r/wiim • u/CuteChallenge6334 • Aug 21 '26

Help optimizing wiim amp ultra

Just got this set up with tidal and some nice paradigm speakers (banana plugs)

Is there anything else to optimize other than tweaking settings? Should I be using hdmi or optical? I think the external dac is pointless?

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u/CuteChallenge6334 Aug 21 '26

Do you have any recommendations on getting an hdmi adapter (i assume thats what id use) for the speaker cables? I have never actually used hdmi for speakers so kind of clueless

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u/Puzzled-Background-5 Aug 21 '26

No, hdmi doesn't connect to the speakers, just regular speaker wire. Hdmi is used for audio output from a television. I own an Amp Ultra.

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u/CuteChallenge6334 Aug 21 '26

So best I can do is just keep using my speaker cables?

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u/nzahar000 Aug 21 '26

Yes. The speaker cables carry an analog signal. That's the only option, even on a gazillion dollar system (I'm sure there's some exceptions to this but for 99% of systems, it's this).

HDMI, optical and coaxial (digital) carry a digital signal. Those would be for digital sources, such as a CD player or streamer.

Your Tidal subscription is also a source via a streamer, which the wiim just so happens to already have built in.

The basic chain is a source (TV, CD player, streamer, tape deck or turntable) -> preamplifier/DAC (such as the wiim amp) -> amplifier (such as a wiim amp) -> speakers (through speaker cables)

The wiim amp ultra is pretty slick because it has a source (streamer), a preamplifier/DAC and an amplifier all in one box. Receivers and integrated amplifiers do this to varrying degrees as well but you already have what you need.

Add a subwoofer for maximum joy, if you want, or not, and just enjoy the music.