Wiim Ultra to external DAC - No USB output option

Malcesine

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Jan 24, 2025
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Hi,
I am trying to connect my Ultra to a separate DAC (EE Minimax plus) via USB output.
The music output menu doesn't even show USB as output option, never mind greyed out or simply not working.

I have up to date firmware, tried 2 usb cables, have cycled the power on both devices, have my DAC switch set on USB mode when doing so.

My DAC is a relatively old so not sure if there's a compatibility issue?
I'm using USB 2.0 cables (Minimax is usb 2.0, type B) again not sure if cable compatibility considerations or not?

Coax works perfectly, I'm also using the Ultras subwoofer out.

Any suggestions?
Many Thanks
 
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The It SB options are only available in the WiiM when the USB communication has been initiated. USB 2.0 is fine, so maybe a bad cable?
 
The It SB options are only available in the WiiM when the USB communication has been initiated. USB 2.0 is fine, so maybe a bad cable?
I have tried a couple of admittedly every old usb ab cables from the loft, but ordered a new third just in case.

If I connect DAC to my laptop, should it recognise the DAC? - just as a way to check cable.

Will report back tomorrow.
 
I also have an external DAC (for ground loop related reasons, which I could not get resolved by other means). By just having the DAC enabled and connected to the Wiim Ultra the USB option is shown. It's really the definition plug and play.
However, I really must ask, what is the reason you want to use that DAC? Because the Wiim Ultra has a really high quality output stage.
 
Tried brand new 3rd USB cable, still no USB option shows on menu.
Cycled power on the Ultra when connected to DAC, in USB mode.
Rebooted phone / app too.
No joy 😥

IF Wiim is truly plug and play on any DAC then it must either faulty Ultra or faulty DAC?
 
Tried brand new 3rd USB cable, still no USB option shows on menu.
Cycled power on the Ultra when connected to DAC, in USB mode.
Rebooted phone / app too.
No joy 😥

IF Wiim is truly plug and play on any DAC then it must either faulty Ultra or faulty DAC?
Can you try with another DAC?
 
Hi,
I am trying to connect my Ultra to a separate DAC (EE Minimax plus) via USB output.
The music output menu doesn't even show USB as output option, never mind greyed out or simply not working.

I have up to date firmware, tried 2 usb cables, have cycled the power on both devices, have my DAC switch set on USB mode when doing so.

My DAC is a relatively old so not sure if there's a compatibility issue?
I'm using USB 2.0 cables (Minimax is usb 2.0, type B) again not sure if cable compatibility considerations or not?

Coax works perfectly, I'm also using the Ultras subwoofer out.

Any suggestions?
Many Thanks
I’m having the same issue with my new SMSL VMV D1se. Disconnect and reconnect the cable but the usb out on the WiiM screen remains greyed out.
 
Don't have a spare DAC but did connect the EE Minimax DAC I do have to my Laptop.
It picked it up no problem with correct name of device, version etc.
Must either be faulty Ultra or there is some compatibility issue between the 2??
 
I’m having the same issue with my new SMSL VMV D1se. Disconnect and reconnect the cable but the usb out on the WiiM screen remains greyed out.
I don't even get greyed out USB option, it's missing completely.
I'd rather it was there and showing an error than nothing at all.
 
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I don't even get greyed out USB option, it's missing completely.
I'd rather it was there and showing an error than nothing at all.
It's the DAC that needs to initiate the connection to the WiiM. So the WiiM can only show the USB output when this has happened.

USB audio interface is a standard on usb 2.0 and up, so all should be compatible.
 
It's the DAC that needs to initiate the connection to the WiiM. So the WiiM can only show the USB output when this has happened.

USB audio interface is a standard on usb 2.0 and up, so all should be compatible.
I understand that but why then should my DAC be perfectly OK to my laptop but does not connect the Wiim Ultra?

I can only conclude issue is with the Ultra - either a fault or compatibility?
Noticed also other USB issues on the forum, perhaps a few bugs remain?
 
I understand that but why then should my DAC be perfectly OK to my laptop but does not connect the Wiim Ultra?

I can only conclude issue is with the Ultra - either a fault or compatibility?
Noticed also other USB issues on the forum, perhaps a few bugs remain?
Do you have a usb memory stick with audio files on, to test if the USB works?

What about power to the DAC? Is it via the USB or external?
 
Do you have a usb memory stick with audio files on, to test if the USB works?

What about power to the DAC? Is it via the USB or external?
Will try and dig out an old usb memory stick from archive!
DAC is mains powered and is perfect with Ultra using Coax.

EDIT - plugged a USB calibration mic into the Ultra and it picked it up no problem, shows on menu etc.
Plugged USB cable to DAC, disappears off menu.

So now must be compatibility issue rather than hardware as both devices are, at a very basic level, working as they should.
Hoping in a few firmware updates it will be corrected along with the other USB bugs.
 
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I have also messaged M2Tech who were responsible for implementation the hi res USB interface on my DAC.

M2Tech OEM 24bit 192KHz Async USB input.
 
Will try and dig out an old usb memory stick from archive!
DAC is mains powered and is perfect with Ultra using Coax.

EDIT - plugged a USB calibration mic into the Ultra and it picked it up no problem, shows on menu etc.
Plugged USB cable to DAC, disappears off menu.

So now must be compatibility issue rather than hardware as both devices are, at a very basic level, working as they should.
Hoping in a few firmware updates it will be corrected along with the other USB bugs.
The WiiM Support USB audio class 2 and your DAC should support that also. This is the only protocol used.
 
Ok, got really quick reply from M2Tech who suggested that the USB on my DAC requires a driver to run and thats why it works on laptop and not Wiim.

They also very kindly suggested changing to a nice £1400 DAC that they sell!!

I'll stick with the Coax, it's not a deal breaker given marginal to no improvement USB would bring over Coax.

On the other question of why a separate DAC? my EE Minimax plus with a couple of op-amp upgrades simply sounds a lot better than the Ultra in my system.

Thanks all for helpful suggestions!!
 
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