WiiM Vibelink Amp Review

[ATB]

Hi,
Looks like some major compatibility issues between LG and Vibelink. I used an ARC extractor (marmitek SE14 - not a Chinese no name) to coax or toslink - same issues. Hdmi cable is a brand new, hdmi 2.1b certified. But if I connect it (extractor) to a PC/Mac, then I have no issues. When I connect a PS4 toslink to Vibeamp - no issues. Still no issues with other/cheap DAC and Lg Tv toslink. Looks like not only toslink but other digital formats being output from Lg TV are not understood well by Vibelink. I'd have to go into LG implementation details to see who's to blame (I'm a programmer, I also work with embedded stuff, so I have skills needed but don't know if I really wanna do it ). The fact that a cheap DAC doesn't have issues tells something - it is possible to sync with an LG TV, the Arc issues tell that it's not just LG bad optical implementation.

In my case, LG optical is awful. Arc seems to be fine. With my C2, I had to use the analog out to avoid popping with my prior audio device until I got the Ultra and connected via HDMI. Ultra is connected to a Vibelink via optical. Ultra was also fine connected via rca to an old Rotel amp. And no turn off pops via my speakers either with the Vibelink

 

[somebodyelse]

ARC is essentially the same signalling as coax and toslink over a different physical layer. If it has timing issues over one there's a good chance it will have the same timing issues over the other.

 

[ATB]

ARC is essentially the same signalling as coax and toslink over a different physical layer. If it has timing issues over one there's a good chance it will have the same timing issues over the other.

Then the WiiM Ultra must handle the junk coming in from the LG since I have not had any audio issues as I had previously using the optical to another device.

 

[telemike]

Maybe I missed it somewhere, but what is the amplifiers input sensitivity and gain. For example, the Fosi V3 mono has a +19/+25 db gain switch.

 

[Jost Buergi]

Maybe I missed it somewhere, but what is the amplifiers input sensitivity and gain. For example, the Fosi V3 mono has a +19/+25 db gain switch.

Gain via RCA inputs is just below 20.8 dB, see the first dashboard (below, left) in Amir´s review.

 

[telemike]

Gain via RCA inputs is just below 20.8 dB, see the first dashboard (below, left) in Amir´s review.

Thanks, I didn't see a TOSLINK gain number though

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Thanks, I didn't see a TOSLINK gain number though

 

[Jole]

I was thinking to order but after Amir rca input dillema...ground loop ..signal quality I gave up... on wiim forum they mentioned amirs measurements but no one discuss on that from real life practice. I have denon bdp that use to read almost all music formats with just RCA out and good dac inside and dont want to take risk...other wiim amps convert analog input to digital. Seems to me no solution with wiim ..idea was ultra with vibelink very cost effective combination...... Have to change direction I asked experienced member but get no answer... if anyone has suggestion for something that can be used with ultra or without please give me advise. If someone has info on rca issue and how much it will decrease signal quality, or make eventual ground loop please let me know thats reason to escape.
Available in my town -
nad c368 with bluos2i -1000 eur
nad c338 -520 e
used rotel rc1550 /rb 1520 - 950e
used - naim unity lite - 800e
arcam a5 - 800e
used audiolab omnia - 900e
denon pma 600 -400e / pma 900 hne -750e
or Yamaha as701/801/ available but dont know price
PS option ultra + amp could be taken to consideration

speaker will be kef 3 q meta concerto 1000e or qacoustic 5040/5050 around 1100-1200.. still i am thinking.

After so long period and certain circumstances I have to build new system, room is less than 20m2.
My appreciation and regard to highly qualified, real and honest member group that deserve respect on provided information and breaking hifi illussions and myths - my point of view as someone who is hobbyist and not so skilled in this field.
Thanks one more time in advance.

​

 

[telemike]

I had the Denon PMA-900HNE, a good amp

 

[JeremyFife]

I was thinking to order but after Amir rca input dillema...ground loop ..signal quality I gave up... on wiim forum they mentioned amirs measurements but no one discuss on that from real life practice. I have denon bdp that use to read almost all music formats with just RCA out and good dac inside and dont want to take risk...other wiim amps convert analog input to digital. Seems to me no solution with wiim ..idea was ultra with vibelink very cost effective combination...... Have to change direction I asked experienced member but get no answer... if anyone has suggestion for something that can be used with ultra or without please give me advise. If someone has info on rca issue and how much it will decrease signal quality, or make eventual ground loop please let me know thats reason to escape.
Available in my town -
nad c368 with bluos2i -1000 eur
nad c338 -520 e
used rotel rc1550 /rb 1520 - 950e
used - naim unity lite - 800e
arcam a5 - 800e
used audiolab omnia - 900e
denon pma 600 -400e / pma 900 hne -750e
or Yamaha as701/801/ available but dont know price
PS option ultra + amp could be taken to consideration

speaker will be kef 3 q meta concerto 1000e or qacoustic 5040/5050 around 1100-1200.. still i am thinking.

After so long period and certain circumstances I have to build new system, room is less than 20m2.
My appreciation and regard to highly qualified, real and honest member group that deserve respect on provided information and breaking hifi illussions and myths - my point of view as someone who is hobbyist and not so skilled in this field.
Thanks one more time in advance.

​

All the amps you list are good and you won't have any problems - possibly apart from the Naim, I've seen poor reviews. Yamaha, NAD, Rotel, Denon all perform well.

Do not worry about ground loops if you don't have any ground loops - there is no real reason for concern. Almost all 'normal' hi-fi uses single-ended, RCA connections without any trouble. I'd never heard of balanced connections before I joined ASR and I never had ground problems. Perhaps I was lucky

Absolutely do not worry about the Wiim Ultra (or any other decent electronics) digitising any analogue input. The conversion is audibly transparent (you cannot hear any change) and then you get the benefits of DSP/Room correction which is huge.

You could just get the WiiM Amp Pro, which would be great in one box. You won't have any problems with the WiiM Ultra / Vibelink combination either. If you want to choose a different Amp ... also fine.

Spend more time thinking about your speakers. Those Kefs are probably much better than the QAcoustics and that's where the real differences are

Good luck

 

[Alexx]

I paired the Wiim Vibelink with the Wiim Ultra on Studio Audio 89 Monitor speakers and a Tel T7X subwoofer.

The sound is incredible for the price. The only downside is that it lacks a bit of dynamics and detail at low volume. Otherwise, it's fantastic (I paid €330 for the offer).

I have a question. I have a feeling, confirmed by several people in blind tests and even the Amazon community, that if the Wiim Ultra is connected to the Vibelink via an RCA input/cable, the sound is more precise and detailed, in short, it sounds better.

Is it because I used the optical cable? Perhaps with the digital coaxial cable, do I gain something and the quality becomes similar to the RCA connection?

I ask because using RCA I lose 40 watts per channel and would prefer to use it to its full 100 watts.

Alternatively, I was thinking of getting the Apollon Modulo stereo Hypex NC502MP power amplifier and connecting the Wiim Ultra as a preamplifier.

I don't know if a thousand euros is worth it.
To give you more information, I should point out that this is my main home Hi-Fi system (not a small desktop setup).
Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Jole]

All the amps you list are good and you won't have any problems - possibly apart from the Naim, I've seen poor reviews. Yamaha, NAD, Rotel, Denon all perform well.

Do not worry about ground loops if you don't have any ground loops - there is no real reason for concern. Almost all 'normal' hi-fi uses single-ended, RCA connections without any trouble. I'd never heard of balanced connections before I joined ASR and I never had ground problems. Perhaps I was lucky

Absolutely do not worry about the Wiim Ultra (or any other decent electronics) digitising any analogue input. The conversion is audibly transparent (you cannot hear any change) and then you get the benefits of DSP/Room correction which is huge.

You could just get the WiiM Amp Pro, which would be great in one box. You won't have any problems with the WiiM Ultra / Vibelink combination either. If you want to choose a different Amp ... also fine.

Spend more time thinking about your speakers. Those Kefs are probably much better than the QAcoustics and that's where the real differences are

Good luck

I think to join denon bdp, denon 900 and ultra or some cheaper roon ready streamer, or as you said wiim combinatiion what is the cheapest one cost as denon 900 alone. nad and rotel with ultra is around 900e. i dont want to go beyond 1000 i decided. thank u for advise about spekers its true 1/1.

 

[JeremyFife]

I think to join denon bdp, denon 900 and ultra or some cheaper roon ready streamer, or as you said wiim combinatiion what is the cheapest one cost as denon 900 alone. nad and rotel with ultra is around 900e. i dont want to go beyond 1000 i decided. thank u for advise about spekers its true 1/1.

That Denon has digital inputs - just get a WiiM Mini for streaming (~90usd) and you have a nice system

 

[lordhumungous]

This is a great amp at least when plugged into a WiiM streamer . I was surprised by its performance for 300 bucks.

 

[Grovkalle]

I think to join denon bdp, denon 900 and ultra or some cheaper roon ready streamer, or as you said wiim combinatiion what is the cheapest one cost as denon 900 alone. nad and rotel with ultra is around 900e. i dont want to go beyond 1000 i decided. thank u for advise about spekers its true 1/1.

I have previously tried the Denon streaming plattform Heos and it is both instable, slow and sluggish. Streaming that have been stable for me is Wiim and BluOS and I recently bought the Ultra + Vibelink combo and enjoy it very much. One bonus for me was that I can connect my AVR using the RCA input while running the Ultra on the Toslink input but
if you have a need for many input and output options then perhaps it is a bit limited

 

[Jole]

I have previously tried the Denon streaming plattform Heos and it is both instable, slow and sluggish. Streaming that have been stable for me is Wiim and BluOS and I recently bought the Ultra + Vibelink combo and enjoy it very much. One bonus for me was that I can connect my AVR using the RCA input while running the Ultra on the Toslink input but
if you have a need for many input and output options then perhaps it is a bit limited

No plan is to use rca for denon bdp 1713 ud to vibelink and from ultra coax or opitics to vibelink but amir's recension of rca upset me... somehow..dac in denon for me is ok and rca input isn't converted in vibelink to digital again like with other wiim amps...

 

[telemike]

There's nothing to be worried about "digitzing" if you set it to 192/24. That's transparent and SACD quality. I use my phono with the Ultra and it sounds great.

 

[Jole]

There's nothing to be worried about "digitzing" if you set it to 192/24. That's transparent and SACD quality. I use my phono with the Ultra and it sounds great.

If I put sacd to bdp its 1 conversion cycle to analog rca output, then apart from vibelink both wiim amps convert rca to digital and again to analog ..long signal path..bdp without digital out I mentioned already..that's why I looked for vibelink to accept analog and send as it is to speakers...before read Amir review... but ok I believe in your opinion...

 

[telemike]

If I put sacd to bdp its 1 conversion cycle to analog rca output, then apart from vibelink both wiim amps convert rca to digital and again to analog ..long signal path..bdp without digital out I mentioned already..that's why I looked for vibelink to accept analog and send as it is to speakers...before read Amir review... but ok I believe in your opinion...

Add a FOSI P4 preamp in front of the amp $99

 

[Alexx]

I also prefer the sound through the RCA input.

Probably because the various DACs perform fewer conversions???

But I can confirm that the Vibelink connected to the Wii U Ultra via RCA sounds better.

Try it and you'll see; it's not true that it sounds the same through the optical input.
See you soon.