Amp Ultra vs Ultra/Vibelink?

[AndrewC]

You also have the option of an Ultra plus another manufacturers amp! The implementation of dual amp chips has been around for many years in other manufacturers. It would of course not have a vague resemblance in form factor.

What are other Ultra owners using?

Options could be:
S.M.S.L A200 (Duel Infineon chips)
S.M.S.L PA200 (GaN FET)
Topping PA5 II/PLUS (much cheaper)
Topping PA7/PLUS (more power and measures better)
Topping 2xB100
3E Audio A7 (two TI TPA3255 chips in PBTL configuration)
Audiophonics MPA-S125/S250 (Hypex Ncore stereo)

Plus of course the usual Fosi and Aiyima offerings which are great value!

The topping and Hypex Ncore offerings look interesting......

 

[Skull]

You also have the option of an Ultra plus another manufacturers amp! The implementation of dual amp chips has been around for many years in other manufacturers. It would of course not have a vague resemblance in form factor.

What are other Ultra owners using?

Options could be:
S.M.S.L A200 (Duel Infineon chips)
S.M.S.L PA200 (GaN FET)
Topping PA5 II/PLUS (much cheaper)
Topping PA7/PLUS (more power and measures better)
Topping 2xB100
3E Audio A7 (two TI TPA3255 chips in PBTL configuration)
Audiophonics MPA-S125/S250 (Hypex Ncore stereo)

Plus of course the usual Fosi and Aiyima offerings which are great value!

The topping and Hypex Ncore offerings look interesting......

Yes already looked at those plus
Quad vena 2
Rega brio
Leak 130
Mission 778x
Tangent power amp
Emotiva Basx a2m
Quad 33 power amp
The speaker list may be longer
Been arguing with myself for sometime
Still waiting for a legal settlement to arrive supposed to be soon so will have to decide soon

 

[AndrewC]

Too much choice today.....

I guess the synergy between speakers and amp is the most important thing, (together with good measurements I suppose! ASR)

 

[midnightlightning]

Maybe this is another Pro for Ultra/Vibelink - you get to choose which DAC to use and according to this reviewer he preferred the older DAC in the Ultra.

"Comparing the digital and analogue inputs, it’s almost too close to call a winner. The Ultra uses the previous-generation ESS9038Q2M DAC, compared to the newer chip in the Vibelink. The analogue output from the Ultra’s DAC has better dimensionality and flow, while the Vibelink Amp’s DAC sounds more precise and focused. The optical input is better to my ears compared to the coaxial input, even though I usually prefer the sound of the latter. Ultimately, the analogue input wins the day, as it sounds more natural to my ears."

WiiM Vibelink Amplifier Review

Eric Teh reckons this compact new Class D integrated amp offers fine value for money…

stereonet.com

 

[hgo58]

You also have the option of an Ultra plus another manufacturers amp! The implementation of dual amp chips has been around for many years in other manufacturers. It would of course not have a vague resemblance in form factor.

What are other Ultra owners using?

Options could be:
S.M.S.L A200 (Duel Infineon chips)
S.M.S.L PA200 (GaN FET)
Topping PA5 II/PLUS (much cheaper)
Topping PA7/PLUS (more power and measures better)
Topping 2xB100
3E Audio A7 (two TI TPA3255 chips in PBTL configuration)
Audiophonics MPA-S125/S250 (Hypex Ncore stereo)

Plus of course the usual Fosi and Aiyima offerings which are great value!

The topping and Hypex Ncore offerings look interesting......

Or use a set of active speakers. Some of those would use the analog output of the Ultra, others can use the digital output and have their own DAC.

I prefer to skip the standalone amplifier and let the speaker manufactures implement the DSP, DAC and Amps that matches the speakers exactly.

 

[Skull]

Or use a set of active speakers. Some of those would use the analog output of the Ultra, others can use the digital output and have their own DAC.

I prefer to skip the standalone amplifier and let the speaker manufactures implement the DSP, DAC and Amps that matches the speakers exactly.

That’s what I’m using atm Sonos 5s with a sub why I am looking around at separates to replace them

 

[hgo58]

That’s what I’m using atm Sonos 5s with a sub why I am looking around at separates to replace them

There are much better active speakers than the Sonos.

I am currently using these Whafedale Diamond A2 speakers:

Wharfedale Diamond A2 Active Floorstanding Speakers (Pair), White at AV.com

Wharfedale Diamond A2 Active Floorstanding Speakers (Pair), White at AV.com

www.av.com

Connected via optical output on the Ultra.

 

[Skull]

There are much better active speakers than the Sonos.

I am currently using these Whafedale Diamond A2 speakers:

Wharfedale Diamond A2 Active Floorstanding Speakers (Pair), White at AV.com

Wharfedale Diamond A2 Active Floorstanding Speakers (Pair), White at AV.com

www.av.com

Agreed but due to the experience and wasted expense Sonos caused me I am wary of going down that path again
Though initially those Wharfedale speakers and the Q acoustics m40s were on my list

 

[hgo58]

Agreed but due to the experience and wasted expense Sonos caused me I am wary of going down that path again
Though initially those Wharfedale speakers and the Q acoustics m40s were on my list

The Whafedale Diamond uses the USB audio protocol over WiFi (24/92) versus the Q acoustics m40s, that uses BT.

I liked the Whafedale sound first time I heard it but after connection to the Ultra the sound is just amazing.

No cables except for the power (external linear PSU).

 

[Skull]

The Whafedale Diamond uses the USB audio protocol over WiFi (24/92) versus the Q acoustics m40s, that uses BT.

I liked the Whafedale sound first time I heard it but after connection to the Ultra the sound is just amazing.

No cables except for the power (external linear PSU).

You connect the ultra with RCA?

 

[hgo58]

You connect the ultra with RCA?

No. Optical to a Hub that forward the audio data via local WiFi. So the DACs used is in each speaker.

 

[Skull]

No. Optical to a Hub that forward the audio data via local WiFi. So the DACs used is in each speaker.

Ok thanks for the info

 

[noelc]

My HiFi knowledge is pitiful but I am looking to replace a failing Denon Ceol Piccolo and was ready to purchase a Wiim Ultra and Vibelink until I saw the Amp Ultra.

They look pretty similar in many respects and having a single box would be nice but I would be interested to hear views on which might be best - and I acknowledge its probably a scenario dependent answer.

The amp Ultra hasn't been released in the UK yet but based on the EU version pricing is likely around £515 vs £600 for the Ultra/Vibelink. So, my immediate reaction is there is very little price difference and having two boxes provides more options for changing usage in the future.

Is there much to choose in terms of sound quality or other features, what should I be considering?

(BTW. I notice that Amazon.de ships to UK if anyone is desperate for one here).

Getting mine from Germany, ships to Ireland in5 days,, all in 620.00,, Euro,,

 

[Skull]

No. Optical to a Hub that forward the audio data via local WiFi. So the DACs used is in each speaker.

You have made me readd the Wharfedale 12.3 back to my shortlist which I believe are the non amplified version of the a2 speakers