Ultra to Vibelink connection

[cmcc]

What's the optimal connection between the Ultra and Vibelink considering I'll use the Ultra for volume control? Analog/RCA or digital out to Vibelink? I thought I have read that analog into the Vibelink provides 100w/ch vs 60w/ch for digital inputs. I understand the Vibelink DAC is newer, but is it that much improved (and circuitry around the DAC) in the Vibelink to go for a digital input?
Thanks for any suggestions/opinions.

 

[harkpabst]

I thought I have read that analog into the Vibelink provides 100w/ch vs 60w/ch for digital inputs.

It's the other way around.

Personally, I didn't bother to try the RCA connection yet, but can tell you that the optical connection works beautifully. The nice thing is, that the WiiMs come complete with all the cables you need to try both options. Stick with what you like best, it's as simple as that.

 

[Mr Ee]

I prefered optical over analog (and analog at 2v was better than any lower value).
Not yet tried coax (tomorrow!), but tbh I'm not expecting a difference from optical.

"Stick with what you like best".
Seconded.

 

[QuarryHunslet]

I originally started with the RCA input, but am now using the Coax input. The only difference I have noticed so far is that the Coax input seems to give a slightly higher volume for the same volume control position on the Vibelink. I haven't tried the Optical input yet, as I might have another use for the Ultra's Optical output.

The true answer to your question is that there isn't an optimal connection, and you should try them all to see which one that You prefer.

 

[EddNog]

Digital connections tested higher SINAD than the analog input on AudioScienceReview.

That being said, VibeLink has a very low gain, so despite the decent power output, it doesn't get super loud with certain speakers and other setup parameters (despite likely having sufficient power to do so). In that case, using the analog route with an active preamp (provides extra gain) between the WiiM and the VibeLink may be necessary.

-Ed

 

[cmcc]

Thanks for the suggestions. And thanks for the correction, I did have it backwards on the power ratings for analog vs digital inputs. So, if using the digital output from the Ultra and the Vibelink DAC, and I'm only using it to stream music online (Qobuz, Amazon, Spotify), what is the benefit of the Ultra over the Wiim Pro Plus with the Vibelink?

 

[cmcc]

And I don't care about the display, the system will be in a closet.

 

[harkpabst]

So, if using the digital output from the Ultra and the Vibelink DAC, and I'm only using it to stream music online (Qobuz, Amazon, Spotify), what is the benefit of the Ultra over the Wiim Pro Plus with the Vibelink?

If you don't care about the display, the phono input, the USB input, the HDMI ARC input, the fully configurable subwoofer output with filtered main speakers and the built-in power supply you could just as well go with the WiiM Pro Plus.

You could save another ~70 bucks and go with the WiiM Pro, as you won't use its inferior DAC anyway, but the one in the WiiM Vibelink Amp.

If you want the physical WiiM remote you'll have to buy it separately for the Pro. It's less than 25 quid, so still cheaper than the Pro Plus, which comes with the remote included.

The WiiM Pro and Pro Plus also support AirPlay 2 in case this is of any importance.

 

[Burnside]

If you don't care about the display, the phono input, the USB input, the HDMI ARC input, the fully configurable subwoofer output with filtered main speakers and the built-in power supply you could just as well go with the WiiM Pro Plus.

Lists like this always remind me of Monty Python: “All right, but apart from sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh-water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?”

 

[Pragmatist]

 

[harkpabst]

Lists like this always remind me of Monty Python: “All right, but apart from sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh-water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?”

Even if I didn't actively think about this while writing, you probably guessed perfectly right what was going on in my brain stem.