WiiM Ultra: Connection with Bluetooth Speaker

[andreas.pd]

Hi all,

I am building an entry sound system at my place, which is composed of the following pieces:
- Turntable: Technics SL1200 MK-2
- Speaker: Teenage Engineering OD-11 (Cloud / Bluetooth speaker) https://teenage.engineering/guides/od-11

I am thinking of purchasing the WiiM Ultra, which can be used as a phono-preamp, but also give me multiple connectivity options. Before buying it I would like to have your consultation on the following topic:
I will connect the Turntable directly to the Line-in of the "WiiM Ultra" and from there I would like to stream sound to the active speaker via Bluetooth. Would that be possible? Do you see any issues (except the expected quality loss) with the above described co-installation?


Thanks a lot in advance for your help and your feedback.

Best,
Andreas

 

[Wiimer]

Agreed on the omissions that can occasionally appear within certain specification datasets, but in regards to Bluetooth devices the supported codecs are always very clear, as a matter of fact the bulk of an advertisement regarding a Bluetooth device -is- the codec support, there really isn't much else to advertise besides codec and Bluetooth version when one is advertising Bluetooth devices. That being said the lack of information regarding codec support on a Bluetooth transmitter is something I have never seen before my experience with this WiiM product.

I generally agree, but it may have something to do with the fact that the WiiM product is a network streamer and not primarily a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver. (I am not saying that not listing the codec is a good thing.)

In fact, I have seen codecs omitted from Bluetooth headphone catalogs on several occasions. (But I think it's sterile to continue this discussion...)

The bottom line is that the Ultra spec sheet does not describe the features you need, and you purchased the Ultra without researching or inquiring about them...

 

[CorporallClegg]

I generally agree, but it may have something to do with the fact that the WiiM product is a network streamer and not primarily a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver. (I am not saying that not listing the codec is a good thing.)

In fact, I have seen codecs omitted from Bluetooth headphone catalogs on several occasions. (But I think it's sterile to continue this discussion...)

The bottom line is that the Ultra spec sheet does not describe the features you need, and you purchased the Ultra without researching or inquiring about them...

Not a single customer should be expected to -inquire- about a basic spec such as what is being discussed here. Nearly all other streaming devices marketed are clear on that specific spec, Cambridge, Technics and Naim products (some of the more known streamer brands on the market). Simply put, WiiM either made a mistake in the presentation of their data, or, deliberately left that information out. I have no idea why anyone would assume otherwise than either of those toe scenario’s took place. The angle being presented thus far that the customer should know all or ask, opposed to, the manufacture should state all and require further inquiry instead, is a very strange opinion to reinforce with such vigor...

The aforementioned lack of full disclosure by WiiM is the least of my concerns at this point. The WiiM Ultra Bluetooth radio is causing interference that should not be occurring. WiiM could easily implement a simple fix to solve this issue (yes, it is simple as far as coding goes and its implementation would be trivial). There is absolutely -zero- reason to not have a Bluetooth off switch in this product, especially being it is currently causing interference. I don’t expect for WiiM to care about issues their customers are experiencing and if they choose to ignore them it would not surprise me, honestly, I would be far more surprised if they read any of this and respond to it in anyway at all.

There really is nothing more to discuss on the subject unless you work for WiiM and can convince them to implement this basic change in their firmware and app to fix their defective product. I would love to keep the unit but in its current state I have no choice but to send it back. My system was working fine before I purchased a WiiM Ultra, now it is not. I fell for the Hype, made an impulse purchase based on a sale price and gained nothing but problems, I wish that was not the case, but it is.

 

[Wiimer]

Nearly all other streaming devices marketed are clear on that specific spec, Cambridge, Technics and Naim products (some of the more known streamer brands on the market).

So why did you bother to choose Ultra, which has no codecs listed?
Sorry, but I don't understand...

I fell for the Hype, made an impulse purchase based on a sale price and gained nothing but problems, I wish that was not the case, but it is.

I don't understand where the hype was, but I suggest you take a moment to cool down and ponder before making an impulse purchase next time.

 

[CorporallClegg]

I have seen catalog (spec sheet) for many different products and omissions and errors are commonplace. Unfortunately, I think that is the reality...

So why did you bother to choose Ultra, which has no codecs listed?
Sorry, but I don't understand...


I don't understand where the hype was, but I suggest you take a moment to cool down and ponder before making an impulse purchase next time.

