WiiM Vibelink Amp Review

[Ruediger]

18 months later this has likely already been answered, but no. Analog input is straight to the preamp section. No ADC involved. This is often referred to as 'Pure' mode. I was hoping for a bit better Sinad number, but it is very clean and organic sounding with a quiet pre feeding it - which is how I use it.

Optical in and the ESS9039 on the Vibelink measures a bit better than analogue path. I recommend to try it if it fits the preamp hardware.

 

[redjr]

I could use the optical-IN and I have tried it. I have numerous other DACs - both the AK4499 and ES903x variants. My 2 Sabre-based DACs use a dual mono design so it's fully complimentary. So I never need the DAC in the Vibelink. I only bought expressly for the analog-IN (pure mode - no digitization) and the amp. I have a very well implemented preamp that serves up all my sources. It all sounds wonderful to me in my near field listening system(NFL). Furthermore, I occasionally swap gear around between 4 main systems when I want to mix things up a bit. In addition, the Vibelink's size and form-factor also fits nicely in my current NFL space. I have no complaints with it' s sonic qualities/characteristics.

 

[Ruediger]

I see it more as a cabling option - optical is trouble-free even when long - and together with coax a nice option of 3 inputs. Making for a very versatile unit. If you already have DACs in that rank there isn't anything to gain.

Over a longer period I switched between analogue and optical here and there - even more since the Ultra does both outputs in parallel and it's just one button now - and listened. I think the ESS9039 in the Vibelink has an advantage over the ESS9038 in the Ultra + RCA cable over. It's tiny, it's about nearfield listening to me and I don't think every speaker will produce it, certainly not all I own. But I encourage everyone to try it for themselves. In my opinion the Vibelink is a very well made unit and the onboard DAC is beyond a simple option.

 

[harkpabst]

I only bought expressly for the analog-IN (pure mode - no digitization) and the amp.

Just to stay precise here, the S/PDIF inputs on the WiiM Vibelink Amp do not digitize anything, but the contrary. The RCA line input is no more pure than the digital inputs, especially if your signal has been digital from the source anyway.

If you prefer your other DACs that's perfectly fine. It's just that the analog connection between the external DAC and the amp is potentially prone to interference and hum. If that's not happening in an NFL setup, all is good.

 

[redjr]

All is good.

 

[redjr]

In my opinion the Vibelink is a very well made unit and the onboard DAC is beyond a simple option.

Indeed, the Vibelink - in every way - is a well designed and built DAC/Amp. I have some experience with the sonic characteristics of the TPA3255 chip, so the amp meets my expectations. I have no qualms with the performance of the Vibelink DAC. It's very good, and as you say; is beyond a simple option.