WiiM Ultra, WiiM Amp Pro or nothing at all for Klipsch the Fives?

[teddybomber]

Hi everyone,
First post here.
I’m looking to enhance the audio experience of my setup which I've been using for around 4 years now (the tv's newer though), and I’m trying to decide between the WiiM Ultra and the WiiM Amp Pro. I'd describe myself as an entry level audiophile but I do care a lot about optimising everything that I can for the best experience on a budget. Being a filmmaker I'm most often more invested in getting the best colours but this min/maxing curse (unfortunately) also translates over to Here’s my current setup:

• TV: Samsung S95B
• Speakers: Klipsch The Fives (powered speakers with HDMI ARC support)
• Streaming Device: Apple TV 4K
• Console: PS5

I mainly use my system for movies through Netflix, Apple TV+, for streaming music, and gaming. I love the convenience of HDMI ARC and HDMI-CEC for controlling volume and power with my TV remote but the functionality over the Fives has been a buggy nightmare to say the least. I love the sound and look of them though.

My Questions:
1. Would the WiiM Ultra offer noticeable sound quality improvements compared to using just the TV’s HDMI ARC directly to the Klipsch The Fives?
2. Could the WiiM Amp Pro be a better option, even though my speakers are powered?
3. What benefits can I expect in terms of audio clarity, latency, and ease of use with either device for movies and gaming?
4. Should I consider keeping my current setup (TV HDMI ARC > Klipsch) and skip the WiiM devices altogether?

I’m open to suggestions if there’s another device that might suit my needs better.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[MGJ]

I've had a similar journey to yours. I had Klipsch (The Nines) connected to my TV via HDMI. I used Amazon Music streamed through a ROKU stick in the TV. I bought the Ultra because I was also curious if the Ultra could improve my music listening experience. YES, I do think my music sounds better streamed from the Ultra vs. ROKU/TV. I had the TV HDMI connected to the Ultra and the Ultra analog out connected to The Nines using the Ultra as a preamp. For TV and movie I don't really feel there was much of a difference if any going through the Ultra and I don't game. You also get many other benefits using the Ultra: EQ, PEQ, RC, music streaming ect. I like the looks of it in my system and I feel it's a great value for all the features it offers. FYI: The Nines are a great powered speaker, incredible bass for their size. I now use MoFi SP8's and a Buckeye amp though.

 

[teddybomber]

I've had a similar journey to yours. I had Klipsch (The Nines) connected to my TV via HDMI. I used Amazon Music streamed through a ROKU stick in the TV. I bought the Ultra because I was also curious if the Ultra could improve my music listening experience. YES, I do think my music sounds better streamed from the Ultra vs. ROKU/TV. I had the TV HDMI connected to the Ultra and the Ultra analog out connected to The Nines using the Ultra as a preamp. For TV and movie I don't really feel there was much of a difference if any going through the Ultra and I don't game. You also get many other benefits using the Ultra: EQ, PEQ, RC, music streaming ect. I like the looks of it in my system and I feel it's a great value for all the features it offers. FYI: The Nines are a great powered speaker, incredible bass for their size. I now use MoFi SP8's and a Buckeye amp though.

Thanks for your reply! Good to hear that your music sounds better, this already helps a lot. TBH I'd already be more than happy if the Ultra would fix my connectivity issues with the Fives when listening to anything through HDMI-ARC.

Other opinions on movies and games would be much appreciated though. Are there useful EQ options for movies like voice boost for example?

 

[Mr Ee]

Are there useful EQ options for movies like voice boost for example?

See https://faq.wiimhome.com/en/support/solutions/articles/72000594355-which-eq-setting-should-i-use-

 

[Mr Ee]

The support article listed above is slightly out of date - I've not bothered checking the entire list, but I note there's one called 'Movie' in the app that's not in the article.

 

[teddybomber]

The support article listed above is slightly out of date - I've not bothered checking the entire list, but I note there's one called 'Movie' in the app that's not in the article.

Cheers! Thanks for the list. I'll definitely check it out.

I think I'm already sold. I'll get my hands on an Ultra and try it out for myself.