Vibelink Amp Stereo Amplifier for Passive Speaker, Space Gray

Review of WiiM Mini, Pro, and Vibelink AmpWiiM is a new addition to the list of companies offering hardware streaming components. Up until recently, the pricing made using a dedicate streamer not cost-effective for me. WiiM changed all of that with their offerings of high quality streamers at decent prices which are far below their competitors.After reading reviews about their offerings, I purchased a WiiM mini to try out in our living room. Found it very easy to set up using their free app for IOS and Android (Note, a HUGE plus that their Android app does NOT require google play services as I am running a de-googled phone and tablet). Liked that it had optical out so I could take advantage of my Topping DAC (which was superior to the one in the Mini, though that one is fine for most people). Loved being able to stream low res (Pandora), high res (Amazon) and ultra high res (Qobuz) from one device using their well thought out and very useful app.WiiM Mini:Pros: price, decent DAC, Optical output, seamless connection to main streaming services.Cons: no support for Squeezelite (for connection to local ripped music using LMS (Lyrion Music Server)).The lack of Squeezelite support on the Mini was not a deal breaker in the location where I had it installed (living room) as the streaming options more than took care of our music requirements there.But my office / family room was another matter. I have hundreds of ripped CDs (to FLAC) on my LMS server and up until then, had been using a Raspberry Pi 4 running moOde audio player as the Squeezelite end point to connect to LMS.This has worked well but I was hoping to find a single solution for streaming and using my local audio on LMS.The WiiM Pro, the Mini's big brother, looked to be the solution I was looking for. Since I would be using a Topping DAC, I didn't feel the need to spring for the Pro Plus (which has a better DAC). I purchased the WiiM Pro and as with the Mini, set up was a breeze. I enabled Squeezelite from the setting and it immediately found and connected to my LMS server. I then had access to streaming and my LMS music collection form within the WiiM app. Very sweet!And even better, I love the material skin that was created for the old/outdated LMS interface and can control the playing of my local music from there (which I prefer) or use the WiiM app. Both work flawlessly.WiiM Pro:Pros: price, decent DAC, optical and RCA analog inputs, optical, coax, RCA analog outputs. Gigabit Ethernet as well as WiFi.Cons: NoneTime went by and then I saw that WiiM released an amp called the Vibelink. Read a number of reviews including those on Audio Science Review, and all praised the build, specs and capabilities of this $300 amp. I thought my current receivers/amps (Yamaha) were decent but the Vibelink sure was enticing. It checked all the boxes of what I needed: Inputs: Optical, Coax, RCA. Superior DAC, Analog pass-thru w/o ADC processing. Banana plug speaker connectors. Not a lot of extras in the box that impacted the sound quality. I bit the bullet and placed an order.Installation was easy and the WiiM app detected it and downloaded/installed the firmware update. Connected my turntable (RCA input), CD player (optical digital in) and WiiM Pro (digital coax in). Turned it on and WOW.I thought my Yamaha receiver was decent so didn't expect to hear much or any difference. Was I wrong. Sound was much fuller and clearer. It had more "presence and clarity" is how I think I would describe it.Connected to Qobuz and streamed some jazz and rock @ 24/96 and it sounded incredible. Streamed some typical HD rock from Amazon 16/44.1 and it too sounded excellent. Played a CD and it was clearer than I had ever heard before. Spun up a jazz LP, and wow, could not believe how clean and clear an old Vinyl album could sound. Even low res Pandora streaming sounded good (though no where near HD or UHD streaming from Qobuz). I knew right away this was money well spent.WiiM Vibelink AmpPros: Amazing sound, banana speaker connectors, digital and analog inputs, 12v trigger for auto-on when WiiM Pro streamer starts streaming music. 60 min standby / off when music stops.Cons: No remote so to adjust your volume you use the streaming app and/or manually adjust on the Amp. Not a big deal to me but this may be an issue for some if their amp is in a cabinet or not easily accessible. ditto for the power button on the back (though that does make the front much cleaner and elegant looking).I hope this review is helpful. I'm really impressed with the WiiM products I've used so far.

