WiiM Vibelink Amp Review

[kyuu]

don't these measurements show 73 watts at 8 ohms, rather than the claimed 100 watts at 8 ohms? why the large discrepancy?

Because the way Amir rates an amp's power is not the way any manufacturer rates their amp's power. Wiim does not specify how they rate the power, but let's look at the relevant graph:

I drew a line on that graph at -40dB THD+N, which if I'm not mistaken is equivalent to 1%. If you look at the Wiim's line, it is hitting 100W just a bit under that line. So it appears Wiim's power rating of 100W @ 8ohm is at 1% THD+N. This is a quite normal way for a manufacturer to rate their amps power.

As you can see by where the cursor is on that graph, Amir's power rating is taken at the "knee" where the THD+N starts to increase rapidly.

 

[Heat11]

I just set up a wiim ultra music streamer

so far so good

i am now debating which amp to get, the wiim vibe or the pro

i think the vibe is newer tech from wiim so i will probably go with it.

i think the sub is run from the wiim ultra. since its the "preamp"

right now i have klispsch R40-PM with their entry level sub and a entry level audio technica turn table.

i want to change to RP-600m 2's and possibly the newer updated Klipsch entry level sub

i also have a KEF LSX 2

I would say the KEF wins out

ironically all of these streamers suffer from the same poorly set up user network issues. it is annoying but we can work on it and solve it as end users. i plan to.

i listen to amazon music HD app, turntable, inet radio (npr, classical day / jazzy night type inet radio)

which wiim amp should i go with fam?

 

[JeremyFife]

I just set up a wiim ultra music streamer

so far so good

i am now debating which amp to get, the wiim vibe or the pro

i think the vibe is newer tech from wiim so i will probably go with it.

i think the sub is run from the wiim ultra. since its the "preamp"

right now i have klispsch R40-PM with their entry level sub and a entry level audio technica turn table.

i want to change to RP-600m 2's and possibly the newer updated Klipsch entry level sub

i also have a KEF LSX 2

I would say the KEF wins out

ironically all of these streamers suffer from the same poorly set up user network issues. it is annoying but we can work on it and solve it as end users. i plan to.

i listen to amazon music HD app, turntable, inet radio (npr, classical day / jazzy night type inet radio)

which wiim amp should i go with fam?

Hi,
As you have the WiiM Ultra (streaming, DAC, room correction, sub management) you don't need an amp with the same features - that's just a waste.
WiiM Vibelink, or one of the well measuring simple power amps from; Topping, 3e, Fosi, Aiyima, Douk etc

 

[s3igell]

ironically all of these streamers suffer from the same poorly set up user network issues. it is annoying but we can work on it and solve it as end users. i plan to.

What "annoying... poorly set up network issues" do all these streamers "suffer"??

Ironically, if it is "all of them" then perhaps the issue is on your end...

 

[yoyoc]

My experience is that the initial wifi connection can be kind of "difficult" to attain.

Is that what is referenced?

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

I just set up a wiim ultra music streamer

so far so good

i am now debating which amp to get, the wiim vibe or the pro

i think the vibe is newer tech from wiim so i will probably go with it.

i think the sub is run from the wiim ultra. since its the "preamp"

right now i have klispsch R40-PM with their entry level sub and a entry level audio technica turn table.

i want to change to RP-600m 2's and possibly the newer updated Klipsch entry level sub

i also have a KEF LSX 2

I would say the KEF wins out

ironically all of these streamers suffer from the same poorly set up user network issues. it is annoying but we can work on it and solve it as end users. i plan to.

i listen to amazon music HD app, turntable, inet radio (npr, classical day / jazzy night type inet radio)

which wiim amp should i go with fam?

Frankly, I’ve never experienced these network issues you speak of with any streamer.

 

[Heat11]

What "annoying... poorly set up network issues" do all these streamers "suffer"??

Ironically, if it is "all of them" then perhaps the issue is on your end...

a lot of people complain about the wiim app and the kef app needing to be restarted a lot. it drops the connection. or it wont respond. or it doesnt load features in the app. most responses coming through now offer up solutions in terms of how you configure your wifi.

a odd ball example - the EQ setting in the wiim amp doesnt load when you open up the screen to select one. within a few hours of setting my wiim ultra up it wouldnt recognize the device in the app on my phone, it took some time for it to come back. after i force stopped the app.

 

[Heat11]

Hi,
As you have the WiiM Ultra (streaming, DAC, room correction, sub management) you don't need an amp with the same features - that's just a waste.
WiiM Vibelink, or one of the well measuring simple power amps from; Topping, 3e, Fosi, Aiyima, Douk etc

i think i am going with the vibe now. i agree with you there was a bit of redundancy if i went with the other amp. i really wanted to go with a topping because they are so highly rated. i just read that the vibe isnt shipping with the trigger cable and that the RCA connections seem underpowered vs the optical. someone did complain about the supplied rca cable. i have some speaker wire and wanted to put my own connectors on for banana (for the vibe amp) and fanlock (for the klipsch).

