fear about sound quality. There are hundreds of good reviews on Youtube. and elsewhere about the Wiim. I got carried away and forgot that you already own a Wiim. The choices of new equipment are endless
 
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Cabby

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! One things for sure, I’ll need to get a greater understanding of all these menus and tweaks I can do.

Cheers
 
I've never listened to the Aero 6 but I do know the smaller Aero 2 and I like them a lot. I'm sure the Aero 6 will easily beat the MR3! The Balanced Mode Radiator is the key feature here. It covers the entire range of the human voice (and above) without any crossover between different drivers. The top end is a tad on the softer side, not sparklingly bright, but you could even adjust for this using EQ.

I don’t want to break the bank but would be happy to spend up to £300-350 on a solution. By all means offer more expensive options if relevant.
The Aero 6 are relatively easy to drive speakers with average sensitivity and an uncritical impedance. Many amps should perform well. Since you already have the WiiM Ultra you don't need an integrated amplifier but just a power amplifier.

There's no need for a bulky multi-channel amp like the Sony. My current top favourite is the very compact and extremely capable 3e Audio A5:

It's a class D amp based on the TI TPA325x family of chip amps, but probably the most refined design so far. Measurements (confirmed by independent reviews) are better than any other TPA325x based amplifier and it sounds really great. If you want to keep the costs down, there is also a slightly cheaper version called the A5se. I features slightly worse op-amps and cannot drive low impedance speakers, but should still be suited for an easy load as the Aero 6:

One last thing… I have a aero 9 powered sub woofer. Is it beneficial to add in a sub woofer to this setup?
Yes, if you have the space to used it, do it by all means. You will benefit from more bass extension and relieve the main speakers and power amp from the heavy bass duties, if you ...

If connecting a sub woofer is that to the amp or ultra?
... connect the Aero 9 to the WiiM Ultra! The Ultra's subwoofer management is the deciding factor here (and the amps I recommend don't have a subwoofer output :)). Bass will be directed to the sub only, the power amp and the mains will be fed with a high pass filtered signal. This will enable them to play louder with lower distortion. Use the dedicated LFE input on the sub and leave the filtering to the WiiM Ultra.

I'm sure that the MR3 are not even remotely close to what this setup is capable of!
 
Thank you again Harkpabst for the advice!
Food for thought as I move forward. BTW WiiM Ultra is now up and running with the MR3 speakers. Room correction done and overall the sound is ok. Not a patch obviously on the sound I had from my aero speakers back in day but that’s understandable. It will tide me over until I purchase a amp.

Cheers
 
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