Audacity’s WiiM Platform Does Surround Sound - Without an AVR

WiiM now supports Dolby Digital 5.1 surround across multiple WiiM devices, letting you start with simple stereo and grow into full surround sound without buying a traditional AV receiver. This approach was recently demonstrated at the Melbourne Hi Fi show in Australia and is available now on WiiM’s updated platform.

The WiiM Way: Group Leads and Followers

“Group Lead” is the coordinator and front‑stage driver. A WiiM Amp Ultra, WiiM Amp Pro, or WiiM Ultra connects to your TV via HDMI ARC, decodes Dolby Digital 5.1, and powers or feeds your front left/right speakers and the subwoofer. If you don’t use a dedicated center speaker, it creates a “phantom center” by blending dialogue into the left and right fronts.
“Follower devices” are the add‑ons you assign in the WiiM app. These are additional WiiM amps, streamers, or powered speakers that take specific roles—centre and/or surrounds. The app time‑aligns everything so they play in sync as one system.

Grow at Your Own Pace: Common Upgrade Paths

Two devices (minimum): Lead handles fronts + sub (and phantom center); one Follower plays both surrounds. You get a compact 5.1 experience with the least extra hardware.
Three devices (option A): Lead on fronts + sub; two Followers split the surrounds (one each for left/right) for better separation.
Three devices (option B, “center split”): Lead on fronts + sub; one Follower for a dedicated center; one Follower for both surrounds. Dialogue becomes more focused and intelligible.
Four devices (best separation): Lead on fronts + sub; one Follower each for center, surround left, surround right. This most closely mirrors a classic receiver‑based layout.

Requirements

Lead devices: WiiM Amp Ultra, WiiM Amp Pro, or WiiM Ultra.
Follower devices: most WiiM streamers/amps/speakers; WiiM Mini is not supported.
Input format: Dolby Digital 5.1 is required for surround. However, most sources will offer the Dolby 5.1 core with Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos streams.
Network: all WiiM devices should be on the same network. Wired Ethernet backhaul can improve reliability if available.

Content Checks

Check the following so you’re actually getting DD 5.1:

Streaming apps and broadcast channels often deliver Dolby Digital 5.1; ensure your TV passes it through over ARC.
Discs and downloads may offer an audio menu—choose Dolby Audio 5.1 (DD 5.1) instead of stereo or DTS.

Find out more on WiiM Help Centre page here.

Why This Approach is Compelling

You start with a clean stereo system and add surround roles as you go. The software‑led grouping keeps complexity low while preserving the fundamentals of true 5.1: discrete channels, clear dialogue, and impactful bass.