|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
199.46.198.232
Anyone have experience with Vitus Reference Series amps, RI-100 or RS-100? These are their "entry level" Class A/B amps. Most of what I've read about Vitus pertains to their Signature Series Class A amps.
I would be particularly interested if anyone has compared Vitus to Ayre, Luxman, or Accuphase. I used to own an Ayre AX-5 and currently have a Luxman M-600A, and I'm wondering how the Vitus might compare. There is an RS-100 on Agon right now which has my thoughts stirring.
Follow Ups:
I spent a few hours last year listening to an RI-100. Front end was either a dCS Rossini or Vivaldi. Avalon speakers were at the other end. I found the amplifier to be one of the finest solid state ones that I have heard. I am unable to think of any attribute upon which it failed to impress.
Were I in the market for an integrated amp of this specification and if I had the ready money ( hah!) it would be top of my list.
nt
Dave K
I, too, want to demo the Vitus gear. In reference to the other brands mentioned, the real pay off, is to have a matching set. At this level, mixing and matching w/ other brands, proceed with caution.
I'm not sure whether I would want the integrated or just the power amp.
I used to follow your advice, at least to the point of matching pre and power, but I'm starting to be convinced that the best preamp is no preamp. I've whittled my system down to a single source, which is a Linn Akurate DSM. In the digital path, it has a hybrid volume control consisting of a 35-bit digital volume control implemented on an FPGA preceding the DAC, plus three selectable levels of fixed passive attenuation following the DAC to make sure the DVC is operating in its optimum range. Using the DSM's hybrid volume control seems to be more transparent, uncolored, and dynamic than a traditional preamp. At least with this particular source, disabling its volume control and using an external preamp degrades the sound.
With the Vitus, it's unclear how much of the house sound/special sauce is in the preamp vs the amp, so the "safe" choice would probably be the RI-100. But in my current system, going with the RS-100 potentially might be superior.
I pondered the insanity of the idea that anyone would or should even have to ask if a $13k amp is any good. Let alone that the $13k is the entry level.
For that price it better be waking me with tender kisses and breakfast!
.
The M-600A is a fabulous amp. Is there anything you're hearing in its performance that is causing you to look at the Vitus? Or is it mainly curiosity? I've heard Vitus amps several times, and the general sonic signature seems to be one of relaxed, fluid authority, with abundant detail in proper proportion, and excellent dimensionality--very similar in some ways to Luxman's better amplifiers, IMO. You didn't mention your speakers.
"Back home, when we get a taxidermy man, he gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him!"
--Robert Shaw, "Jaws," 1975
My system is listed. I've been trying different speakers and most likely will settle down longer term with Magico S1, Dynaudio C1, or KEF Reference 1.
I like the Luxman. It has a natural, effortless sound that is easy to listen to for song after song and isn't picky about what you try to play through it. Treble is extended, not rolled off, but smooth. There is a sense of fullness and weight in the upper bass and lower midrange. It throws a big, deep soundstage. One weakness is that the middle of the midrange seems a bit recessed, like somebody added a little bit of loudness control. It's subtle but noticeable. Also, I sometimes listen to fast jazz fusion and electronic music, and when I do I miss the greater speed and immediacy of my Simaudio.
The Ayre AX-5 I had was better than the Luxman in the midrange and in overall transparency and resolution, but it was too soft & fuzzy in the bass and the treble was a little dry & whitish. I really miss the Ayre midrange though.
Based on what I've read, the biggest concern I have with the Vitus is the low damping factor of 20, which is tube amp territory. When I've heard low DF amps (tubes) with my preferred type of speaker, the results have always been too ripe & plummy in the bass for my tastes. A secondary concern with the Vitus is service, only because they don't have a big presence in the US.
Ever tried Accuphase ..?
I had an Accuphase tuner, that's all. I have a friend with an Accuphase Class A/B integrated who rates it highly and I have heard Accuphase Class A power at shows. I think I would like Accuphase, but they are stupid expensive in the US, even more than the likes of Vitus and Luxman. I would never pay what they're asking for new Accuphase, and they are very rare on the used market.
I would like to read more about Accuphase, I have always wanted to audition their gear.
Despite the low damping factor, I haven't heard many tales of Vitus gear having extreme difficulty driving lower-impedance loads. The integrated (the RI-100, I think ) I heard sure didn't seem stressed driving older Magico Minis at a former colleague's house a few years back.
Representation in the U.S. is a different matter entirely. I'm not sure about the company's dealer network here. These things have a way of changing, sometimes quickly and dramatically.
Have you, by any chance, considered California-based Coda? I'm a big believer in their stuff, which IMO combines serious speed and transparency with a touch of sweetness that is very engaging and makes music (like with the Luxman) easy to enjoy for hours on end. Of their amps, I think the Class A 15.5 might be a decent match with the speakers you mentioned. It's the proverbial sledgehammer in a velvet glove. Just thought I'd mention Coda, as they fly under the radar here in the States, yet make great stuff (IMHO).
"Back home, when we get a taxidermy man, he gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him!"
--Robert Shaw, "Jaws," 1975
Thanks. I will look into Coda. I haven't heard their gear.
Keep us posted -Dave K.
I tried to buy a used RS-100, but it turns out the previous owner had broken it so that didn't work out :(
I can't really afford a new one right now since I just purchased speakers a few months ago, but I will keep my eyes open for another used or demo RI-100 or RS-100.
I'm pretty sure I want to try Vitus at some point.
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: