..... new amp for ultra

[Yooy257]

I have had an Ultra for two weeks now and was also searching for a suitable amplifier. It turns out that here in the Netherlands a company had the idea to make a suitable amplifier for the Ultra and it was introduced last week. I ordered it immediately and expect to receive it at the end of this week.

https://internetofmusic.nl/product/iom-ultra/

 

[pieterv1]

Worth noting that this is pretty much the same amplifier in a different enclosure, for quite a bit less money

AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC RCA Power Amplifier Class D Stereo Ncore NC252MP 2x250W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

The Audiophonics MPA-S252NC XLR is a stereo amplifier based on an amplification module Hypex Ncore NC252MP. This solution is ideal for anyone who wants to have a large power reserve (2x150W) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[zalex]

Worth noting that this is pretty much the same amplifier in a different enclosure, for quite a bit less money

AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC RCA Power Amplifier Class D Stereo Ncore NC252MP 2x250W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

The Audiophonics MPA-S252NC XLR is a stereo amplifier based on an amplification module Hypex Ncore NC252MP. This solution is ideal for anyone who wants to have a large power reserve (2x150W) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

I know this one but I want to have a similar design. Maybe the IOM Ncore if not available (100€ cheaper)

 

[zalex]

The Amp is available again. I've ordered the 250w rca model !

 

[Murf99]

Hi Edd Nog
You didn’t post your review / findings with IOM ultra, any comment ?

 

[opiszon]

I have IOM Ultra 250W RCA, no issues for several months ;-)

 

[Murf99]

Hello
Will WiiM be producing their own just Power Amp in the near future or should I go for IOM Ultra ?
Not seeing much feedback on IOM amps.
Murf

 

[Burnside]

Hello
Will WiiM be producing their own just Power Amp in the near future or should I go for IOM Ultra ?
Not seeing much feedback on IOM amps.
Murf

They have, it's called the Vibelink

 

[EddNog]

Hi Edd Nog
You didn’t post your review / findings with IOM ultra, any comment ?

Part I:

https://www.reddit.com/r/WiimStreamer/comments/1hx65u4/iom_internet_of_music_ultra_hypex_nc252mp_power

Part II:

https://www.reddit.com/r/WiimStreamer/comments/1hxr2h8/iom_ultra_part_ii_after_some_listening

I actually will be switching back to this amp soon; I am trading my pair of Topping B200s to my dad and taking the IOM Ultra back from him. My chain has about -6dB Gain loss due to DIRAC Live correction. At only +22dB gain on High Gain, the B200s are just a little short of gain that I desire for playing some of my quietest tracks at reference level, and the IOM Ultra's +26dB gain will resolve this problem handsomely. Temporarily using a VibeLink since I've shipped off the B200s to dad already. The VibeLink only has +20dB gain and is WAY too quiet because of this on my quietest tracks, and I'd rather not have to rely on a preamp between the DAC and the power amp to add gain.

-Ed

 

[Murf99]

They have, it's called the Vibelink

I was asking about a Power Amp only no volume control

 

[hgo58]

I was asking about a Power Amp only no volume control

That is the same. Just turn it all the way up.

 

[Murf99]

Fair point

 

[Murf99]

Probably been covered before no doubt.
WiiM Vibelink vs IOM Ultra, which one to go for, if either.
Am new to this Class D malarkey.
Currently using Quad 405/2 ( refurbed by Quad in March )

 

[EddNog]

Probably been covered before no doubt.
WiiM Vibelink vs IOM Ultra, which one to go for, if either.
Am new to this Class D malarkey.
Currently using Quad 405/2 ( refurbed by Quad in March )

The VibeLink costs less, is slightly better visual match to WiiM Ultra streamer when stacked vertically, quieter pop noises when powering up. It also offers an analog volume attenuator (but no remote control).

IOM Ultra has more power, has more gain (provides greater headroom if room correction is applied that, "consumes," gain). It can take balanced, differential input from an external DAC if you pay for that upgrade. IOM is the same height as WiiM Ultra if placed side-by-side, unlike VibeLink, which is less tall.

Both are audibly transparent when level matched, flat across the audible frequency spectrum, and run very cool.

-Ed

 

[Burnside]

Yeah, I'm sure the relative merits of both have been covered here and elsewhere.

My gut feeling is that, like many things in this crazy hobby, it depends - on your room, speakers, how hard you like to drive them, preferences, ears and brain etc. I personally don't think it's always necessary to go into the minutiae and chase every last db/ ounce of gain as @EddNog can appear to do, better to try and get your hands on the equipment and try it out. I feel some jumped at the IOM because it came to market before the Vibelink, perhaps was more of a visual match to the Ultra, and for those who like that sort of thing, it has the fashionable buzzwords like "Hypex Ncore driven amplifier" etc.

I think my vibelink is a good match for my Ultra and my Linn M109 speakers in my small to medium sized room and moderate listening levels (i.e. nobody asks me to turn the volume down - or up for that matter )

YMMV...

 

[Murf99]

The VibeLink costs less, is slightly better visual match to WiiM Ultra streamer when stacked vertically, quieter pop noises when powering up. It also offers an analog volume attenuator (but no remote control).

IOM Ultra has more power, has more gain (provides greater headroom if room correction is applied that, "consumes," gain). It can take balanced, differential input from an external DAC if you pay for that upgrade. IOM is the same height as WiiM Ultra if placed side-by-side, unlike VibeLink, which is less tall.

Both are audibly transparent when level matched, flat across the audible frequency spectrum, and run very cool.

-Ed

Hi Ed
Thanks for reply.
Thinking I might just spend the £250 on upgrading the Quad, dual power supplies, upgraded Caps etc etc.
Murf

 

[Murf99]

Yeah, I'm sure the relative merits of both have been covered here and elsewhere.

My gut feeling is that, like many things in this crazy hobby, it depends - on your room, speakers, how hard you like to drive them, preferences, ears and brain etc. I personally don't think it's always necessary to go into the minutiae and chase every last db/ ounce of gain as @EddNog can appear to do, better to try and get your hands on the equipment and try it out. I feel some jumped at the IOM because it came to market before the Vibelink, perhaps was more of a visual match to the Ultra, and for those who like that sort of thing, it has the fashionable buzzwords like "Hypex Ncore driven amplifier" etc.

I think my vibelink is a good match for my Ultra and my Linn M109 speakers in my small to medium sized room and moderate listening levels (i.e. nobody asks me to turn the volume down - or up for that matter )

YMMV...

Hi B
Thanks for input, what you are saying makes sense.
Murf