 

[Emiyanez]

i think i am going with the vibe now. i agree with you there was a bit of redundancy if i went with the other amp. i really wanted to go with a topping because they are so highly rated. i just read that the vibe isnt shipping with the trigger cable and that the RCA connections seem underpowered vs the optical. someone did complain about the supplied rca cable. i have some speaker wire and wanted to put my own connectors on for banana (for the vibe amp) and fanlock (for the klipsch).

I was also debating between the Vibelink or a Topping PA5 II to pair with the Ultra. IMHO, the PA5 II is a much more sensible option if you do not mind not matching the aesthetics of the Ultra. Price/performance ratio is unbeatable but, personally, I hate external power bricks.

At the end, I pulled the trigger for a used Rotel RB-1572 for 290 euros. Old-school class-D amp (ICEPower) with 2x250 watts @ 8 ohms and 2x500 watts @ 4 ohms. It probably measures worst than last generation TPA-based amplifiers but I wanted to check whether those who claim that there's no such thing as too much power are right...

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

I was also debating between the Vibelink or a Topping PA5 II to pair with the Ultra. IMHO, the PA5 II is a much more sensible option if you do not mind not matching the aesthetics of the Ultra. Price/performance ratio is unbeatable but, personally, I hate external power bricks.

At the end, I pulled the trigger for a used Rotel RB-1572 for 290 euros. Old-school class-D amp (ICEPower) with 2x250 watts @ 8 ohms and 2x500 watts @ 4 ohms. It probably measures worst than last generation TPA-based amplifiers but I wanted to check whether those who claim that there's no such thing as too much power are right...

That’s a lot of watts/€. Otherwise was going to recommend IOM Ultra, but that’s a whole lot more €.

 

[s3igell]

a lot of people complain about the wiim app and the kef app needing to be restarted a lot. it drops the connection. or it wont respond. or it doesnt load features in the app. most responses coming through now offer up solutions in terms of how you configure your wifi.

A search of this 19-page thread shows no references to "Drop" or "Connect" or "Restart" in the context you describe. So, where are you hanging out with these "lot of people"??

 

[Heat11]

A search of this 19-page thread shows no references to "Drop" or "Connect" or "Restart" in the context you describe. So, where are you hanging out with these "lot of people"??

read any site that has reviews, also read wiim's own forums, you can also read crutchfield for Kef issues. overall i am super happy with my kef purchase and have been learning a lot with the wiim set up. my vibe amp will be delivered tomorrow. i havent purchased passive speakers yet. im debating tower RP-600m 2 or bookshelfs. the bookshelfs have a huge footprint compared to the speakers i already have. not sure they stands will work. probably a little over kill for my room

 

[Heat11]

I was also debating between the Vibelink or a Topping PA5 II to pair with the Ultra. IMHO, the PA5 II is a much more sensible option if you do not mind not matching the aesthetics of the Ultra. Price/performance ratio is unbeatable but, personally, I hate external power bricks.

At the end, I pulled the trigger for a used Rotel RB-1572 for 290 euros. Old-school class-D amp (ICEPower) with 2x250 watts @ 8 ohms and 2x500 watts @ 4 ohms. It probably measures worst than last generation TPA-based amplifiers but I wanted to check whether those who claim that there's no such thing as too much power are right...

congrats!

another oddity is how to connect the turntable and how some folks are using dac's with the ultra. there are some options to sort out there.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

read any site that has reviews, also read wiim's own forums, you can also read crutchfield for Kef issues. overall i am super happy with my kef purchase and have been learning a lot with the wiim set up. my vibe amp will be delivered tomorrow. i havent purchased passive speakers yet. im debating tower RP-600m 2 or bookshelfs. the bookshelfs have a huge footprint compared to the speakers i already have. not sure they stands will work. probably a little over kill for my room

I auditioned a pair of LSX IIs last year. They did give me a headache with connectivity.

Never had a single issue with network connectivity with any of my WiiMs. I do have a problem with a WiiM Amp Pro that refused to sync with its remote. Fortunately, I only use that WiiM Amp for watching TV, so I just use the remote for the TV (ARC volume control).

 

[ninja1]

Hi,

i would like (and appreciate very much) if somebody from forum members can help me to choose amp for my second system.
My first system is: (turntable to phono pre/CD/WIIM Pro +) to Primaluna Dialogue HP integrated to Spendor D9.2 .Listening distance is aprox 2,75 m

Second sytem should be mostly the same with integrated amp MOSTLY for streaming (do not want to use Primaluna all the time)
1. wiim pro plus (streamer + dac)
2. Spendor D9.2 speakers

