Amp Ultra vs Ultra/Vibelink?

[Frank Varon]

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).

You might find this video interesting.

 

[harkpabst]

You might find this video interesting.

I won't comment on the usefulness of such subjective reviews in general and I don't even disagree that the WiiM Vibelink Amp sounds neutral and transparent.

But this video adds nothing to the discussion about WiiM Ultra + Vibelink Amp vs. WiiM Amp Ultra. The WiiM Amp Ultra sounds superb and is easily the best WiiM product out of the box so far.

It's a bit of an unfair comparison because the Amp Ultra does benefit from all the new and refined features that the previous models picked up over time. That doesn't take away anything from how good it really is. It's also the best suited WiiM amplifier so far for hard to drive low impedance speakers.

 

[Frank Varon]

It wasn't intended that way, it was a simple contribution on something I had seen. I found it relevant for a decision to purchase a Vibelink with my Ultra and perhaps somebody else found value in the video as well.
It does add something to the sister subject of whether a Vibelink is a good addition to an Ultra.

 

[harkpabst]

It wasn't intended that way, it was a simple contribution on something I had seen. I found it relevant for a decision to purchase a Vibelink with my Ultra and perhaps somebody else found value in the video as well.
It does add something to the cousin discussion of whether a Vibelink is a good addition to an Ultra.

All is well if it did influence your decision.

And yet it doesn't help at all regarding the topic of WiiM Amp Ultra vs. Ultra + Vibelink Amp.

 

[cooky560]

I am wondering about an amp ultra for my main system. I tried the wiim amp pro in there but it seemed a bit thin compared to my vintage kit. Given the ultra has more power, would this be a good replacement to the aging vintage parts in that system?

 

[Mr Ee]

I am wondering about an amp ultra for my main system. I tried the wiim amp pro in there but it seemed a bit thin compared to my vintage kit. Given the ultra has more power, would this be a good replacement to the aging vintage parts in that system?

For me it wasn't necessarily that it had more power, just that it (amp ultra) was a much better / cleaner / crisper presentation of the music (than amp pro), especially in my main system.
It's probably hard for us to say how it will compare to your vintage kit. It compared very favourably to my newer kit!

 

[purpleyams]

I am wondering about an amp ultra for my main system. I tried the wiim amp pro in there but it seemed a bit thin compared to my vintage kit. Given the ultra has more power, would this be a good replacement to the aging vintage parts in that system?

I’ve got a vintage Pioneer SX-650 handling vinyl duty, and I just added the Wiim Amp Ultra for streaming. Two totally different worlds when it comes to amplification. Both are connected to a pair of CSS 1TDX speakers through an A/B switch, and honestly—both setups sound awesome.

Putting aside the inherent differences between vinyl and streaming, the Wiim really surprised me. It delivers solid low end, smooth mids and highs, and a satisfying body to the sound. Some reviews mentioned a hint of warmth, and I’d agree—it’s subtle but pleasant. The Wiim definitely has a more modern and accurate sound than the Pioneer, but to my ears, it avoids sounding sterile or thin—even though it's a tiny chip amp sitting next to a hulking, glowing vintage receiver. Just a heads up, my room is pretty small so I'm rarely pushing near the volume limit of either amp.

I like having both options - the vintage/analog vibe for records, and the clean, dynamic punch of Class D for streaming. If space were tight and I had to give up the vintage “cool factor,” I’d still be more than happy with just the Wiim sound-wise.