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 Basics
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.
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.
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.
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
| Vibelink Amp | WiiM Amp Pro | WiM Amp | |
| Product Type | Integrated Amplifier | Streaming Amplifier | Streaming Amplifier |
| Price | $299 | $379 | $299 |
| Amplifier Type | Class D | Class D | Class D |
| Amplifier Chip | TI TPA3255 | TI TPA3255 | TI TPA3255 |
| Op Amp Chip | TI OPA1611 | Not Provided | Not Provided |
| Power Output | 2 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 Impedance | 2.67~8 Ohms | 2.67~8 Ohm | 2.67~8 Ohm |
| SNR | 120 dB (A-weighted) | 120 dB | 108 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 Inputs | Analog (RCA) Digital (Optical, Coaxial) ports support up to 24 bit/192kHz. | Line, Optical, HDMI ARC, USB Disk | Line, Optical, HDMI ARC, USB Disk |
| Audio Output | Stereo Banana Plugs. | Stereo Banana Plugs, Subwoofer, USB | Stereo Banana Plugs, Subwoofer, USB |
| Wi-Fi | – | Wi-Fi 6e | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | – | BT 5.3 | BT 5.1 |
| Built-in Streaming | – | Yes | Yes |
| Roon Ready | – | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Features | LED: 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 AC | 100-240V 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 |
| Weight | TBA | 2.08 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?
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.
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).
- WiiM Amp: $299 at Amazon
- WiiM Amp Pro: $379 at Amazon
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