The WiiM Vibelink Amp completes the welcome WiiM offering of an amplifier and control hub /preamplifier pair that WiiM initiated in 2024 with the introduction of the WiiM Ultra control hub/preamplifier. The usual WiiM Amp features and functions, with the exception of the RCA analog and the digital optical and coaxial inputs and the digital to analog converter (DAC), are absent from the WiiM Vibelink amp. The WiiM Ultra control hub/preamplifier supplies all of the usual inputs, outputs and other WiiM capabilities found in the other WiiM streaming amplifiers (WiiM Amp/WiiM Amp Pro) and more. The Vibelink Amp does not include a remote control or streaming functions as these are present in the WiiM Ultra. On the front of the Vibelink Amp is an analog volume control and a selector button that cycles through the RCA (analog) and Optical and Coaxial (digital) inputs. There is a standby/factory reset button on the rear of the Vibelink Amp. The Vibeamp Amp can be powered on via a 12V trigger from another component such as a WiiM Pro/Pro Plus music streamer or from the WiiM Ultra. A 12V trigger cable was not supplied with the first Vibelink Amp I purchased. However, I recently purchased a second WiiM Vibelink Amp and it came with a ~6ft long 12V trigger cable. (With the first Vibelink Amp I used the 3.5mm auxiliary connector cable that is included with the WiiM Mini (Mini sold separately) to supply the trigger signal and it worked to supply the 12V trigger signal from the Ultra to the Vibelink Amp). The WiiM Vibelink Amp can receive firmware updates over Bluetooth (BT) from your phone. You can also turn the Vibelink Amp on and enter standby mode using the WiiM Home app and your phone.The WiiM Vibelink Amp's additional power and dynamic headroom (Rated at: 100 Watts per channel at 8 ohms and 200 Watts per channel at 4 ohms) versus the 60 WPC @ 8 ohms/120WPC@ 4 ohms for the WiiM Amp and WiiM Amp Pro streaming amplifiers was welcome and very evident in use.Note that the WiiM Vibelink Amp Owner's Manual specifications page states that the rated 100 WPC @ 8 ohms / 200 WPC @ 4 ohms only applies when using the Optical or Coaxial digital inputs. When using the RCA analog inputs the rated output power of the WiiM Vibelink Amp is the same as for the WiiM Amp and WiiM Amp Pro (60WPC@8/120WPC@4.)You must use banana plugs to connect the speaker wires/cables to the WiiM Vibelink Amp. WiiM supplies (4) metal gold colored (plated?) banana plugs that accept bare wire with the Vibelink Amp. I chose instead to use the Sewell deadbolt gold plated banana plugs (available from Amazon.)I use the WiiM Ultra's USB output option to connect to the USB-C input of an SMSL PO100 PRO digital to digital converter (also sold on Amazon). The SMSL PO100 PRO automatically re-clocks the digital stream sent from the WiiM Ultra. In my listening, the re-clocked digital stream improves the sound of transients, instrument separation and placement. If you own a WiiM Ultra and use the Ultra's digital output to connect to another component (DAC or amplifier) you won't be disappointed by adding the SMSL PO100 PRO in the digital stream. (The improved audio is especially evident when listening with headphones.)The WiiM Vibelink Amp product description is spot on when stating the WiiM Vibelink Amp "delivers superior clarity, deep bass, and dynamic range for an immersive listening experience". I heard layered instruments and vocals where the WiiM Amp had none.In summary, the WiiM Vibelink Amp pairs perfectly with the WiiM Ultra. The WiiM Vibelink Amp sounds great and the added power and dynamic headroom really helps if you have a large room or lower than average efficiency speakers.Note that WiiM now includes a ~6 ft length 12V trigger cable with the WiiM Vibelink Amp.In my system the WiiM Vibelink Amp ran 88 - 94F. This is slightly warmer than the WiiM Ultra's 86-88F.Using the optical SPDIF connection, I compared the WiiM Vibelink Amp with the WiiM Amp and the WiiM Amp Pro. Via optical the sensitivity of the WiiM Vibelink Amp is higher by ~3dB. I did not test the RCA pure analog inputs.The additional power/headroom is very evident. Using the WiiM Vibelink Amp, WiiM Ultra and the optical connection I drove a pair of "ELAC 4" passive wired bookshelf speakers", (model BS41), available exclusively from Amazon), until I had to turn down the volume. I never got the WiiM Ultra's volume control above 60/100. Note that the ELAC BS41 is a 6 ohm speaker with lower than average efficiency (~82dB), rated for 40 Watts nominal / 80 Watts peak power.Unlike both the WiiM Amp and WiiM Amp Pro, the WiiM Vibelink Amp has no subwoofer output. The WiiM Ultra features a single RCA connector for subwoofer output with bass management.

