WiiM Vibelink Amp Review

[anonyless]

I would alternatively ask, does it really matter if there's another DAC in the Vibelink? Why the framing as though it's a negative?

I didn't frame this as negative (or at least didn't mean to). but, no one mentioned here how the Vibelink is kind of a weird combo with the built in DAC , that you have zero control of

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

I would alternatively ask, does it really matter if there's another DAC in the Vibelink? Why the framing as though it's a negative?

Guessing he questions the need to, "pay for the extraneous DAC."

 

[kyuu]

I didn't frame this as negative (or at least didn't mean to). but, no one mentioned here how the Vibelink is kind of a weird combo with the built in DAC , that you have zero control of

What kind of control do you need? The only reason the DAC is there is so that you can (but don't have to) use a digital connection to the amp. That necessitates a DAC. As long as the DAC is transparent enough not to bottleneck the amp section, there's not really any negative to it that I can think of.

Guessing he questions the need to, "pay for the extraneous DAC."

I suppose, but I'm pretty sure that's a minor cost add. In any case, you can of course consider any price differential when comparing the Vibelink against another amp you are considering.

 

[anonyless]

What kind of control do you need? The only reason the DAC is there is so that you can (but don't have to) use a digital connection to the amp. That necessitates a DAC. As long as the DAC is transparent enough not to bottleneck the amp section, there's not really any negative to it that I can think of.

i originally replied to @Finz who was questioning which class D power amp he should get, as there are so many choices these days.

I think since the Vibelink does have some BT connectivity to WiiM app, the least they could have added is changing inputs from the app and the DACs filter type.

 

[Finz]

Why are you thinking of changing the Naim amp?

A few reasons, mainly driven by want rather than need:
1. It’s old, and I am being bitten by the new gear acquisition bug since getting the WiiM and the new speakers.
2. I would like to maximize clarity and I expect the new amps in question will have much less noise than the Naim (could be wrong)
3. Considering the speakers are somewhat low sensitivity, I wonder if having more power will provide better control, though I am generally at 40-50% volume on the Nait, with fixed volume from the Ultra

 

[kyuu]

I think since the Vibelink does have some BT connectivity to WiiM app, the least they could have added is changing inputs from the app and the DACs filter type.

Edit: I see, didn't realize the Vibelink Amp can use Bluetooth to present to the Wiim app for firmware updates. Implementing any ability to control the amp from the app would be more firmware work and might require hardware they didn't implement as well. Plainly the intent is for the Vibelink to be a standalone device.

 

[anonyless]

To my knowledge this is not correct.

what is "not correct"? the Vibelink can be turned on/off and get firmware updates through the WiiM app

 

[kyuu]

what is "not correct"? the Vibelink can be turned on/off and get firmware updates through the WiiM app

Please see my edited post above.

 

[gasolin75]

I think since the Vibelink does have some BT connectivity to WiiM app, the least they could have added is changing inputs from the app and the DACs filter type

HOW ?

I imagine it does it thru the streamer to the amp, i do not see any wireless connection to the vibelink, when i read the manual

But then again theres is usb, is that how it does update ?

Vibelink manual (not way to enable,disable ?)

So thats how you adjust aut standby (30 or 60 min), dac setting 24 bit and 192khz or lower, mabye gain for each input
bass,treble and balance ?

 

[anonyless]

HOW ?

I imagine it does it thru the streamer to the amp, i do not see any wireless connection to the vibelink, when i read the manual

But then again theres is usb, is that how it does update ?

the Vibelink has Bluetooth connectivity to WiiM Home App. simple as that. when you first plug it to power and open the app, it discovers a new WiiM device

 

[gasolin75]

ask yourself if you need another DAC - because that's what you're getting and paying for with the Vibelink

you forgot one think (me to) if it can be adjusted in the app i don't know (gain for each input)

Power 60/120 or 100/200 watt

 

[anonyless]

you forgot one think (me to) if it can be adjusted in the app i don't know (gain for each input)

i didn't forget anything. the only thing you can do through the app (when it comes to the Vibelink) is turn it on/off and update its firmware.

 

[gasolin75]

Okay

 

[gasolin75]

i didn't forget anything. the only thing you can do through the app (when it comes to the Vibelink) is turn it on/off and update its firmware.

Power (digital in)

I don't know if you can adjust like on my wiim amp pro, you say you can't

There for you need the digital on a wiim vibelink amp, because you get more power

 

[antcollinet]

A few reasons, mainly driven by want rather than need:
1. It’s old, and I am being bitten by the new gear acquisition bug since getting the WiiM and the new speakers.
2. I would like to maximize clarity and I expect the new amps in question will have much less noise than the Naim (could be wrong)
3. Considering the speakers are somewhat low sensitivity, I wonder if having more power will provide better control, though I am generally at 40-50% volume on the Nait, with fixed volume from the Ultra

I'll just add to your point 2 - if you are not hearing any noise now (eg in the silence between the tracks) then reducing noise further won't make an audible difference.

If you are hearing noise it may well have nothing to do (specifically) with the amp, instead being a ground noise (a system problem)

 

[Finz]

I'll just add to your point 2 - if you are not hearing any noise now (eg in the silence between the tracks) then reducing noise further won't make an audible difference.

If you are hearing noise it may well have nothing to do (specifically) with the amp, instead being a ground noise (a system problem)

Good point. I do have an unresolved ground loop hum from the amp after isolating source. But the big driver here is just wanting to satisfy that possibly irrational desire to have the cleanest signal chain with enough power (is 50wpc enough?) and reach the ever-wanted endgame. Maybe I am also misbelieving that the Nait is a weak link.

 

[gasolin75]

Low noise Benchmark AHB2 power amp or Topping LA90

 

[Finz]

Topping looks good but I despise the external ps.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Topping looks good but I despise the external ps.

Posting that in this thread is like going in a Toyota 4Runner forum to state that the Pontiac Aztek looks like poo.

 

[Finz]

Posting that in this thread is like going in a Toyota 4Runner forum to state that the Pontiac Aztek looks like poo.

By your own analogy, it’s actually like someone recommending an Aztek as an alternative to a 4Runner and me saying the Aztek has some redeeming qualities but there’s a deal-breaking feature.