Will this setup work? (Wiim Ultra + HiFi Speakers + x2 Wiim Sound speakers)

[Ryebanana]

I was wondering if what I want to achieve is possible with:

Current setup:
x2 Monitor Audio Hifi speakers connected to an Audiolab 7000a stereo amplifier and a Wiim Ultra - connected to a TV.

The room is an open plan kitchen/living room and I would like to add x2 Wiim Sound speakers to the other half of the room to extend the sound from the main speakers. I don't care about true surround sound it just needs to be a stereo image of whatever the TV is playing.

Would Wiim allow me to group the x2 Wiim Sound speakers with the Wiim Ultra to replicate what is coming from the TV or this is not possible?

Thanks.

 

[s3igell]

That is exactly what WiiM Groups are intended to do.

You will want to catch-up on the current thread discussions of Latency - specifically between TV and Grouped Outputs.

 

[Wiimer]

I was wondering if what I want to achieve is possible with:

Current setup:
x2 Monitor Audio Hifi speakers connected to an Audiolab 7000a stereo amplifier and a Wiim Ultra - connected to a TV.

The room is an open plan kitchen/living room and I would like to add x2 Wiim Sound speakers to the other half of the room to extend the sound from the main speakers. I don't care about true surround sound it just needs to be a stereo image of whatever the TV is playing.

Would Wiim allow me to group the x2 Wiim Sound speakers with the Wiim Ultra to replicate what is coming from the TV or this is not possible?

Thanks.

Yes, you can.

If you want to play in full stereo, link three WiiM units and then assign two WiiM Sound units to the right and left channels, respectively.

If you want to play in surround sound, please refer to Step 4 in the FAQ.
https://faq.wiimhome.com/en/support...-speakers-in-a-wiim-5-1-surround-sound-system

Since audio latency increases during group playback, I recommend opening the "Group Audio Latency" section in Ultra and setting the HDMI latency to 70ms or 150ms. (In the WiiM app, tap the gear icon in Ultra, open "Audio Input," and you'll find "Group Audio Latency.")

However, currently, automatic switching between 2ch and 4ch modes is not available. If you want to listen to music in 2ch mode, you will need to manually disable the group. Or, leave it set to 4ch and mute WiiM Sounds.

 

[s3igell]

@Ryebanana - You might want to consider the less expensive Sound Lite(s) given that your scenario sets the Ultra as your main control point. Else consider one Sound + one Sound Lite, so that you get one of the newer/better WiiM Voice Remote 2 (metal case, USB rechargeable, better tactiles) which can then be paired to the Ultra as your in-hand remote when a mobile device isn't readily available.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

@Ryebanana - You might want to consider the less expensive Sound Lite(s) given that your scenario sets the Ultra as your main control point. Else consider one Sound + one Sound Lite, so that you get one of the newer/better WiiM Voice Remote 2 (metal case, USB rechargeable, better tactiles) which can then be paired to the Ultra as your in-hand remote when a mobile device isn't readily available.

The WiiM Sound comes with the WiiM Voice Remote 2 Lite, which has a plastic backed case.

 

[Wiimer]

The WiiM Sound comes with the WiiM Voice Remote 2 Lite, which has a plastic backed case.

Yes, and I really like the Lite ver. It’s made of plastic, but the build quality is excellent.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

Yes, and I really like the Lite ver. It’s made of plastic, but the build quality is excellent.

I actually prefer it over the non Lite version, as it doesn't always feel cold, and the corners feel less sharp.

 

[Wiimer]

I actually prefer it over the non Lite version, as it doesn't always feel cold, and the corners feel less sharp.

Yeah, but I might start missing my aluminum remote once summer rolls around.

 

[s3igell]

Yes, and I really like the Lite ver. It’s made of plastic, but the build quality is excellent.

It is also essentially the same generic plastic 7-button and roundel as is offered / included with almost every ChiFi / MidFi Streamer or Amp on the market. I've had to apply a Label-maker to keep mine sorted...

 

[Wiimer]

It is also essentially the same generic plastic 7-button and roundel as is offered / included with almost every ChiFi / MidFi Streamer or Amp on the market. I've had to apply a Label-maker to keep mine sorted...

No, the WiiM Sound comes with a plastic Remote 2 Lite. It is USB-rechargeable and has a design that is almost identical to the Remote 2.

 

[Ryebanana]

Thank you all. I will proceed with 1 Sound and 1 Sound Lite.

I have the Wiim Ultra remote which I rarely use so the individual remotes won't be a factor for me.

Thanks for the tips on latency also

 

[Ryebanana]

Both speakers arrived today. Setup was a breeze!

