Amp Ultra w/ Vibelink Amp as Follower

[Ocean]

I'm trying to achieve the Configuration #3 prescribed on the Wiim website with the WiiM Amp Ultra as the Group Lead and Vibelink Amps as Followers.

Configuration 3: Balanced Setup (Center Split ) – 3 Devices

• Device 1: Group Lead (Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer)
• Device 2: Follower (Center)
• Device 3: Follower (Surround Left and Surround Right)

I can't seem to figure out how to activate the Vibelink Amp(s) as follower(s) for the Amp Ultra despite reviewing the directions online. There's no optical out on the Amp Ultra, only an optical in (is it actually bi-directional?)... What am I missing?

Edit: More specific on nomenclature.

 

[harkpabst]

The WiiM Vibelink Amp is a pure amplifier with a DAC. It has no streaming module and it cannot be used a s leader or follower of any group.

Where did you read that this configuration should work with the Vibelink Amp?

 

[hgo58]

There's no optical out on the Ultra only an in (is it actually bi-directional?)... What am I missing?

There is both an optical output and an optical input on the Ultra.

 

[MotleyG]

There is both an optical output and an optical input on the Ultra.

I think the OP is trying to use a WiiM Amp Ultra, but refered to it simply as Ultra later in the post. WiiM Amp Ultra only has optical input, the WiiM Ultra has both optical input and output.

 

[Ocean]

The WiiM Vibelink Amp is a pure amplifier with a DAC. It has no streaming module and it cannot be used a s leader or follower of any group.

Where did you read that this configuration should work with the Vibelink Amp?

The support documentation explicitly mentioned that the amp mini wouldn't work as a follower, but listed every other amp. To be fair it didn't list the Vibelink amp as one of those, but I assumed the documentation simply hadn't updated since that was released. Sounds like I was incorrect. Any suggestions for hardware that would work in this setup?

 

[Ocean]

I think the OP is trying to use a WiiM Amp Ultra, but refered to it simply as Ultra later in the post. WiiM Amp Ultra only has optical input, the WiiM Ultra has both optical input and output.

Should I have purchased the WiiM Ultra instead and then the Vibelink as a dedicated Amp for this setup? Can still return the Vibelink but am unclear what hardware is best to achieve the surround set up. Documentation from WiiM doesn't seem to be super clear.

 

[MotleyG]

The support documentation explicitly mentioned that the amp mini wouldn't work as a follower

I think you meant WiiM Mini? You need to be careful with these references as there are several models that use similar names and this causes confusion.

Any suggestions for hardware that would work in this setup?

A WiiM Amp might be a better solution for the follower Device 2 or 3 if the speakers you are using are passive.

 

[Ocean]

I think you meant WiiM Mini? You need to be careful with these references as there are several models that use similar names and this causes confusion.

Fair point - I'm obviously confused by the models.

A WiiM Amp might be a better solution for the follower Device 2 or 3 if the speakers you are using are passive.

Cheers. I'll look into this now.

 

[Ocean]

For clarity, in case Mods here have any sway in updating the support documentation. The page: Setting Up a WiiM Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound System (Updated last in Oct 2025) states the following:

Device Requirements and Typical Configurations​

A WiiM Dolby 5.1 surround system requires 2 to 4 WiiM devices:

• One device functions as the Group Lead. This must be a WiiM Ultra, WiiM Amp Pro, or WiiM Amp Ultra.
  
  
• The other devices function as Followers. They can be any combination of WiiM streamers, WiiM streaming amplifiers, and WiiM speakers, except the WiiM Mini.

The WiiM Mini is not supported in a WiiM Dolby 5.1 surround sound system.

It should be updated to include all WiiM Amp devices that are not supported in this set up.

 

[Mr Ee]

For clarity, in case Mods here have any sway in updating the support documentation. The page: Setting Up a WiiM Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound System (Updated last in Oct 2025) states the following:



It should be updated to include all WiiM Amp devices that are not supported in this set up.

I imagine Wiim believe they are being clear enough with the term 'streaming amplifiers' and that, by definition, not including the vibelink.
It clearly states the 3 devices that must be the lead and then the classes of everythng possible for the rest.
Maybe as they explicitly mention the mini they could also explicitly mention the vibelink.

Edit: btw, I'm agreeing with you! The product names' overlap can already be confusing, and while 'streaming amplifiers' "obviously" excludes the vibelink to many, it's possibly (obviously ) not so obvious to all.
And now I have Land Of Confusion by Genesis in my head.

 

[Ocean]

I imagine Wiim believe they are being clear enough with the term 'streaming amplifiers' and that, by definition, not including the vibelink.
It clearly states the 3 devices that must be the lead and then the classes of everythng possible for the rest.
Maybe as they explicitly mention the mini they could also explicitly mention the vibelink.

I think they need to make it as clear as possible. I assume someone like myself is their target market: I'm looking for a frictionless way to streamline and add some clever features to my existing (primarily) passive speaker set up.

I feel like I shouldn't have to become an expert in deciphering ancient Sumerian texts to figure out which devices in the WiiM lineup connect together in the easiest way to achieve a surround system. They just need to give it to you straight: buy A&B to achieve X... Being cheeky but I'm sure you get my point.

 

[Mr Ee]

Being cheeky but I'm sure you get my point

Yes, and I do!
I slightly.edited my post to sympathise

 

[Wiimer]

Hi @Ocean,

As other members have already suggested, if the surround speakers are passive, it would be best to use the WiiM amp as a follower.

Other options include:

1. WiiM pro + active speakers

2. WiiM pro + Vibelink Amp (or other amplifier) + passive speakers

3. WiiM Sound (or Lite) *2 units


As Wireless Dolby 5.1 features a virtual center function, I believe a center speaker is often unnecessary. Should one be required, it can be added later.

 

[Burnside]

I imagine Wiim believe they are being clear enough with the term 'streaming amplifiers' and that, by definition, not including the vibelink.
It clearly states the 3 devices that must be the lead and then the classes of everythng possible for the rest.
Maybe as they explicitly mention the mini they could also explicitly mention the vibelink.

In that vein, maybe they should mention the WiiM Light too

 

[Mr Ee]

In that vein, maybe they should mention the WiiM Light too

The what now?

 

[Ocean]

Hi @Ocean,

As other members have already suggested, if the surround speakers are passive, it would be best to use the WiiM amp as a follower.

Other options include:

1. WiiM pro + active speakers

2. WiiM pro + Vibelink Amp (or other amplifier) + passive speakers

3. WiiM Sound (or Lite) *2 units


As Wireless Dolby 5.1 features a virtual center function, I believe a center speaker is often unnecessary. Should one be required, it can be added later.

Thanks for this. All speakers are passive except a powered sub. Center is probably unnecessary, but my setup came with one initially, so I might as well use it.

In option #2 WiiM pro is basically acting as the follower for the Amp Ultra and compute/brains for the Vibelink Amp. Are there any benefits to this arrangement vs going just for the WiiM Amp/Amp Pro?

 

[Wiimer]

In option #2 WiiM pro is basically acting as the follower for the Amp Ultra and compute/brains for the Vibelink Amp. Are there any benefits to this arrangement vs going just for the WiiM Amp/Amp Pro?

Option 2 was intended for cases where you keep using your existing Vibelink without returning it. I don't think it offers any particular benefits.