Spendor SPECIFICATIONS:
Description: 3-way floor standing loudspeaker
Enclosure type: Rigid, asymmetric braced, vented cabinet with dynamic damping
Vent type: Fifth generation Spendor linear flow, tapered twin-venturi port
Input connection: Single pair recessed precision binding posts
Typical in-room response: 27Hz - 25kHz
Power handling: 250 watts unclipped program
Sensitivity: 90dB for 1 watt at 1 meter
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
HF driver: Spendor 22mm LPZ polyamide dome
Mid driver: Spendor 7" EP77 polymer cone
Bass driver: 2 x Spendor 7" Kevlar© composite cone
Crossover frequencies: 500Hz, 4.2kHz
Net Weight: 87lbs
Dimensions (HxWxD): 44.3" x 8.3" x 15.2"

So first idea is Vibelink . Reasons:
1. Like the WIIM , dimensions, compatibility with PRO+
If conncted with RCA from PRO+ to Vibe , i will use AKM PRO+ DAC; if connect digitaly I will use VIBE DAC ?
(I did not see any measurment for Vibelink DAC (ES9039q2m) so maybe is a little better then AKM? ? if audiable at all...
My biggest concern is how Vibelink will cooperate with Spendor, (regarding curves, impedance, power...) as from technical data I am not qualified to see if this is a good or bad match ?

I am very open to any other solution for amp/int which will be better match with Spendors !!!

Thank you in advance

 

[yoyoc]

As your speakers have 90db sensitivity and 8 Ohms impedance, I believe the Vibelink should work fine.

I have used mine with several speakers including Jamo Concert 11 which have 90db sensitivity and 4 Ohms impedance.

 

[ninja1]

Thanx yoyoc !!

Do you use vibelink dac or external one ?
I am checking also other/better? solutions for few hundreds more or less....

BR

 

[yoyoc]

I am using a Wiim Ultra streamer connecting it to the Vibelink via toslink. Contrary to other devices, both the Ultra and the Vibelink can use the toslink upto 24/192.

I like the sound of the Vibelink dac implementation better than the Ultra. Its sound great to me.

Also, I have used the Ultra with the Vibelink using the following arrangement. Ultra out via usb to an SMSL PO100 PRO ( which reclocks and coverts to toslink or rca pcm output), then the SMSL PO100 PRO toslink ouput to an SMSL SU-1 dac and the dac analog rca outputs to the Vibelink analog input. The SMSL units are only $80 each at amazon and, as you can read in their respective reviews at audiosciencereview, both are superbly accurate, with low noise and great overall implementation.

Using them, the Ultra indicates for its usb output a maximum word length of 32 bits instead of the 24 bits of its internal dac and can pass MQA from Tidal, which its internal dac does not process.

As you can see on the Vibelink review it is quite a resolving amplifier and the use of the SMSL devices result in even better sound to me. I was really impressed with the sound quality of the Vibelink, either with its internal dac or with the SMSL units.

To me, the Vibelink has clear neutral sound without strident highs, the bass is fast and deep if the recording has it. Its very transparent but not analitical. I would characterize the sound as very natural.

One thing you should know is that the Vibelink, as other Wiim amplifiers, has an aparent lower input gain (or sensitivity) compared to other amps which require to volume knob to be further dialed up to achieve a desired ammount of sound. From what I have read with regards to such matters, this could be a design choice intended to construct a lower distortion amplifier with larger dinamic range. I am not an engineer, so if I have expressed this in inaccurate terms dont shoot me.

 

[yoyoc]

Listening to good Jazz through the Vibelink's internal dac. Sounds excellent.

 

[Heat11]

I am using a Wiim Ultra streamer connecting it to the Vibelink via toslink. Contrary to other devices, both the Ultra and the Vibelink can use the toslink upto 24/192.

I like the sound of the Vibelink dac implementation better than the Ultra. Its sound great to me.

Also, I have used the Ultra with the Vibelink using the following arrangement. Ultra out via usb to an SMSL PO100 PRO ( which reclocks and coverts to toslink or rca pcm output), then the SMSL PO100 PRO toslink ouput to an SMSL SU-1 dac and the dac analog rca outputs to the Vibelink analog input. The SMSL units are only $80 each at amazon and, as you can read in their respective reviews at audiosciencereview, both are superbly accurate, with low noise and great overall implementation.

Using them, the Ultra indicates for its usb output a maximum word length of 32 bits instead of the 24 bits of its internal dac and can pass MQA from Tidal, which its internal dac does not process.

As you can see on the Vibelink review it is quite a resolving amplifier and the use of the SMSL devices result in even better sound to me. I was really impressed with the sound quality of the Vibelink, either with its internal dac or with the SMSL units.

To me, the Vibelink has clear neutral sound without strident highs, the bass is fast and deep if the recording has it. Its very transparent but not analitical. I would characterize the sound as very natural.

One thing you should know is that the Vibelink, as other Wiim amplifiers, has an aparent lower input gain (or sensitivity) compared to other amps which require to volume knob to be further dialed up to achieve a desired ammount of sound. From what I have read with regards to such matters, this could be a design choice intended to construct a lower distortion amplifier with larger dinamic range. I am not an engineer, so if I have expressed this in inaccurate terms dont shoot me.

great post, lot of moving parts here