WiiM Vibelink Amp Review

[davmol]

If I pick this up to use with the Wiim Ultra then I guess I'd use optical to connect them together? And the line-in is the full analogue input, where I can hook up my Fosi X5 phono box?

 

[keithm55]

I have been using optical (the cable that came with the ultra) to connect the ultra to the vibelink. No issues.

 

[telemike]

If I pick this up to use with the Wiim Ultra then I guess I'd use optical to connect them together? And the line-in is the full analogue input, where I can hook up my Fosi X5 phono box?

If you want to use the Fosi X5 with Vibelink, you will use the Vibelink's volume control. You will need to set the Ultra to fixed level output. If you want remote control volume, then connect the X5 to the LINE IN on the Ultra.

 

[harkpabst]

And obviously no EQ and no room correction when connecting the X5 directly to the WiiM Vibelink Amp.

 

[ptw]

Reading this review make me feel that this well executed Vibelink based on TI 3255, with correct quality build, is not very far from a NC252MP based amp such as Audiophonics AP300-S250NC for every day use, puting aside inputs and dac. NC252MP have higher max power capabilities, but for "normal" volume usage, will there be an audible difference ? Maybe on reliability ?
It seems to be a fair TI 3255 amp, maybe a little too expensive with all its features compare to others, but probably better support (and reliability ?).
Correct me if I'm wrong

 

[doublebstyle]

Why would anyone prefer this over wiim amp pro? With only 80-90 euro more you have all the streaming, sub management , remote , more or less same power , DAC, same amp chip, etc..

 

[harkpabst]

Why would anyone prefer this over wiim amp pro? With only 80-90 euro more you have all the streaming, sub management , remote , more or less same power , DAC, same amp chip, etc..

This has been discussed in this very thread before, more than once, I think.

The Vibelink Amp is a power amp suited for those who own a WiiM streamer (or any similar device). It's not intended as a competition for the WiiM Amp or WiiM Amp Pro. As a bonus, you get digital inputs (bettering the DAC at least compared to the WiiM Mini and WiiM Pro) and optional analog volume control for those who believe in such things).

Have a closer look at Amir's measurements and you will find that it not only offers a bit more power than the WiiM Amp and WiiM Amp Pro. It's simply the better design, based on the same amp chip.

 

[Mort]

It's come up several times because this is a baffling product with ambiguous purpose.

 

[harkpabst]

Some call it ambiguous, some call it flexible. Don't buy if you don't need it.

In the first place it's still a well measuring and sounding (cough, cough) amplifier.

 

[DazST]

I wonder if some finding it a "baffling product" is reflected in the apparent absence of other reviews thus far (other than here and stereonet).
Also interesting to note the preorder price here in Aus seems to have come down $100 to $500 AU. Is that a reflection that the initial price was too high, or there hasn't been as much interest in this amp as was anticipated?

 

[clamleflambeur]

It's come up several times because this is a baffling product with ambiguous purpose.

I'm honestly happy to pay more for the Wiim Ultra + Vibelink simply for the nice screen / looks vs the Wiim Amp Pro.

Plus more flexibility to swap and try other amps I own and play around, see if I can notice differences etc.

 

[rockcrusher]

Howdy y'all.

Just a bit of information as a Vibelink owner.

Some have asked what's the point of the Vibelink. I bought it to replace the Wiim Amp that I bought as a SFF amp for use with my computer driving a pair of PSB Mini speakers and a Dayton Audio 15" powered subwoofer. If I'd looked before buying and seen that there is no subwoofer out, I probably would not have bought it, but since I've long since recycled the box, it's going to stay.

When it worked, the Wiim Pro was great. But, I'm one of those people who had problems with my Wiim Pro staying connected to my wireless network. Sometimes it would work, and other times I'd have to run the setup again in order to get things working. Now, it's upstairs running a pair of PSB Synchrony Two tower speakers for listening and the television.

