Wiim hints at a 100-watt amplifier designed for individuals who already possess a streamer.

      Wiim has recently provided a preview of its upcoming product: the Vibelink Amp. This amplifier offers 100 watts per channel across two channels but does not include any built-in streaming capabilities. The Vibelink Amp was introduced at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show.

      At this stage, Wiim hasn't shared many specifics. We know that the official launch will occur in March, but the company has not disclosed the pricing details. In 2024, Wiim launched the Amp Pro, a two-channel amplifier providing 120 watts per channel with streaming capabilities for $369, which might serve as a reference for the Vibelink's likely lower price, since it lacks streaming features.

      Interestingly, Wiim claims that the Vibelink is “designed for high-fidelity sound across digital and analog sources,” yet has only detailed its digital compatibility thus far. Wiim has mentioned that there will be digital optical and coaxial inputs, which are compatible with a “wide range of variable sample rates and bit depths, ensuring maximum compatibility and audio flexibility.”

      The only official image of the Vibelink Amp released so far reveals that it shares the same size as Wiim’s flagship streamer, the Wiim Ultra, making it an ideal companion for users who already own an Ultra or intend to build a system from scratch.

      Wiim has been quite active recently, having launched the Ultra and Wiim Amp Pro in 2024, along with the first Wiim-compatible wireless speakers in collaboration with Audio Pro. The company is quickly establishing a versatile ecosystem of wireless and wired audio products that rival Sonos, especially as Sonos navigates significant challenges stemming from a problematic app update in May 2024 that left numerous customers with limited functionality in their systems.

      Wiim's software replicates many features from the Sonos app, such as universal search, while offering more extensive customization options for audiophiles.

      Simon Cohen serves as a contributing editor for Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he focuses on the latest wireless audio innovations.

      The Wiim Pro Plus streamer, which targets audiophiles with an upgraded DAC, is the latest offering from Linkplay, following success with the Wiim Mini and Wiim Pro. Priced at $219, the Wiim Pro Plus looks like the $169 Wiim Pro but includes several internal enhancements to attract audio enthusiasts. This new streamer, which comes with a voice-capable remote, will be available on Amazon starting August 8.

      Similar to the Wiim Pro, the Wiim Pro Plus is intended to upgrade your analog-only (or digital-capable) receiver or powered speakers to support streaming. This compact black box features analog inputs and outputs, as well as two types of digital outputs, but its main advantage lies in its ability to stream music from a wide array of sources such as streaming services, personal digital music collections, or older devices like turntables and cassette decks via its analog inputs.

      In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Bluesound has introduced a limited-run edition of its Node wireless media streamer, known as the Node X. While the Node X appears nearly identical to the standard Node, it features an updated headphone jack: a quarter-inch output has replaced the previous 3.5mm jack. This change is not merely for accommodating a larger plug; Bluesound notes that the centrally-located headphone jack is powered by a THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA), the same technology used in the $200 THX Onyx headphone DAC/amp, promising extremely low levels of noise, distortion, and power consumption.

      Bose discreetly launched its Bose Music Amplifier in October 2022 without any press release, and it recently came to our attention. The reason behind this quiet launch remains unclear, but it could be that the company aimed to focus attention on its Smart Soundbar 600, which debuted concurrently. The Music Amplifier, priced at $699, clearly positions itself as a direct competitor to the $699 Sonos Amp, given their striking similarities.

      Like the Sonos Amp, the Bose Music Amplifier serves as an all-in-one wireless audio component for users who already own or plan to purchase wired speakers. Moreover, it can power two pairs of wired speakers simultaneously, such as ceiling and bookshelf speakers, provided that the listening experience remains uniform across both sets. With a power output of 125 watts per channel (equivalent to the Sonos Amp), there should be sufficient power for two pairs, as long as the impedance specifications are adhered to: a single set requires a minimum of 4 ohms, while both sets need to have a minimum of 8 ohms if an additional pair is connected.