How to Create a Multi-Room Ceiling Speaker Audio System with WiiM Amp
About WiiM...
WiiM are dedicated to providing exceptional audio and smart home products that are packed with features and won't break the bank. Their innovative technology, alongside voice control, music streaming options, cutting-edge smart home technology, and regular product updates are designed to enhance your everyday life of audio.
What we love at a glance
✓ Sound Quality up to 192 kHz/24-bit - makes listening to your favourite tracks even better!
✓ Seamless Multi-Room Experience - Group your WiiM Amp’s and streamers together for a multi-room experience!
✓ Works with your TV - Plug in your TV and immerse yourself in rich stereo sound for shows, movies, and video games.
✓ Future-Proof Technology - WiiM offer regular software updates to make sure you’re always covered!
✓ Connect up to 4 speakers @ 8 Ohms (2 pairs)
What Amplifiers can I choose from?
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How is it controlled?
✓ An easy to use App on your device (mobile, tablet, computer etc) - Check out the user guide for more info.
✓ Apple Airplay
✓ Spotify Connect
✓ Roon Ready
✓ Works with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (product dependant)
✓ Bluetooth
What’s the ecosystem like?
Currently, WiiM only have an Amp and multiple streamers, so it’s a perfect solution if you’re looking to make old Hi-Fi smart, or you want to power ceiling speakers, or other passive speakers around your home for a multi-room experience.
✓ We love this option for multi-room ceiling speakers projects!
How does it work?
You will need a WiiM Amp to power each zone of audio. But what is a zone? A zone is an ‘independent’ area of audio. Therefore, if you’d like to listen to different audio in your kitchen, from the audio in the dining room, you’ll need WiiM Amps. Think about how many zones you’d like around your home and how many speakers you need in each room.
Each WiiM Amp can be ‘grouped’ to have audio follow you from room to room, or they can each work independently. You can ‘group’ the WiiM Amp with any other WiiM Amps, or streamers are your home.
What are the WiiM Amps limitations?
You can fit a total of 2x pairs (at 8 Ohms) of speakers on the WiiM Amp. You would need a WiiM Amp per zone of audio. (Please note, a single stereo speaker still counts as a pair so consider this when working out how many WiiM Amp’s you’ll need.)
I don’t want lots of Amplifiers. Is there a workaround?
There are a few workarounds for this.
The first one is to use a speaker switch (we recommend Audio Flow). A speaker switch won’t allow you to play different audio at different volumes but it will allow you to turn off a set of speakers. So when can this be useful? Say you want to put outdoor speakers and your kitchen speaker on one amplifier. You can use a speaker switch to turn off the outdoor speaker when not in use. Another example would be if you’d like to put your en-suite and bedroom speakers on one amplifier. You can use the speaker to turn off the en-suite speaker when not in use and vice-versa.
Another workaround, (and it may not work for everyone) would be to use bookshelf speakers from another brand that is Apple Airplay or Chromecast compatible.
As the WiiM Amp includes Apple Airplay and Chromecast, technically speaking, you should be able to ‘group’ any compatible devices.
You could then use a neat looking bookshelf speaker, in areas that you don’t feel like you need to go quite all out on!
What does the WiiM App look like?
Simplify your music and device control with one convenient app. The WiiM app lets you access all your favourite music services, adjust sound settings, set alarms, sync music across devices, and create custom playlists.
Let’s take a look!
WiiM Amp vs. WiiM Pro Series: Key Differences
WiiM Amp: A versatile all-in-one device that combines streaming and amplification. It features HDMI ARC, Sub Out, and USB playback.
WiiM Pro Series (Plus, Pro, Mini): Dedicated music streamers requiring an external amplifier. They lack HDMI ARC, Sub Out, and USB ports.
Frequently asked questions about WiiM & ceiling speakers
Do I need a WiiM amplifier?
If you want to power in-ceiling, in-wall, or outdoor speakers within the WiiM ecosystem you will need a WiiM amplifier.
How many WiiM amplifiers do I need?
You’ll need an amplifier per zone of audio. Would you like separate music playing in the kitchen, dining room & lounge? Then you’ll need 3 Amps. You can fit a total of 2 pairs of speakers (running at 8 Ohms) on one WiiM Amp (single stereo count as a pair). If you go over this, keep that in mind.
Does the WiiM Amp have Bluetooth?
Yes, the WiiM Amp features Bluetooth 5.0. Bluetooth 5.0 has a range of up to 800 feet, and allows you to connect up to 2 devices simultaneously.
Can I use the WiiM Amp for surround sound?
While the WiiM Amp can connect to a TV, it sadly can’t be used for surround sound.
You could consider another system for your TV that does include surround sound. Remember what we said about Chromecast and Airplay? You can connect both system over Airplay or Chromecast for music playback.
For an Airplay compatible system, why not consider the Sonos system? Something like the Sonos Beam + Sub Mini + 2 x Sonos ERA 100 or the Sonos Arc + SUB G3 + 2 x Sonos ERA 300 if you’re looking to go all out.
For Chromecast compatible systems, why not consider the Samsung HW-Q990D Wireless Soundbar system?
Can I use Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant to control the WiiM Amp?
The WiiM Amp not only works with Amazon Alexa, but also Google Assistant, and Siri! There’s no microphone built into the Amp, so you’ll need to link the voice service as a skill.
Where can I put the WiiM Amp/s?
The WiiM Amp’s are very flexible, and you can really place it anywhere! As long as it’s accessible and in reach of the Wi-Fi you’re good to go. If you’re looking to mainly connect over Bluetooth, consider thick walls and anything that may disrupt the signal.
What cable do I need?
For indoor speakers, we just recommend the 16 gauge 2 core speaker cable. When speaking to companies, they may try to upsell you on speaker cable, so watch out! You will need to upgrade the cable if you’re running super long lengths (longer than 32m) then check out 14 gauge 2 core speaker cable.
For the outdoor speakers, you will need something more robust! Weather proof cable will do the job.
Is there anything else I need to create a ceiling speaker system?
You may also need to consider Fire Hoods. Fire Hoods are legal requirements if you have habitable rooms above where you’re looking to install (like bedrooms for example.)
What ceiling speakers can I pair with the WiiM amplifiers?
You can pair any of our passive ceiling speakers on the website with the WiiM amplifiers just remember the amplifiers limitations.
How far apart should I distance my ceiling speakers?
2-3 metres apart is the ideal positioning.
I don’t have room to position my ceiling speakers 2-3 metres apart, what can I do?
Not to worry, you can install a single stereo. A single stereo features a ‘twin tweeter’ - the left channel is sent through the left tweeter and the right through the right tweeter.
Can I install on a pitched/slanted roof?
Yes you can but you’ll also get a better experience if you install the speakers in the closest half of the ceiling to where it meets the wall so the speakers are not positioned too high up. We also recommend choosing a ceiling speaker with a pivot-table tweeter or driver so the angle of the ceiling can be offset by angling the tweeter or driver back downwards.
Can the WiiM Amp connect to powered speakers or AV receivers?
No, the WiiM Amp has only speaker outputs. For these connections, consider the WiiM Pro Series.
What's the power output of the WiiM Amp?
The WiiM Amp delivers a continuous power of 60W per channel at 8 ohms or 120W at 4 ohms.
Do I need banana plugs?
Banana plugs are recommended for optimal sound quality and reliability, but straight wire connections are also compatible.
Is a separate streamer needed with the WiiM Amp?
No, the WiiM Amp has built-in streaming capabilities.
Does the WiiM Amp have a headphone output?
While it lacks a dedicated headphone output, it can pair with Bluetooth headphones for wireless listening.