Hence the reason I -fell- for the "hype", because they did not list the specs but made numerous claims of the "Ultra" quality of their device, the advertising states it is of the highest quality in nearly all regards, (that is what is referred to as Hype), accepting their aggrandizing was my mistake, believing they actually where the high quality they claimed, was my error. Why take everything to the highest level and skimp on one single component? One assumes they would not do so, just as you assume that they are incapable of error in their statements or would dare to obfuscate data to their benefit.
I don't understand why you keep trying to circle around the issue and instead choose to defame my personal choices? It appears you have something to lose by admitting that WiiM has made a mistake, be it in the lack of transparency in their specs or a problematic Bluetooth component.

Once again, there is a problem with the Bluetooth radio in this device.

It is causing interference.

This is not related to specs.

This is now a different issue that only came into a conversation that all began with the Ultra and Bluetooth and has now turned into “WiiM can do no wrong”. Are you mad at me for pointing out a flaw in the hardware? It’s almost like you are insulted that this product or company could possibly have any sort of issue.

There is some very strange posturing on this forum…

 

[Wiimer]

Once again, there is a problem with the Bluetooth radio in this device.
It is causing interference.

As mentioned, I have not found any interference issues, at least in my testing. If you have a problem with your device, please send a ticket on the feedback section of the WiiM app. But if you want to return it without doing so, no problem.

This is now a different issue that only came into a conversation that all began with the Ultra and Bluetooth and has now turned into “WiiM can do no wrong”. Are you mad at me for pointing out a flaw in the hardware? It’s almost like you are insulted that this product or company could possibly have any sort of issue.

There is some very strange posturing on this forum…

I am not angry, nor am I defending WiiM. I am just asking about the part of your post that I don't understand...

Merry Christmas.

 

[hgo58]

Typically, Bluetooth devices are the victims rather than the sources of Bluetooth interference, because Bluetooth transmits with lower power than WiFi.
If the WiiM is the source of interference it could as well be the WiFi.

It would of course be good to be able to disable both.

Regarding the missing specifications I will agree that the documentation part of WiiM products is not as good as it could be. I seems like the company do not prioritize it and that is a shame. Calling it a flaw in the hardware is however a bit overreacting.

I am using the Bluetooth for headphones without any issues and have no interference with this or other devices.

 

[CorporallClegg]

Typically, Bluetooth devices are the victims rather than the sources of Bluetooth interference, because Bluetooth transmits with lower power than WiFi.
If the WiiM is the source of interference it could as well be the WiFi.

It would of course be good to be able to disable both.

Regarding the missing specifications I will agree that the documentation part of WiiM products is not as good as it could be. I seems like the company do not prioritize it and that is a shame. Calling it a flaw in the hardware is however a bit overreacting.

I am using the Bluetooth for headphones without any issues and have no interference with this or other devices.

My understanding is that the WIFI is disabled when the Ethernet is active on the WiiM Ultra. I also presumed that it may be a cause of interference. I cannot disable the Bluetooth so there is no way to test if it is active being it is very hard to detect multiple microwave signals from the same source if they are both active at the same time, essentially the signal is persistent but not knowing what bandwidth the WiiM is attempting to connect with on WIFI makes it even more difficult, when the WIFI is not actually connected and if it is not actually disabled when Ethernet is plugged in it may be transmitting or pinging on the 2.4, 5 and 6ghz bands. I am not using WIFi and there is no active WIFI source in this home, I do not have a WIFI router to check if WiiM is present when the Ethernet is enabled, there are no detectable microwave signals nearby being I am over a mile away from any other residence. I also have no cell phone signal towers in range of my residence. Bluetooth is in the 2.4 ghz range and as you stated is lower in amplitude, that is why the other Bluetooth units in my home are receiving interference, due to the WiiM constantly outputting a signifcantly high level of it. The WiiM Ultra is the only source that could be causing said interference, this has been proven by unplugging it from the wall and seeing the problem disappear, when it is plugged back in the issue begins again.

I have an HF detector and have tested the microwave output level of the WiiM Ultra, it is far higher than any other Bluetooth device in my home and persistently pinging at all hours regardless if it is in use or not, this is undoubtably the source of the interference.

The WiiM Ultra is what is causing this issue.

I filed a report with tech support before posting anything on this forum, they responded and stated they had no intention of adding a Bluetooth off toggle to this device.