WiiM Vibelink Amp Review

[Talisman]

Why? It's just there for flexibility or when using a cd player or other source with fixed volume output. I have absolutely 0 issues running the WiiM Ultra as a preamp, straight into my poweramp.

Good luck

 

[pieterv1]

Good luck

Thanks?

 

[Fleuch]

Is there any reason why all WiiM products use RCA connections when, for a few dollars more, adding XLR/TRS connections would open the door to those who appreciate balanced connections??

Earth loop problems experience by Amir would then be a thing of the past.

 

[kyuu]

Is there any reason why all WiiM products use RCA connections when, for a few dollars more, adding XLR/TRS connections would open the door to those who appreciate balanced connections??

Earth loop problems experience by Amir would then be a thing of the past.

Pretty sure it's because RCA is the de-facto analog connector in the consumer space, where this thing plays. Also XLRs are much bulkier and they'd have to make the case larger to fit them. And in any case, one should really be using the digital inputs if one has the choice.

 

[Mikig]

thanks Amirm for the comprehensive test as always!!

 

[Deleted member 72219]

Is there any reason why all WiiM products use RCA connections when, for a few dollars more, adding XLR/TRS connections would open the door to those who appreciate balanced connections??

Earth loop problems experience by Amir would then be a thing of the past.

Additionally, cost is real. The XLR outputs would be a joke if they are not true balanced differential signals, and the cost for the associated hardware for that additional signal generation not to mention physically finding space is difficult without a form factor change.

-Ed

 

[Dougey_Jones]

WiiM gunning for Sonos' market share, and they deserve it, IMO.

 

[morillon]

Additionally, cost is real. The XLR outputs would be a joke if they are not true balanced differential signals, and the cost for the associated hardware for that additional signal generation not to mention physically finding space is difficult without a form factor change.

-Ed

cms and jack/sym ... not so big ;-)

 

[Deleted member 72219]

cms and jack/sym ... not so big ;-)

Ah, right...those little TRS things. How cute.

Forgot about those.

Either way, cost is still cost (for the associated circuitry and ops-amps or whatever method they use to generate differential signaling from a single-ended source).

-Ed

 

[morillon]

(and don't worry, it comes from a Chinese workshop for next to nothing in terms of cost... ;-) a few dollars...)

 

[Deleted member 72219]

(and don't worry, it comes from a Chinese workshop for next to nothing in terms of cost... ;-) )

I suppose this would depend on who is counting the beans.

-Ed

 

[morillon]

no...

 

[Audiophonics]

@amirm
I am surprised to see that the RCA level for the measurement was 0.41V, and not 2V RMS as most sources provide.
Same for Toslink, why not test at 0dB, then adjust the volume to reach 5W ?

Couldn't a better SINAD be obtained with a higher input signal?

 

[morillon]

standardised at 5w output...

 

[Gremlins]

I am confuses:

There is the wiim amp and wiim amp pro , these are amps and streamers

This wiim vibelink, in what is it different ? No streamer, almost same price point and power

Am i correct or i miss something ?

 

[juliangst]

Really appreciate the clean looking speaker outs.
Not having a sub out with adjustable crossover like most other Wiim products now is a deal breaker for me though.

 

[Audiophonics]

standardised at 5w output...

Yes but it can be achevied by 2 ways :
Max volume, then set input
Max input, then set volume

IMO it seem more conventional to run a standard 1.2 or 2V RMS source, then set volume to get 5W.

 

[Burnside]

I am confuses:

There is the wiim amp and wiim amp pro , these are amps and streamers

This wiim vibelink, in what is it different ? No streamer, almost same price point and power

Am i correct or i miss something ?

The vibelink looks like it delivers more power when you compare it to the ASR Wiim amp pro review, and the price quoted may be incorrect as per comment #79 above. We may need to wait another week or so till the official announcement

 

[TimW]

If WiiM had offered a $300 Vibelink without a DAC and volume control (a pure power amp), that would be the perfect match for the Ultra.

Agreed

 

[kyuu]

Agreed

Disagree. A DAC is necessary for digital inputs. Also, the $400 price point is not confirmed and is likely not accurate.