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WiiM’s Vibelink Amp Might Be the Best $300 You Spend on Hi-Fi in 2025

The WiiM Vibelink drops streaming, but users gain an inexpensive, flexible, and powerful integrated amplifier.

WiiM Vibelink Amp

If you’re just starting out in high-end audio and don’t want to spend more than $300 on an integrated amplifier — the new WiiM Vibelink Amp should probably be on your short list based on the track record of everything that has come before it from its maker. High quality amplifiers below $300 are not very common so it’s refreshing to finally have something worth trying with the rather wide range of passive bookshelf loudspeakers that exists below $750 right now.

Following up on our previous report on WiiM’s initial tease of the Vibelink Amp at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show earlier this year, we finally have the details on what will be one of the most discussed amplifiers this year — and there will likely be 40 videos on YouTube by the weekend.

Some people are going to hate it. Others will tell you that it’s the best thing they’ve ever heard (ever) below $1,000. We would take that early praise or dislike with a serious grain of salt and listen with your own ears.

Why are we optimistic that the WiiM Vibelink Amp will likely be a great option for those who don’t have a huge budget (which feels like a lot of consumers right now)?

Having already invested our own money on a WiiM Ultra, WiiM Amp, and WiiM Pro Plus — we appreciate the value that all of them offer, the sonic capabilities — and their warts.

WiiM Vibelink Amp Top Angle

As revealed previously, the Vibelink is WiiM’s first amplifier that doesn’t include a built-in streaming component.

Pro-Tip: WiiM currently offers the WiiM Amp and WiiM Amp Pro, which include hi-res streaming capabilities.

Dr. Lifeng Zhao, CEO of WiiM provides some insight on why the Vibelink was developed: “As our user base continues to grow, we’ve listened closely to the needs of our community…Many audio enthusiasts love the flexibility of streaming but don’t always want or need a connected amp, and they were also frustrated with the digital audio limitations of other powered amps in the market. For those using devices like the WiiM Mini, Ultra, Pro, or other streaming solutions, we wanted to offer an amp that delivers exceptional sound quality and power without the need for Wi-Fi connectivity. This new design gives our customers more choice—allowing them to integrate the Vibelink Amp seamlessly into their setup and enjoy the rich, pure audio experience we’re known for.

The Amp

The Vibelink is a 2-channel Class D amplifier that can deliver 100 W/channel (8 ohms) or 200 W/channel (4 ohms). For added sonic support, the Vibelink features an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, which is designed to deliver optimum sound quality for digital audio sources.

WiiM Vibelink Amp Rear

Connectivity

The Vibelink provides analog (RCA) and digital (Optical, Coaxial) inputs that allow users to connect with a range of audio sources, including plug-in streaming devices and support up to 24-bit/192kHz. For optimum speaker connectivity, the Vibelink provides standard stereo banana plug terminals that ensure a solid connection.

Pro Tip: There is no phono preamp on-board, so you’ll need a turntable with a line level output or connect an outboard phono stage between the turntable and amplifier.

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Quiet Operation

The Vibelinks hardware optimization prevents sound interruptions (such as pops) when switching inputs or adjusting settings. This is achieved through hardware optimizations like ramping circuits. 

Heat Dissipation

To minimize heat, the Videlink is designed with copper heat pipes, a large aluminum heatsink, and a heat-spreading case to reduce hot spots and evenly distribute heat. PID-based thermal management software ensures optimal temperature regulation and prevents overheating.

Durability

Despite its compact size and inexpensive price point (more on that later), the Vibelink incorporates a durable, high-end design that enhances sound by minimizing interference. The aluminum oxide casing dissipates heat efficiently, so the amp runs cool even during extended listening sessions. The amplifier also has a standby mode when not in use that saves energy and extends the product’s lifespan.

TI TPA 3255 Amplifier

Built-in DAC and Amp Chip

In addition to the high-quality built-in ESS ES9038Q2M DAC mentioned previously, the WiiM Vibelink also includes one TI PCM9211 digital and analog front end, four TI OPA1612 Op-amps, and a TI TPA3255 Amp Chip.

The Vibelink Amp supports up to 24-bit/192kHz high-res playback, allowing users to connect something like the WiiM Ultra Streamer to keep everything within the same family.

Compatibility

The Vibelink Amp is engineered for easy integration into the WiiM ecosystem. It pairs with all WiiM streamers—including the WiiM Ultra, which shares the same compact design for easy stacking, as well as the Pro Plus, Pro, and Mini

The Vibelink Amp ensures seamless connectivity and upholds the WiiM audio standard, whether paired with another streaming device or analog gear.