Item arrived next day as promised. Vibelink Amp pairs well with my WiiM Pro plus streamer and powers my Polk T15 speakers. Great sound with plenty of headroom at 100W.

The sound is decent but it lacks bass. A good amp for some mid speakers. I tried and tried but couldn't get what I wanted out of it.

In 1976 I purchased a Sansui system consisting of a BA/CA 2000 and a tuner. I have it and it still works but after this time it probably needs to be serviced as I usually have to spend 5-10 minutes rotating the controls a flipping the mute level back and forth. There's no one close to me I'd trust to do it so in the meantime I was happy to take a slight downgrade in order to enjoy my music collection. Well, if this is a downgrade I'm not sure how. I paired this with a Wiim Ultra as my pre-amp and streamer. I had been using an external Bluetooth receiver to stream a lot of my own iTunes library. While it was okay, this is better having it built in to the Ultra. I'm still using my ESS AMT 1a speakers and my subwoofer. The sound is fabulous and not only do I not have to mess with things at the unit, I can do everything from the comfort of my listening seat via the app. For a 75 year old music fanatic I've never been happier. I also was able to stream via network the music on my Synology NAS which consists of over 100k songs. I think I have a pretty good ear even now and while Bluetooth may not provide the best way to stream my iTunes it's so good and so convenient that I'll never complain and THIS Bluetooth seems far superior to what I had before which was pretty good. I can't speak much about DAC's but all I know is this sounds great. Lastly, I was a bit concerned about how the phono input would work but I tested several albums last night and I'm happy. We'll see how this holds up but for now the Vibelink Amp and Wiim Ultra have a fan here. Both were lower in price than normal so I'm glad I pulled the trigger. Downgrade? Not so much. Maybe for aesthetics and the prestige of quality vintage systems but for sound these units are very satisfactory and for the most part excellent. I will say I don't have a clue what the remote is supposed to do and it seems pretty useless compared to the smartphone app. It's probably going into a drawer.

I don't know. I was so looking forward to getting this amp. The write ups made it sound like it would be stunning. I was drawn to it because of its simplicity. I"m running an old school stereo set up. Turntable. Phono pre amp. Passive speakers. Amplifier. I am very much into listening and buying vinyl. I have been since the '60s. That being said, I have been really impressed with my current set up of Klipsch Reference R-50M speakers through an AIYIMA 19 PR0. I up graded the tubes to GE5654W and it sounds remarkable with the EQ set flat. It has a very deep and well structured sound stage. Actually pretty amazing for a price under $200 even with the tube upgrade. I am space limited, so when I saw WiiM was coming out with the Vibelink, audiophile quality, I thought that if my system sounds so good now, just think how much better it could even sound with the vibelink. Well, I guess the Vibelink does what it is supposed to do, but it doesn't sound very musical to me. There is good clarity and separation, but to me it sound flat and lifeless. It certainly doesn't have the depth and bring out the best of my speakers or records. To me it lacks musicality. But, maybe that is what it is designed for...very flat response. Anyway, I'm going to hang on to it, but I have re-hooked up my AIYIMA and am very happy with how it sounds with my turntable and speakers. And I have answered a question that was on my mind. The grass is not always greener on the other side. I want to add that probably my biggest disappointment with this amp is the lack of low end drive. It just really lacks any low end oomph and doesn't pack any punch. It sounds like it needs a bass EQ boost to me. ADDENDUM: I hooked the Vibelink up to my system again to give it another try for a day. Sorry to say it was still disappointing. The bass response is very anemic. I want to be sure to say that I don't think there is anything wrong with this amp, it just doesn't sound as good, to me, as my current set-up. I decided to return it.

