My thoughts on the Vibelink Amp

[onlyoneme]

No extensive tests this time, just some thoughts and findings instead. Incrementally, of course.

First case, how to make sure that the analog inputs are not digitized? Any ideas?

Let's make some tests. I connected output of the signal generator to the scope and to the input of WiiM Amp first. Its outputs are connected to the differential scope. Result is below:



We can see how the AD/DA conversion affects the square wave. We can also see the time shift which may indicate the delay in the processing.

Now the Vibelink Amp.



This time there is almost no delay. And no sign of the conversion affecting the wave, except the overshoot of the amp.

 

[Smartplug]

No extensive tests this time, just some thoughts and findings instead. Incrementally, of course.

First case, how to make sure that the analog inputs are not digitized? Any ideas?

If there’s ADC on circuit. I think by looking at schematic would reveal it. Personal experience, ADC never sounded natural in my ear. Too many conversation within the circuit produce coloration and lose of accuracy.

 

[onlyoneme]

I prefer not to open it. Yet
And my hearing abilities are not as good as yours.

 

[dominikz]

First case, how to make sure that the analog inputs are not digitized? Any ideas?

One way to do it would be to measure the propagation delay introduced between the Vibelink's analogue input to its loudspeaker terminals with REW - if you have a safe way to measure loudspeaker level signals, that is.

You could do this by measuring the amp while using a timing reference from a direct analogue loopback on a different channel of your audio interface.

If there's no additional propagation delay added by Vibelink compared to direct analog loopback then there's also no AD/DA conversion - as AD/DA conversion always introduces at least a few samples of latency.

 

[onlyoneme]

Yeah, this is one of the methods which I consider.

 

[canard]

No extensive tests this time, just some thoughts and findings instead. Incrementally, of course.

First case, how to make sure that the analog inputs are not digitized? Any ideas?

Dominique's idea seems the most obvious and easy, otherwise there remains possibly the observation of clipping behaviors between a pro amp and this one... (even if it seems hardly obvious to me...)

otherwise it remains to observe the conditions of possible ground loop on the analog input? see if the earth cut on the sector would not change the situation...?
...
the impact in the detail of the potentiometer?
and a measurement on 16 and 32 ohm load to be a little more pertitive on the impact of this choice of type of amp
;-)

 

[johim]

To ensure the analog inputs aren't digitized, check the settings for any DSP or processing options that could be affecting the signal. Also, using high-quality cables can help maintain the analog signal.

 

[Burnside]

To ensure the analog inputs aren't digitized, check the settings for any DSP or processing options that could be affecting the signal. Also, using high-quality cables can help maintain the analog signal.

The vibelink doesn't have any DSP nor settings - it has no (or very limited) network connectivity and doesn't show in the WiiM app

 

[d6jg]

Of course, you could just take WiiMs word for it!

 

[slartibartfast]

The vibelink doesn't have any DSP nor settings - it has no (or very limited) network connectivity and doesn't show in the WiiM app

Another AI bot

 

[canard]

Another AI bot

It's terrible...it self-feeds like this...

 

[onlyoneme]

Of course, you could just take WiiMs word for it!

Nah, trust is good but verification is better.

 

[onlyoneme]

Also, using high-quality cables can help maintain the analog signal.

This is really interesting!

 

[Burnside]

This is really interesting!

Isn’t AI search wonderful? Reveals information we either didn’t know or information that’s absolute garbage

 

[Smartplug]

Nah, trust is good but verification is better.

I agree 1000% trust is not accurate but verification does.

 

[Smartplug]

To ensure the analog inputs aren't digitized, check the settings for any DSP or processing options that could be affecting the signal. Also, using high-quality cables can help maintain the analog signal.

Hmmm using high quality cable? Precision audio indicates no difference between run of the mill over esoteric cable. But they provide very good looking cable not related to performance.

 

[dangermouse]

Also, using high-quality cables can help maintain the analog signal.

This is really interesting!

Seriously?

 

[harkpabst]

Seriously?

No. @onlyoneme has a very dry sense of humour.

 

[WiiM Support]

The vibelink doesn't have any DSP nor settings - it has no (or very limited) network connectivity and doesn't show in the WiiM app

Hi Burnside, Team

The Vibelink features a built-in BLE chip that enables communication with the WiiM Home App. In the upcoming app release, you’ll be able to use the app for features like OTA updates and power control for the Vibelink.

Stay tuned—more updates coming soon!

 

[harkpabst]

... and power control for the Vibelink.

What exactly would "power control" refer to in this context?