WiiM Ultra + Vibelink Amp - Volume control curiosity

[SKApretto71]

Curiosity from a new joiner.

I have Ultra and Vibelink Amp connected via optical link, connected with a pair of loudspeakers that can handle - by specs - over 120W.

I never listen to high volume.

Is there any difference between
1. Max Vibelink volume and keep the ultra to 10-20% volume
2. Set Vibelink volume to 50% and keep the Ultra volume to 15-40%

The latter feels more flexible in fine tuning the volume I want, but I'm wondering if there are sound quality effects based on the approach chosen.

 

[Wiimer]

Curiosity from a new joiner.

I have Ultra and Vibelink Amp connected via optical link, connected with a pair of loudspeakers that can handle - by specs - over 120W.

I never listen to high volume.

Is there any difference between
1. Max Vibelink volume and keep the ultra to 10-20% volume
2. Set Vibelink volume to 50% and keep the Ultra volume to 15-40%

The latter feels more flexible in fine tuning the volume I want, but I'm wondering if there are sound quality effects based on the approach chosen.

Hi,

This has already been discussed in several threads.

e.g.

Post in thread '🎉 Introducing the Vibelink Amp – Unleash the Power of Pure Sound 🎉'

Mar 29, 2025

I have the Ultra. I guess I’m just confused on how to set this all up. My CD, turntable, sub, speakers, and Ultra using the Vibelink while having volume control and using the dac in the Vibelink. For some reason I’m having trouble understanding how to properly set up my system if I get the Vibelink.

CD, turntable and sub connected to Ultra. Digital connection (optical or coax) from Ultra into Vibelink. Speakers connected to the Vibelink.

Initially, turn the Vibelink volume right down and the ultra to 100%, then adjust the Vibelink volume to as loud as you’d ever play it and don’t...

• Burnside

• 

In my case, I have the volume knob on the Vibelink amp fixed at the 1 o'clock position.

I set the Ultra volume limit to 65% and adjust the volume in the range 85%~100%.
(I do this, however, to balance the other device, as I always have two WiiMs playing in a group.)

In general, the higher the volume, the better the sound quality. However, my ears could not hear any difference in sound quality depending on the volume position.

 

[WiiM Support]

Curiosity from a new joiner.

I have Ultra and Vibelink Amp connected via optical link, connected with a pair of loudspeakers that can handle - by specs - over 120W.

I never listen to high volume.

Is there any difference between
1. Max Vibelink volume and keep the ultra to 10-20% volume
2. Set Vibelink volume to 50% and keep the Ultra volume to 15-40%

The latter feels more flexible in fine tuning the volume I want, but I'm wondering if there are sound quality effects based on the approach chosen.

Hi SKApretto71,

Compared to option 1, there is no loss in audio quality, as the internal digital volume control operates at 32-bit precision, maintaining the full accuracy of both 16-bit and 24-bit audio sources.

 

[Ivan]

Considering that the Vibelink is a power amplifier, so the volume knob could (indeed definitely SHOULD not be there), the correct way to use it is Vibelink at 100% and the volume control delegated to the preamplifier, in this case the Ultra.
(as it has always been in a PRE + POWER amplifier chain)
This is how it should be by logic, then that even in the opposite way, that is by partially reducing the volume on the Vibe, the sound quality is identical, that can be true, but that it is coherent, no.

 

[Burnside]

The reason I advise the approach in the link provided in comment #2 of initially setting the Ultra volume to 100% then turning the vibelink volume up to the loudest you’d ever play it, then use the ultra’s volume control, is to guard against both units ever accidentally being set to 100% and either causing damage to your speakers or ears…

 

[SKApretto71]

The reason I advise the approach in the link provided in comment #2 of initially setting the Ultra volume to 100% then turning the vibelink volume up to the loudest you’d ever play it, then use the ultra’s volume control, is to guard against both units ever accidentally being set to 100% and either causing damage to your speakers or ears…

Great and wise approach - can I achieve the same by turning down the max volume setting in the app, so I never get 100% volume out while setting Vibelink to 100% and keeping fine tuning capabilities for the volume, as someone is arguing "should" be the way, if I'm not mistaken.

Thanks for the patience! I checked for similar posts but was not able to find the mentioned ones, will search better next time - lesson learned.

 

[Mr Ee]

Really, just choose whatever is most convenient.
e.g. if the vibelink is at your fingertips maybe use its volume dial (quicker and easier than app / remote / ultra dial); if you mostly use the remote or app then use the ultra.

 

[SKApretto71]

Really, just choose whatever is most convenient.
e.g. if the vibelink is at your fingertips maybe use its volume dial (quicker and easier than app / remote / ultra dial); if you mostly use the remote or app then use the ultra.

I'll be using the ultra dial / app (either the WiiM one or Qobuz one) as the Vibelink is "hidden" in the furniture. This way no matter the physical or virtual approach I'm fine. Question was just a matter of impact by scaling down the Vibelink or reducing the max power on the Ultra; I was well served on the answers. Basically: just follow your taste