Has anyone compared the Vibelink to Audiolab 9000p power amp?

[rjp]

Been hearing so much praise for this little Class D wonder, and for just 265.00 I think I might pick one up and see how it sounds for myself.

I currently have the Audiolab 9000P which I am using with the amazing WiiM Ultra, and it sounds great.

Would the little Vibelink sound even better? (I realize it is the same power and 1/5 the price).

There are not many (any?) comparisons of the vibelink with higher end AB amps that I could find.

Thanks for any inputs!

 

[CptKaos]

happy with mine, but testing with your ears, room and system are the only way to know
order from Amazon and you have 30 days to compare

 

[rjp]

Just ordered

 

[rjp]

Well I got the vibelink today. First thing I noticed was my Audiolab 9000p was way louder with both connected to the Ultra, then I discovered the reason. The Audiolab specs the input as 1vrms, and I had the Ultra set on 2vrms. After switching to 1vrms the two measure identical SPL now. They are both 100w into 8 ohms, so that’s a good start.

As for sound, all I can say so far is I am impressed how similar they sound. I was afraid the class D would sound lifeless or harsh. It does not, at least not enough that I noticed it so far. I realize they both pretty much measure perfectly, but of course that is not considering the complex loading of the speakers.

So they do sound different, but it is more subtle than I expected. It will take a lot more listening to decide which I like best. I guess that’s saying something for a 300 dollar amp compared to a 1500 dollar amp!

I’ll admit the tiny size of the vibelink is attractive.

 

[CptKaos]

the WiiM stack fits the Fosi Audio rack like its made for it

 

[harkpabst]

I’ll admit the tiny size of the vibelink is attractive.

And don't forget that the WiiM Vibelink Amp gives you the option to use an optical connection to the WiiM Ultra. This enables you to make use of the slightly newer DAC of the Vibelink Amp and provides galvanical isolation and is not prone to RFI.

 

[Mr Ee]

So they do sound different, but it is more subtle than I expected. It will take a lot more listening to decide which I like best. I guess that’s saying something for a 300 dollar amp compared to a 1500 dollar amp!

As @harkpabst suggests, try the optical in on the vibelink - for me it was much better than rca in.

 

[rjp]

I already am using the optical between the Ultra and Vibelink.
I am using the line out between the Ultra and the 9000p.

 

[rjp]

This enables you to make use of the slightly newer DAC of the Vibelink Amp

True, but if the one in the Ultra is already transparent as claimed, how could the one in the Vibelink be better in any way that can be appreciated?

 

[harkpabst]

True, but if the one in the Ultra is already transparent as claimed, how could the one in the Vibelink be better in any way that can be appreciated?

I cannot comment on this question. I was pointing out the reduced sensitivity to radio frequency interference (including ground loops).

A technically better DAC is just that. If the difference is ever audible is a completely different topic.

 

[Bozzz]

True, but if the one in the Ultra is already transparent as claimed, how could the one in the Vibelink be better in any way that can be appreciated?

It can’t. Unless you have the hearing ability of a bat or Superman maybe.

 

[rjp]

After a couple days of listening I find I prefer the sound of the Audiolab 9000p over the Wiim Vibelink. I don't know how to describe the difference other than a little clearer. They are so close I doubt I would have noticed without them side by side on the same songs. I am really impressed that inexpensive class D is now this good.