Comparison

WiiM Vibelink Amp, Amp Pro and Amp Comparison
Vibelink AmpWiiM Amp ProWiM Amp
Product TypeIntegrated AmplifierStreaming AmplifierStreaming Amplifier
Price$299$379$299
Amplifier TypeClass DClass DClass D
Amplifier ChipTI TPA3255 TI TPA3255 TI TPA3255 
Op Amp ChipTI OPA1611Not ProvidedNot Provided
Power Output2 x 100 Watts (8 ohms)
2 x 200 Watts (4 ohms) 
2 x 60 Wattsl (8 ohms)
2 x 120 Watts (4 ohms)
2 x 60 Wattsl (8 ohms)
2 x 120 Watts (4 ohms)
Output Impedance2.67~8 Ohms2.67~8 Ohm2.67~8 Ohm
SNR120 dB (A-weighted)120 dB108 dB
THD+N-105 dB (0.0005%) -105 dB (0.0005%) at 5W-92dB (0.0025%) at 5W
DAC ESS ES9038Q2M ESS ES9038Q2M ESS 9018 K2M
Audio InputsAnalog (RCA)
Digital (Optical, Coaxial) ports support up to 24 bit/192kHz.
Line, Optical, HDMI ARC, USB DiskLine, Optical, HDMI ARC, USB Disk
Audio OutputStereo Banana Plugs.Stereo Banana Plugs, Subwoofer, USBStereo Banana Plugs, Subwoofer, USB
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6eWi-Fi 5
BluetoothBT 5.3BT 5.1
Built-in StreamingYes Yes
Roon ReadyYesYes
Additional FeaturesLED: 3-color LED indicates status and source 

Volume knob with Min/Max indication 

Press button for switching sources 

Not Indicated


12V Trigger
LED: 3-color LED indicates status and source 

Volume knob with Min/Max indication 

Press button for switching sources
 
10-band Graphics EQ

No
LED: 3-color LED indicates status and source 

Volume knob with Min/Max indication 

Press button for switching sources 

10-band Graphics EQ

No
Power Supply 100~240V AC, 4.5A Max  100-240V 50/60Hz AC100-240V 50/60Hz
AC
Dimensions 200 x 200 x 63 mm
7.9 x 7.9 x 2.58 inches 
217 × 190 × 66 mm
8.54 x 7.5 x 2.6 inches
217 × 190 × 64 mm
8.54 x 7.5 x 2.52 inches
WeightTBA2.08 kg (4.59 lbs)1.84 kg (4.06 lbs)

Pro Tip: If you want to see the complete streaming feature specifications of the WiiM Amp Pro and Amp, refer to our main WiiM Comparison article: Which WiiM Network Streamer Should You Get? WiiM Ultra, Mini, Pro or Amp?

WiiM Vibelink Amp Top View With Remote

The Bottom Line

WiiM has a large customer base due to their wide selection of affordable components, and the new Vibelink integrated amplifier offers an opportunity for those who may already own a network player to add a more powerful amplifier with a wide range of connectivity options to their system.

As a standalone integrated amp, the Vibelink looks like it can drive almost any set of passive speakers, and even though it doesn’t have built-in streaming, you can just plug in your own streamer, be it a WiiM Ultra or a third-party streamer such as the FiiO S15, Bluesound Node or Cambridge Audio MXN10.

However, as good as the WiiM Videlink looks, information was not provided as to whether the Videlink includes a 10-band Graphic EQ or Room Correction.

Also, there are two connectivity options missing. There is no dedicated phono input, and HDMI-ARC/eARC is not included — both of which would have added great connectivity convenience. Perhaps WiiM is planning on releasing a “Vibelink Pro” with those options at a later date.

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Price & Availability

The WiiM Vibelink Amp is available for $299 at Amazon, with international availability to follow soon.

If our prefer, WiiM also offers the WiiM Amp and WiiM Amp Pro for those looking for a Streaming Amp (an amp that also has a built-in streamer but lower power output).

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Anton

    March 18, 2025 at 6:22 pm

    It’s good to see audio manufacturers finally getting it. You are not convincing 25-35 year olds to buy $5,000 amplifiers. Certainly not with the advancements in Bluetooth technology.

    Can’t wait to read the review. I would definitely buy something like this for my den or home office.

    • Ian White

      March 18, 2025 at 6:33 pm

      Anton,

      The Vibelink’s price is extremely low which will make some discount it immediately. Which is a huge mistake. I’d like to see them make a $500 integrated with a beefier output stage and subwoofer output.

      The phono stage on the Ultra is not very good, so my advice will always be to use something else with your turntable.

      If this things sounds good — the competition will not be happy.

      IW

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