Audio T Verdict
The WiiM Vibelink Amp concentrates on the essentials: powerful stereo amplification, a high-quality DAC and straightforward analogue and digital connectivity in a compact aluminium case.
It is a particularly natural partner for a WiiM Mini, Pro, Pro Plus or Ultra, but it works just as readily with compatible third-party streamers, CD players, televisions and line-level sources.
The absence of built-in streaming, HDMI, phono, headphone and subwoofer connections keeps the design simple, although customers requiring those facilities should allow for a suitable source component or consider a more comprehensively equipped amplifier.
WiiM Vibelink Amp Integrated Amplifier
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is a compact two-channel integrated amplifier designed to drive a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers from analogue or digital sources.
Its Class D power stage uses Post-Filter Feedback technology, while an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC handles optical and coaxial signals at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
A separate pure analogue RCA path allows a compatible line-level source to bypass analogue-to-digital conversion completely.
Class D Amplification with Input-Dependent Power
The Vibelink Amp uses a Texas Instruments TPA3255 Class D amplifier chip and six TI OPA1612 operational amplifiers.
With the optical or coaxial digital input selected, WiiM rates the amplifier at 100W per channel into 8 O and 200W per channel into 4 O.
The pure analogue RCA input has different output ratings of 60W per channel into 8 O and 120W per channel into 4 O.
Power Output Depends on the Selected Input
The headline 100W-per-channel and 200W-per-channel figures apply to the optical and coaxial digital inputs.
When the pure analogue RCA input is used, the manufacturer specifies 60W per channel into 8 O and 120W per channel into 4 O.
Post-Filter Feedback Technology
Post-Filter Feedback, commonly shortened to PFFB, allows the amplifier to monitor the signal after the Class D output filter.
This helps maintain a more consistent frequency response as loudspeaker impedance changes, reducing the degree to which different speaker loads alter the amplifier's tonal balance.
PFFB does not remove the need for careful loudspeaker matching, but it helps the compact amplifier behave more consistently with suitable speakers across its supported 3 to 8 O range.
ESS ES9039Q2M DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, which accepts stereo PCM through the optical and coaxial inputs at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The digital path supports bit-perfect playback and is designed to accommodate changes in sample rate and bit depth without intrusive switching noises.
This makes the Vibelink Amp suitable for a dedicated network streamer, CD transport, television or another compatible stereo digital source.
Stereo PCM Only
The optical and coaxial inputs support stereo PCM but do not decode Dolby Digital or DTS.
A connected television, disc player or set-top box should be configured to output stereo PCM.
Pure Analogue RCA Input
The stereo RCA input follows a purely analogue signal path and does not pass through an analogue-to-digital converter.
It can accommodate a compatible CD player, tuner, cassette deck, external phono stage, streamer or other line-level source while preserving that source's analogue output path.
A Phono Stage Is Required for Most Turntables
The RCA connection is a line-level input rather than a dedicated moving-magnet or moving-coil phono input.
A turntable must have a suitable phono stage built in or be connected through a separate external phono stage.
Designed for WiiM Streamers
The Vibelink Amp is designed to partner the WiiM Mini, WiiM Pro, WiiM Pro Plus and WiiM Ultra, but no proprietary connection is required.
The Ultra, Pro and Pro Plus can connect through RCA, optical or coaxial, while the Mini can use its optical output or a suitable 3.5mm-to-RCA cable.
An optical connection allows the Vibelink Amp's internal DAC to perform conversion, while RCA uses the chosen streamer's DAC and the amplifier's pure analogue path.
Streaming Is Not Built In
The Vibelink Amp does not contain a Wi-Fi or Ethernet music streamer. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon and multiroom playback depend on a suitable connected source component.
WiiM Home App Management
Current firmware allows the Vibelink Amp to communicate with the WiiM Home app through Bluetooth Low Energy.
The app can place the amplifier into sleep mode, wake it, select the coaxial, optical or line input and check for firmware updates.
Up to two nearby mobile devices can manage the same amplifier after setup. Normal listening volume remains available through the front-panel control or a suitably configured variable-output source.
Bluetooth Low Energy Is for Control
The Bluetooth connection is used for nearby app management and firmware updates. The Vibelink Amp is not a Bluetooth music receiver and has no network-audio connection of its own.
12V Trigger and Power Management
A 3.5mm 12V trigger input allows a compatible source, including the WiiM Ultra, to place the amplifier into standby and wake it automatically.
Automatic standby operates after 30 minutes without an audio signal. A lower-consumption sleep mode reduces power use to approximately 0.5W and can be controlled through the WiiM Home app.