When I plugged in the Vibelink, it did not appear to work until after I'd discovered it on the app(IOS) and updated the firmware. Now, it works a charm and sounds pretty good.

I could add the subwoofer by (maybe) sending the computer sound output to both the optical and 3.5mm jack at the same time with the optical to the Vibelink and the 3.5 to the subwoofer. But, then I wonder if there might be timing issues. Or, I could send the speaker output from the Vibelink to the subwoofer and then on to the Minis. Or, I could eschew the optical and split the 3.5mm output from the motherboard and send that signal to the subwoofer and the Vibelink.


Maybe I'll try all three and see which one sounds the best.

Cheers

 

[DazST]

I wonder if some finding it a "baffling product" is reflected in the apparent absence of other reviews thus far (other than here and stereonet).
Also interesting to note the preorder price here in Aus seems to have come down $100 to $500 AU. Is that a reflection that the initial price was too high, or there hasn't been as much interest in this amp as was anticipated?

Actually I just saw that eAcoustics published a review a few days ago. Said some fairly positive things but also indicated some confusion (if not quite "bafflement"!) about the Vibelink's intended purpose. Interestingly, the reviewer hinted about another story to come out soon with some other big WiiM related news.

 

[clamleflambeur]

Just an update, I guess largely for my own personal satisfaction.

I managed to get hold of an Exposure 2510 (normally £2k) for only 2x the cost of the Vibelink. I hooked it up and as I was excited for the first listen, carefully moved the speakers and measured out an equilateral triangle etc. I was blown away - had tears in my eyes.


Cast ye aside, O wiim, you lack the poetry of this performer, methinks, finally the debate is settled. Anyway, I then realised I'd never tried the wiim with the measured-placed speakers. So I did - and the vibelink was now sounding better than it ever had before.

That said, I still thought the exposure had a certain je ne sais quoi over it, so I've returned the vibelink.

But moving the speakers made a bigger difference then the £2k amp.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

…

But moving the speakers made a bigger difference then the £2k amp.

Which is to be expected. Of course it is also easy to get that wrong and make it worse.

 

[DazST]

Actually I just saw that eAcoustics published a review a few days ago. Said some fairly positive things but also indicated some confusion (if not quite "bafflement"!) about the Vibelink's intended purpose. Interestingly, the reviewer hinted about another story to come out soon with some other big WiiM related news.

So I'm assuming that news was about the new wiim ultra amp

 

[harkpabst]

... or the WiiM Sub Pro subwoofer or the WiiM Sound smart speaker.

 

[DazST]

... or the WiiM Sub Pro subwoofer or the WiiM Sound smart speaker.

Yes or those....WiiM have been busy!

 

[clamleflambeur]

Which is to be expected. Of course it is also easy to get that wrong and make it worse.

BTW did you try a few different amps, and how has adding the sub been? May get a sub in current place / will definitely when I move house.

Also curious on your views on your DAC vs the Wiim Ultra Dac - I'm using a chord mojo 2 as DAC atm.

I've the same kefs & ultra setup so especially curious

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

BTW did you try a few different amps, and how has adding the sub been? May get a sub in current place / will definitely when I move house.

Also curious on your views on your DAC vs the Wiim Ultra Dac - I'm using a chord mojo 2 as DAC atm.

I've the same kefs & ultra setup so especially curious

B200 has worked great. I’ve had no reason to try anything else.

The subwoofer is quite important for my setup. I have limited options on how I place my speakers, and so they have uneven bass response due to room nulls and gains. Having the sub not only allows me to extend bass deeper, but by having greater flexibility with subwoofer placement (the SVS Micro-3000 is quite small and easy to hide), I am able to achieve much smoother/even bass response.

I mostly am using an external DAC because I use the Anti-Mode X2D room correction unit which requires an external DAC, plus the D90 III Discrete matches nicely with the amps (aesthetically, and provides the XLR outputs the B200s need). Otherwise the DAC in the WiiM Ultra has proven fully transparent in testing.