Hmm, what causes increased temperature rise with an analog input? What does processing and receiving the analog input involve that causes this?“
Ryan: We’ve also had questions about why the rated power output for the Optical and Coaxial inputs is higher than those for the Analog RCA inputs. Can you explain what’s happening here?
The Vibelink Amp is designed with both exceptional audio quality and reliability in mind. For optical and coaxial inputs, the DAC processes digital signals directly, ensuring high precision and low distortion. This optimized processing allows the amplifier to achieve maximum output power while maintaining clean and accurate sound.
When using RCA inputs, the amplifier handles pre-processed analog signals that bypass the DAC. This ensures consistent audio clarity and avoids distortion, though it may result in slightly lower maximum output power compared to digital inputs. The amplifier also manages thermal performance carefully, ensuring safe and efficient operation regardless of connection type. Processing and receiving the analog input has a tendency to increase the temperature at high levels. We're committed to delivering rich sound and reliable performance for all devices, at an affordable price.”
After last WiiM Talk’s deep dive into Vibelink, the response from our community has been incredible. The thoughtful questions keep rolling in, and we’re thrilled to continue the conversation. To ensure we’re addressing as many of your inquiries as possible, I’ve once again sat down with the Product Manager behind Vibelink and other WiiM innovations.
In this second installment, we’ll explore more of what makes Vibelink tick, tackling your latest questions about its features, design choices, and what’s next for this exciting lineup. We're happy to keep having...
Using the optical connection to the Wiim Vibelink amp, would the Wiim Mini provide the same exact functionality as the Wiim Pro for even less money?
I honestly wouldn’t consider anything less than a Pro these days due to its extra connectivity and features compared to a mini. It has four times the ram and twice the number of cpu cores as the Mini so is more future proofed in my opinion. If you’re looking to save money, I’d wait for a sale. You might also want to compare the features and price of a WiiM Amp or Amp Pro v. the vibelink plus pro
No, imo the lack of a trigger out on the mini is the real issue here as you either need to have bluetooth enabled and use the wiim app or reach round the back to turn the vibelink on.
That is for you to decide.
Welcome.
And to add one more voice: We haven't seen any tear down pictures or videos of the WiiM Vibelink Amp so far but I don't doubt it's equally impressive.
archimago.blogspot.com
It's more the cooling issue on the "ultra" amp compared to the vibelink that seems to enlighten me (and the chip number) ..And to add one more voice: We haven't seen any tear down pictures or videos of the WiiM Vibelink Amp so far but I don't doubt it's equally impressive.
The ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chip in the Vibelink Amp is slightly newer than the ES9038Q2M in the Ultra and according to the data sheet ESS did concentrate on quite different things when it comes to what can be (or must be) configured when using it.
Yes, DAC performance is not exclusively about the DAC chip, but it still plays the vital role and WiiM obviously took the same care and used the same high grad components when designing the output stage. You can safely assume that WiiM didn't go cheap here! The new DAC has not simply been chosen to keep costs down.
My favourite tech blogger Archimago did a couple of tests regarding DACs and one of these is the comparison of the distortion pattern (1 kHz) of both, the ES9038Q2M and the ES9039Q2M. The former showed some strange sinusoidally looking pattern over frequency, the latter didn't.
Detailed THD(+N) vs. Output Level Measurements of ESS ES9039Q2M. Balanced output quality from Hidizs AP80 PRO-X DAP. And Tekton's self-inflicted PR disaster.
A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.
While he doesn't believe the effect to be audible, it certainly does show an advance in design and engineering.
It isn't even released yet is it?
poorly translated...
I for one couldn't get my hands on one, yet.It isn't even released yet is it?
Ok, so it's just that you are wondering if the cooling is adequate? The WiiM Vibelink Amp runs very cool. I cannot think of a reason why WiiM would be omitting the heat pipe solution in the WiiM Amp Ultra.
Yes, space is more limited, etc., but if the revised amplification changes the situation... The fact is that it was highlighted with the VibeLink... and not with the amp Ultra... given the compact aspect, the power, etc.,I for one couldn't get my hands on one, yet.
Ok, so it's just that you are wondering if the cooling is adequate? The WiiM Vibelink Amp runs very cool. I cannot think of a reason why WiiM would be omitting the heat pipe solution in the WiiM Amp Ultra.
Yes, there is an additional streaming board and the touch display. But I assume there's enough "thermal headroom".
Do users actually listen at maximum power in real life outside testing labs using non speaker loads?
I imagine extremely few people do, but I also imagine a whole lot of people think they do.
The casing of my Vibelink has so far reached temperatures of 36-37 degrees C after several hours of listening, so it’s not too bad.I for one couldn't get my hands on one, yet.
Ok, so it's just that you are wondering if the cooling is adequate? The WiiM Vibelink Amp runs very cool. I cannot think of a reason why WiiM would be omitting the heat pipe solution in the WiiM Amp Ultra.
Yes, there is an additional streaming board and the touch display. But I assume there's enough "thermal headroom".
I'm wondering the same thing. On the product page, it says "Unlike many amplifiers that digitize analog signals, introducing unwanted processing and degradation, the WiiM Vibelink Amp offers a pure analog input that bypasses any Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC)".Hmm, what causes increased temperature rise with an analog input? What does processing and receiving the analog input involve that causes this?
I have just tested my vibelink amp and my results are the same. Sometimes it does feel a bit warmer. I have attached a picture for you to see my totally unscientific and probably inaccurate method for testing,
