Wiim Ultra for HDMI versus HDMI audio extractor + Wiim Pro?

[hungarianhc]

Hey there!

Has anyone considered the following two cases? Assume there is the same multi-channel amplifier with digital input.


Case 1: TV HDMI ARC -> Wiim Ultra -> Amplifier

Case 2: TV HDMI ARC -> HDMI Arc Audio Extractor -> Wiim Pro via optical -> Amplifier

Reasons I see to go with case 2 versus 1:

• Cheaper
• I can fit 3x Wiim Pro across on a 1U shelf, versus if I incorporate the Ultra, I can only do 2 across, and I need 2U of rack space, versus 1 (this is actually an important reason for me, LOL, trying to get everything to fit in my rack)
• I don't need the screen of the Wiim Ultra in my rack, and it's just kinda annoying to deal with.

Reasons to go with 1 versus 2:

1. Less things to go wrong, having one less component
2. I'm missing something, and case 1 won't actually work

My goal is to do case 1. LMK!

 

[Wiimer]

Hey there!

Has anyone considered the following two cases? Assume there is the same multi-channel amplifier with digital input.


Case 1: TV HDMI ARC -> Wiim Ultra -> Amplifier

Case 2: TV HDMI ARC -> HDMI Arc Audio Extractor -> Wiim Pro via optical -> Amplifier

Reasons I see to go with case 2 versus 1:

• Cheaper
• I can fit 3x Wiim Pro across on a 1U shelf, versus if I incorporate the Ultra, I can only do 2 across, and I need 2U of rack space, versus 1 (this is actually an important reason for me, LOL, trying to get everything to fit in my rack)
• I don't need the screen of the Wiim Ultra in my rack, and it's just kinda annoying to deal with.

Reasons to go with 1 versus 2:

1. Less things to go wrong, having one less component
2. I'm missing something, and case 1 won't actually work

My goal is to do case 1. LMK!

Hi,

If the ARC on that HDMI extractor works fine, I think 2 is no problem maybe.

I suppose you could connect your TV's optical output to the Pro, but you don't because you are concerned about sound quality?

 

[hungarianhc]

Hi,

If the ARC on that HDMI extractor works fine, I think 2 is no problem maybe.

I suppose you could connect your TV's optical output to the Pro, but you don't because you are concerned about sound quality?

Oh good question - the rack is in another room, and I already have HDMI wired there. I'd have to run an optical cable. Also, I'm not sure if optical lets me use TV remote for volume.

 

[s3igell]

Case 1: TV HDMI ARC -> Wiim Ultra -> Amplifier

Case 2: TV HDMI ARC -> HDMI Arc Audio Extractor -> Wiim Pro via optical -> Amplifier

You need to specify the type of connection between WiiM and Amplifier in both cases.
If a Digital Connection, then the DAC in the Amplifier is used (and the gap between Pro and Ultra DACs is a non-issue).
If an Analog (RCA) Connection, then the DAC in the WiiM is used (and the Ultra has a significantly BETTER DAC).

You also need to consider the Output Capability of the HDMI Extractor, as many can only extract 2-Channel Stereo while others can only extract 5.1 and many cannot extract higher-function bitstreams (Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, Dolby Atmos).

 

[s3igell]

Oh good question - the rack is in another room, and I already have HDMI wired there. I'd have to run an optical cable. Also, I'm not sure if optical lets me use TV remote for volume.

Optical carries nothing but a bitstream of Audio (and essentially one-way only - source to sink). For TV Remote function you could always pull cable for a IR-Repeater (a good thing to have if your equipment is not at the front of the room you listen/watch). If your Remote is RF instead of IR, then it should already work unless out-of-range.

 

[Wiimer]

You also need to consider the Output Capability of the HDMI Extractor, as many can only extract 2-Channel Stereo while others can only extract 5.1 and many cannot extract higher-function bitstreams (Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, Dolby Atmos).

The OP is trying to connect the extractor to the WiiM pro in case 2. Therefore, the extractor is fine as long as it handles 2ch PCM. And the extractor he is considering looks like the right choice as it only handles PCM .