Even played around with one speaker acting as Centre channel and was pleasantly surprised at what a difference it made. Now I'm thinking of investing in a dedicated centre but that's off topic.

I have created two groups, one is called "All" and has Wiim Ultra + Sound + Sound Lite. The other is called 'Kitchen Pair' and has the Sound + Sound Lite in a stereo pair.

My only issue with the setup is that the Sound + Sound Lite keep forgetting their positions if ever I disconnect or change group. The Sound keeps reverting to LR when it should be R. A minor annoyance but hopefully fixed in a future update!

I hope Wiim introduces more customisation for groups e.g. default volume settings per group as well.

Overall pretty happy with them though.

Also Sound remote is very nice! Makes the Ultra remote look very cheap in comparison.

 

[Wiimer]

My only issue with the setup is that the Sound + Sound Lite keep forgetting their positions if ever I disconnect or change group. The Sound keeps reverting to LR when it should be R. A minor annoyance but hopefully fixed in a future update!

If you'd like, please try out the "Stereo Pair" feature in the beta firmware.

Simplify Stereo Pair Setup [Beta]

TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview Set Up a Stereo Pair Manage the Stereo Pair Overview WiiM Sound features a dedicated Stereo Pair setting that simplifies the process of creating a stereo pair. With an intuitive visual interface, you can effo...

faq.wiimhome.com

This feature allows you to pair two W Sound speakers as a stereo pair. You must install the beta firmware on both speakers.

Please see here for instructions on how to install the betfirmware.

How to Join in WiiM Beta Testing Program

WiiM beta testing program gives you the opportunity to try out new features and music services before they are officially released. By joining the beta testing program, you help improve the performance and functionality of WiiM products. Joi...

faq.wiimhome.com

Once you've created a stereo pair, try setting Ultra as the leader and creating a group. I haven't tested it yet, but I think it should work.

Have fun!

 

[s3igell]

Also Sound remote is very nice! Makes the Ultra remote look very cheap in comparison.

According to the group, the Sound remote is a "WiiM Remote 2 Lite" with a plastic body but the new style buttons and USB rechargeable. If you like that, you'll drool over the actual "WiiM Remote 2" that debuted with the WiiM Amp Ultra - it has an Aluminum body.

 

[Ryebanana]

If you'd like, please try out the "Stereo Pair" feature in the beta firmware.

Simplify Stereo Pair Setup [Beta]

TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview Set Up a Stereo Pair Manage the Stereo Pair Overview WiiM Sound features a dedicated Stereo Pair setting that simplifies the process of creating a stereo pair. With an intuitive visual interface, you can effo...

faq.wiimhome.com

This feature allows you to pair two W Sound speakers as a stereo pair. You must install the beta firmware on both speakers.

Please see here for instructions on how to install the betfirmware.

How to Join in WiiM Beta Testing Program

WiiM beta testing program gives you the opportunity to try out new features and music services before they are officially released. By joining the beta testing program, you help improve the performance and functionality of WiiM products. Joi...

faq.wiimhome.com

Once you've created a stereo pair, try setting Ultra as the leader and creating a group. I haven't tested it yet, but I think it should work.

Have fun!

Excellent thank you will give this a go after work today!

 

[Mr Ee]

Once you've created a stereo pair, try setting Ultra as the leader and creating a group. I haven't tested it yet, but I think it should work.

I already told you this doesn't work

 

[Wiimer]

I already told you this doesn't work

Hmm, maybe I misunderstood...

I thought that if I linked Ultra and WS (Leader), the follower WS would also be grouped together...

If you name the stereo pair "WiiM Sound pair," will you be unable to group Ultra and "WiiM Sound pair" together?

 

[Mr Ee]

I am unable to add a stereo pair into a group, either an on-the-fly group or a persistent group.
You can add either / both Sounds to a group, but they then behave like individual devices and it 'dissolves' the stereo pair.

 

[Burnside]

Hmm, maybe I misunderstood...

If you name the stereo pair "WiiM Sound pair," will you be unable to group Ultra and "WiiM Sound pair" together?

Not that I can see - when you go to either create a group or link devices, each member of the "WiiM sound pair" appear as individual speakers but the pair isn't listed. Maybe that will come as they enhance the stereo pair function

 

[Wiimer]

Not that I can see - when you go to either create a group or link devices, each member of the "WiiM sound pair" appear as individual speakers but the pair isn't listed. Maybe that will come as they enhance the stereo pair function

So, it’s not possible to integrate a stereo pair into a surround setup, right?

That’s a pity...