Усилители мощности стерео — Vitus Audio MP-S201

Vitus Audio builds the MP-S201 as the stereo amplifier in its Danish Masterpiece line, next to the MP-M201 Mk.II monoblock and the MP-L201 Mk.II line stage. Every MP-S201 is hand-assembled at the Vitus works in Denmark, while the series takes its place at the top of the Vitus catalogue above the Signature and Reference ranges. The amplifier can also be switched to mono operation, which Vitus offers for bi-amping setups.

Key specs that matter

In class AB the MP-S201 is rated at about 500 W per channel into 8 ohm and about 1,000 W into 4 ohm, and the first part of that output runs in class A - about 25 W into 8 ohm and about 50 W into 4 ohm. Input is balanced only, with one stereo XLR pair plus a separate XLR input for mono use. Sensitivity is 0.7 V RMS and input impedance is 10 kohm, while output impedance is 0.075 ohm. Vitus lists frequency response extending beyond 800 kHz, a noise floor more than 130 dB under the signal and THD plus noise under 0.01 percent. At full output the amplifier takes 550 W from the mains, and in standby its consumption falls below 1 W.

Engineering and use context

The dimensions are 445 mm high, 505 mm wide and 708 mm deep, and one amplifier weighs about 125 kg. The body parts and the heat sinks are made of aluminium. Bias is handled by an intelligent class A scheme, meaning the class A region covers only the low end of the output range and class AB operation takes over above it. Because the only connections are XLR, a source or preamplifier without balanced outputs cannot be connected directly. Three standard colours are offered - white, black and silver - and three titanium tones in orange, grey and champagne are available as optional finishes. In the same series Vitus positions the MP-L201 Mk.II line stage as the matching control unit, and the Signature Series SS-025 is described by Vitus as using technology that traces back to the MP-S201 through the SM-011 monoblock.

Pairing

The MP-L201 Mk.II, with its two balanced outputs, is the partner Vitus names for this amplifier. The second balanced output of that line stage also allows two MP-S201 units to be driven at once, with each switched to mono for a bi-amped pair of loudspeakers. Its large power reserve into low loads leaves room for loudspeakers with low impedance or low sensitivity.

Alternatives

For a smaller budget Vitus offers the RS-101, a two-channel amplifier from its entry-level Reference line.