Усилители мощности стерео — Vitus Audio RS-101

Vitus Audio of Denmark makes the RS-101 as the two-channel power amplifier for its Reference range, designed as the partner to the RL-102 line stage. Vitus built it around the circuit of the RI-101 integrated amplifier and took that engine further in a dedicated power chassis. The price in Austria is EUR 16,250 with tax, the UK price is GBP 14,999 and the US price is USD 19,425. The Reference Series was the first range Vitus ever launched, back in 2003, and although it is the entry level of the brand it uses many specialist and custom parts.

Key specs that matter

Output in class AB is about 300 W per channel into 8 ohm and about 600 W into 4 ohm. The first watts are delivered in class A through intelligent class A bias - about 8 W into 8 ohm and about 16 W into 4 ohm. There is one XLR input pair and an RCA input pair, each rated at 2 V RMS sensitivity and 10 kohm impedance. Each channel has one set of speaker terminals, and output impedance is 0.075 ohm. Frequency response extends beyond 800 kHz and THD plus noise stays below 0.01 percent. Standby consumption is 3 W and consumption in operation is 90 W.

Engineering and use context

The case is 435 mm wide and weighs 42 kg. A subwoofer crossover can be fitted if it is specified when the amplifier is ordered, and no remote control is supplied. Vitus makes the body parts from aluminium and places the heat sinks out of sight inside the chassis rather than as external fins, so the sides stay flat. Vitus presents the RS-101 as the introduction to the brand, sitting below the Signature and Masterpiece power amplifiers. The Reference Series name covers the RS-101, the RL-102 line stage, the RI-101 integrated amplifier and the RD-101 converter, which together form the entry range of the brand. Construction follows the modular approach that Vitus uses across its ranges, where boards can be exchanged when upgrades appear.

Pairing

The RL-102 line stage is the matching preamplifier Vitus names for this model, and its XLR outputs suit the balanced input of the amplifier. The RCA input keeps the door open for single-ended preamplifiers or for a player that has a variable output level. Output doubling into the lower load indicates that low impedance loudspeakers are within range.

Alternatives

One step up, Vitus offers the SS-025 from its Signature line, a two-channel power amplifier that takes technology from the SIA-025 integrated amplifier.