I've had my WiiM Vibelink for a month now and it has met my expectations. The Vivelink ios fed from a WiiM Ultra streaming preamp and drives a pair of beautifully finished but not especially efficient Vanguard Scouts and a single Vanguard Caldera 10" sub. The Vibelink easily drives this speaker load to 90db and more. The room space is quite large, probably 16x20 with a ceiling that rises from 8' to around 14' and opens up to more space with an opening that is about 2/3 the width of the front wall. All in all, a challenging space to fill but one that probably limits standing waves. So far I have only used the Ultra to stream from Amazon Unlimited streaming service.The Ultra pairs really well with the Vibelink, providing a very full and enjoyable experience. I fed the Ultra USB output into a little S.M.S.L. PO100 Pro, with an optical connection to the Vibelink. This was done to take advantage of the better clocking of the PO100 v. the Ultra. As a result, I am using the slightly upgraded DAC in the Vibelink. This setup offered a noticeable improvement over using the RCA analog direct connection between the two units. I don't know how much of the improvement is due to the PO100 clock v. the difference in the two DAC's. Regardless, this speaks well for the Vibelink's ESS 9039Q2M based DAC.Driving the little Scouts and the sub, the Vibelink delivers a nice wide sound stage, excellent instrument separation, and realistic rendering of instruments such as saxophone, stand-up bass, brass horns, and piano. Pop music delivers plenty of low end punch and shimmering guitar and keyboard. All in all, the Vibelink delivers plenty of current and amperage to drive a fairly complex load with great musicality.

There is zero noise even when i turn the volume to full with my Klipsch rp600m speakers. The sound quality a lot better compared to my denon avr. The sound is neutral so its very easy to use eq to get the sound i want using wiim ultra as pre amp. The built quality is also very good. Unlike older class d budget amps it has no load dependency ( check erins audio corner) so no harsh treble surprisingly the treble is better detailed and not harsh compared to my class ab denon avr. The dac inside is also excellent. I used it only with optical in as the power output reduces when using rca in. I researched a lot of amps before buying this is by far the best one which is reasonably priced.

La puissance est bien là !!!!!! Complément indispensable au Wiim Ultra ( lecteur réseau) , Hi-Fi au top !!!!!

Elegante, sencillo de operar y con buena potencia.

This amp is nothing short of astonishing!. If ever there was a single hifi component which makes a complete mockery of overpriced hi-end hifi amps this is it. I was tempted to say this is an amazing amp for the price but that would be miss-leading as it is seriously one of the best at any price! I originally purchased this on a whim (wiim!😆) to match my Ultra streamer thinking if it wasn’t up to scratch I would return it. After testing it extensively against my £5k high end amp by a major reputable manufacturer I can honestly say it beats it hands down and that is now up for sale. The Vibelink sound stage is wider, deeper and more musically revealing without being fatiguing. The bass is tighter and reaches deeper without impinging on the mids or highs and has impeccable timing. The amp is plenty powerful enough and drives my speakers effortlessly with zero distortion and nothing but clear crisp articulate sound.Obviously the speakers you pair this with will have a bearing on the overall sound but the amp itself does not colour the sound in any way. Partnered with the Ultra streamer and my Kef Meta R3s the sound is tremendous. If you are thinking of getting this amp it is a must buy! and no, I don’t have any affiliation to Wiim, but I have wasted far too much money over the years an many many amplifiers!

WiiM Vibelink Amp [versterker] is aangesloten op de WiiM Ultra [streamer], en klinkt zeer goed met de B&W DM603 S2 AE speakers.

Es un excelente amplificador, se oye muy bien. Y se entiende perfectamente con el Wiim pro, funciona lo del cable de disparo para encender y no tienes que preocuparte de encender o apagar. Estoy contento es una buena compra.