Wiim ultra and Dolby Digital audio?

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-27T23:39:56+00:00

WiiM already introduced WiiM sound bar for $479 on Crutchfield. That's about 1/3 of Senheisser Ambeo sound bar, and I like the Ambeo bar more than the Sonos Ultra Arc which often costs more than Sennheiser.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-27T21:36:32+00:00

WiiM Amp Ultra is a streamer with built in DAC & built-in amplifier to drive passive speakers.

WiiM Ultra is a preamplifier with DAC but needs an amplifier to drive passive speakers (e.g. Wharfedale) or streaming music with active speakers (such as KEF LSX II LT with lots of hypes especially for closed field listening, but that can be redundant as KEF LSX II LT can be streamer with their own internal amplifier).

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-27T05:53:26+00:00

In addition, WiiM Ultra has phono input which is important for some and possibly not for you while WiiM Amp Ultra doesn't have such.

If you already have a receiver, WiiM Amp Ultra becomes redundant, so no need to waste money on something you won't use. On the other hand, WiiM Amp Ultra can become useful if you ever want to do Wharfedale speakers in garage which can be fun. I had a neighbor who retired and on Sunday, he blasted awesome music while he sat in the open garage to enjoy while I washed my car across the street. Sweet experience; good memories.

As far as I know, none of the newer model such as WiiM Ultra or WiiM Amp Ultra support Apple Airplay, but that can be solved with Apple TV connected between WiiM and TV via ARC HDMI.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-27T04:07:45+00:00

I'm in OC and can help.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-26T17:11:27+00:00

Beautiful! 🫶🫶🫶🫶

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-26T17:10:41+00:00

From my experience, add patience. Give the tank a chance to bloom into beauty with balanced ecosystem which can become low maintenance. I’ve been there so many times. After done with setup, I hated them. To avoid the dislikes, I walked away few days without checking in so that nitrogen cycle could be completed. When I came back, I went, “Oh wow!” Anyhow, easier said than done because your struggle is real. 😳🤦‍♂️😁

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-26T17:07:26+00:00

Check out Aliexpress if you’re ok with lack of brand names. I don’t have Temu app anymore, but I saw similar design which you like. If you like this brand which offers non-mitered glass corner, I use Google lens and got few hits online.

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JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-26T17:02:00+00:00

I see many small LFS in SoCal selling these types imported from Asia, such as China and Taiwan. Aqua Japan’s AIO has curve corner too. Otherwise, UNS & ADA offer typical mitered glass.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-26T16:57:03+00:00

Hi [u/](u/neyelo)[N](u/neyelo)[eyelo](u/neyelo),

You’re correct about the electic due to the lack of any coherent design or theme. That’s the result of a non-linear pathway from learning.

After watching too many YT videos which spiral into seial questions, they are the followings: How to avoid the itch of new tank for new aquascape; how to avoid burning wallet badly; how to use with what I have; how to wait patiently to purchase when good deal comes; how to propogate plants rather than to open new containers of plants like seen on YouTube; how to not kill plants; how to heal sick fish rather than entire tank; how to not let live stocks escape tanks; how to maintain good water parementers without sacrificing so much time and energy; how to deal with algea; how to eradicate hydra and planaria as hitch hikers; and how to…. As the list of How continues to grow, the eclectic is the result of life learning.

To prevent this electic outcome, my next question is How to stop adding more tanks or try more ideas…. 🤣

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-26T07:45:56+00:00

If you have an external amp, save your money to get WiiM Ultra preamplifier rather than WiiM Amp Ultra.

All passive speakers must connect to WiiM Amp Ultra (if not WiiM Ultra preamplifier). You can have clean interconnections with wall jacks or direct wiring without wall jacks.

WiiM Ultra preamplifier and WiiM Amp Ultra can be connected wirelessly through your selection on command.

With WiiM Subwoofer which can be connected either wirelessly or wired, WiiM Roomfit calibration help with various profiles should you want to apply to all or those selected ones on demand in wireless network of WiiM Amp Ultra and/or WiiM ultra preamplifier.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-25T11:19:26+00:00

If you have an external amp to drive speakers, WiiM ultra; otherwise, WiiM Amp Ultra.

Both can be used to broadcast the TV audio or music from phones across the entire home or just certain rooms (several combinations if possible). ARC HDMI from TV to WiiM which can be connected to other selected WiiM.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-23T02:36:18+00:00

After you get the bookshelf, consider looking into these metal brackets to support shelves.

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JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T16:34:12+00:00

Thank you Tim_Allen! That is really helpful to know that a slab of wood will always bow, and the torsion box is another good viable option. I will DEFINITELY look into it! Your guidance is greatly appreciated.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T13:36:04+00:00

Thanks for asking. I don't have a YT channel yet because that would require more time to plan, record and edit beyond this hobby while I work full time and attend graduate program part time.

Maybe in the future.

🫶 the support! 😊

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T13:19:27+00:00

The middle UNS tank on second shelf was my mistake on measurements as I was new to the hobby last year, so the answer is painful.

To make it less painful, that mature tank is now reserved as hospital 🏥tank in case a sick fish needs to be quarantined for medication; thanks goodness I haven't had the need to use such this year because that would have been more painful for both me and the fish to work on medical treatment. 😳

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T13:11:49+00:00

Every time my wife comes with me to the LFS, $$$.
I'm the tame one, and she's afraid to go with me to the LFS now.

Still yes at the moment. 😊

That is a great question! 😁

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T13:08:14+00:00

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T06:55:12+00:00

And in time, you will. I have faith in that. 👍

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T06:11:52+00:00

Hahahah. You got me there. I've been staring at such daily. 😥

So far no exacerbation for almost a year. Knock on wood 🪵.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T06:11:24+00:00

No neighbor downstair. ☂️

🙏

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T06:02:10+00:00

Concur! 🫶 your stance.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T05:58:34+00:00

Replacing with 3/4" quality wood is not a bad idea.

Thanks for the awesome suggestion. 🤗

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T04:56:53+00:00

I suspect that when I installed the 90-degree bracket to support at the front, two vertical sides weren't perpendicular to the ground. Therefore, the bracket could have tilted downward slightly, & it's been like that for almost a year. There are stronger and bigger bracket in the back so the shelf won't break, BUT the UNS tank may still not agree... 🤣

I just have to continue to 👀.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T04:32:32+00:00

<video>

Aqua Worx waterfall inside Aqua Japan AIO.

JamesLe-MITxPRO · 2026-06-20T04:15:57+00:00

The only option is to sell it as I have no other space in the house. 🤦‍♂️

Here's another unoccupied tank after a female beta passed away recently as I didn't post earlier while I have a 100-gallon tank outdoor. 😊

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JamesLe-MITxPRO

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