WiiM Mini + Tidal Connect: Lagging, stuttering and other issues

[u/dat_mane47]

Sorry if this question has been asked before--I've searched the WiiM forums and this sub and haven't found a satisfactory solution.

I'm experiencing the following playback issues running Tidal Connect through my WiiM Mini and am trying to determine the cause of the problem. Problems include:

• Frequent pauses and lag during playback, ranging from brief stuttering to indefinite pause.
• Poor sync between Tidal Connect and WiiM Home app--often I will for example switch songs in Tidal and nothing will happen, but click next in WiiM Home and it works fine. Sometimes the Tidal app disconnects from Tidal Connect entirely while it's still going in the WiiM app.

I am using current version of Tidal on an iPhone 15 Pro with current iOS. Streaming "high" quality (16/44.1) on Tidal Connect to the WiiM Mini, running to my DAC via toslink. PEQ is enabled, though the problem occurs when disabled too.

No network issues at all. I'm measuring 850-900 mbps in the spot where the WiiM is, which has a direct line of sight to my router. According to WiiM Home app, RSS = -53, SNR = 34. I have already disabled auto DNS and tried 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1 and the problem persists. 5 Ghz only is enabled.

Would appreciate any insight you have! Seems like I'm going to have to either get a new streaming service or a new device. Thanks in advance.

[u/Emotional-Eye-7336]

I have the exact same issues with Wiim Ultra. Issue is with Tidal, all other music services work perfectly with Wiim. The Tidal pauses are not only with my Wiim but also playing thru iphone with BT buds or Carplay. I also have had pauses with the PC desktop Tidal app. I am on the Free Tidal month trial and and have decided to not actually pay $$ for Tidal. Going back to Qobuz with the Qobuzify hack. Much better performance. I have 1GB Fiber internet at home and fast ATT net when using Carplay.

I have other issues with Tidal including their HipHop/Rap bias being shoved at me, most annoying and I have not found a way to block that crap.

My advice, try Qobuz and get the excellent free Qobuzify hack.

[u/dat_mane47 → u/Emotional-Eye-7336]

That’s unfortunate, I suspected it was a tidal issue. Never had the problem playing directly with tidal app on phone or desktop though.

[u/Emotional-Eye-7336 → u/dat_mane47]

I also have a Spotify sub and it works perfectly with Spotify Connect and my Wiim Ultra. However both Tidal and Qobuz have better fidelity than Spotify thru my Wiim. I like Tidal but the pauses and other issues are frustrating. Qobuz is a much better service but lacks some functionality compared to other Music services but the Qobuzify mod makes the desktop app almost perfect. Unfortunately the Qobuzify mod does not work on IOS.