Front-panel indicators identify the selected RCA, optical or coaxial input and show operating or update status.
Aluminium Chassis and Thermal Management
The compact unibody aluminium case contributes to heat dissipation as well as providing a rigid, understated enclosure.
A copper heat pipe, large aluminium heatsink and PID-based temperature control help manage heat during extended use.
Cooling is passive, so there is no fan noise, but adequate ventilation around the amplifier remains important.
Connections and Expansion
The rear panel provides one stereo RCA input, one optical input, one coaxial input, a 12V trigger input and four gold-plated speaker binding posts.
The speaker terminals accept banana plugs, spade connectors or bare wire. Four banana plugs are included in the package.
No Dedicated Subwoofer or Headphone Output
The Vibelink Amp has no RCA subwoofer output and cannot pair wirelessly with the WiiM Sub Pro. It also has no wired headphone socket.
Customers requiring a subwoofer should discuss a suitable source with bass management, an appropriate high-level connection or an alternative amplifier with Audio T before purchasing.
Speaker and System Matching
Well Suited To
- WiiM Mini, Pro, Pro Plus and Ultra streamers
- Compatible third-party network streamers
- CD players and transports
- Televisions with stereo PCM optical output
- Passive speakers with a 3 to 8 O nominal impedance
- Compact systems requiring strong digital-input power
Check Before Buying
- Power output varies between digital and analogue inputs
- No built-in network music streaming
- No HDMI ARC connection
- No built-in phono stage
- No dedicated subwoofer or headphone output
- No Dolby Digital or DTS decoding
- No conventional remote control is included
Browse our
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WiiM range at Audio T
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Finish
Silver
A refined aluminium finish that complements the Vibelink Amp's compact, minimalist case and coordinates naturally with WiiM source components.
Key Features
- Compact two-channel integrated amplifier
- TI TPA3255 Class D amplifier chip
- Post-Filter Feedback technology
- 100W per channel into 8 O through digital inputs
- 200W per channel into 4 O through digital inputs
- 60W per channel into 8 O through the analogue input
- 120W per channel into 4 O through the analogue input
- ESS ES9039Q2M DAC
- Six TI OPA1612 operational amplifiers
- Optical and coaxial inputs up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Pure analogue stereo RCA input with no ADC conversion
- Stereo PCM digital support
- Bluetooth Low Energy app management
- 12V trigger input
- Automatic standby and low-power sleep mode
- Gold-plated speaker binding posts
- Unibody aluminium chassis
- Copper heat pipe and passive thermal management
- RCA cable, optical cable and four banana plugs included
- Silver finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the WiiM Vibelink Amp include music streaming?
No. It requires a suitable source such as a WiiM streamer, third-party network player, CD player, television or another compatible analogue or digital component.
Does it provide 100W per channel from every input?
No. The optical and coaxial inputs are rated at 100W per channel into 8 O and 200W per channel into 4 O. The pure analogue RCA input is rated at 60W per channel into 8 O and 120W per channel into 4 O.
Which DAC does the Vibelink Amp use?
It uses an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC for its optical and coaxial digital inputs.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, but the amplifier has a line-level RCA input rather than a phono input. The turntable requires a suitable built-in or separate phono stage.
Can I connect a television?
Yes, if the television has a compatible optical output. Set it to stereo PCM because the Vibelink Amp does not decode Dolby Digital or DTS. There is no HDMI ARC input.
Can I add the WiiM Sub Pro?
No. WiiM states that the Vibelink Amp cannot pair wirelessly with the Sub Pro and it has no physical subwoofer output.
Does the WiiM Home app control the Vibelink Amp?
It provides nearby Bluetooth Low Energy management for sleep and wake control, input selection and firmware updates. It does not add network music streaming or Bluetooth audio reception.
Does it include a remote control?
No conventional remote is supplied. Input and sleep functions can be managed through the WiiM Home app after Bluetooth Low Energy setup, while volume is adjusted at the amplifier or through a suitably configured variable-output source.
What is included in the box?
The package includes the WiiM Vibelink Amp, mains cable, RCA audio cable, optical cable, four banana plugs and a quick-start guide.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable passive loudspeakers
- Speaker matching for your room and listening levels
- Advice on digital and pure analogue connections
- WiiM streamer selection and system planning
- WiiM Home app and Bluetooth Low Energy setup
- Television optical-output configuration
- Turntable and phono-stage connection advice
- Subwoofer-integration guidance where appropriate
- 12V trigger and automatic power setup
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss a suitable WiiM Vibelink Amp system for your room.