Ss-103

[Melbguy1]

In the month of November of last year, in the pre-hearing of speakers to change my B & W, I could hear a configuration:

Vitus CD, Rober Koda Takumi K15 EX, Vitus SS 103, Magico S5 MKll.

Something should not be right in this set of extraordinary individual elements, because the whole did not like. Sound too sharp and sterile. Anyway I agree with Mike, I preferred the "Rock mode" for all music, including classical.

That's strange, because i've always found Vitus Signature series gear has excellent synergy with Magico. And the new SS-103 is better than the previous SS-102 which I really liked. So i'm thinking either there was an issue with one or more components not being fully run in, an issue with cable synergy, or the amplifier was not a good match for the room size. For example, Magico use very high current mono blocks in their cavernous listening room (Soulution) almost exclusively because most power amps would run out of puff trying to deliver enough current to pressurize that room. Generally mono blocks are a better choice to drive a moderately difficult load like the S5 Mk2's in a large listening room, with the possible exception of some massive stereo amps like the Vitus MP-S201, Boulder 2160/3060 etc.

 

[nonesup]

Yes, it does not seem logical, I wondered if the cables would be used.
Probably return to Sound Sevilla, to listen to the M3 with the same equipment, but changing the Vitus CD, for a DAC Wadax Atlantic (Pedro, the owner of Sound, says he never heard anything like that in digital).

 

[Melbguy1]

Yes, it does not seem logical, I wondered if the cables would be used.
Probably return to Sound Sevilla, to listen to the M3 with the same equipment, but changing the Vitus CD, for a DAC Wadax Atlantic (Pedro, the owner of Sound, says he never heard anything like that in digital).

Synergy is important with the S5 Mk2's. Vitus gear should be placed on Stillpoints, and the best cables i've found for synergy are Jorma Prime/Statement, Siltech Royal Signature series & PAD copper cables.

Vitus amps should be left on for most of the day to really reach their best. On the SS-103, rock mode is generally preferred for the most musical sound.

Also Vitus's best dac is the MP-D201. The Signature series dac is the SCD-025Mk2 which is like 85% of the performance of the MP-D201. Advocates of tube dacs always claim they're better than ss dacs like Vitus. I wouldn't say better, just different. Is a matter of preference.

Finally, rule of thumb: Vitus sounds best with Vitus. Vitus power amps are best paired with VA preamps, otherwise the results can be disappointing.

 

[cyclopse]

Synergy is important with the S5 Mk2's. Vitus gear should be placed on Stillpoints, and the best cables i've found for synergy are Jorma Prime/Statement, Siltech Royal Signature series & PAD copper cables.

Vitus amps should be left on for most of the day to really reach their best. On the SS-103, rock mode is generally preferred for the most musical sound.

Also Vitus's best dac is the MP-D201. The Signature series dac is the SCD-025Mk2 which is like 85% of the performance of the MP-D201. Advocates of tube dacs always claim they're better than ss dacs like Vitus. I wouldn't say better, just different. Is a matter of preference.

Finally, rule of thumb: Vitus sounds best with Vitus. Vitus power amps are best paired with VA preamps, otherwise the results can be disappointing.

I don't do this but my dealer said to only undertake serious listening after the SIA-025 has been powered up continuously for 72 hours.

 

[Melbguy1]

I don't do this but my dealer said to only undertake serious listening after the SIA-025 has been powered up continuously for 72 hours.

Mayyybee after first taking the amp out of the box dead cold, but after that, warm up time from standby should be greatly reduced. For expediency, I copied/pasted a relevant passage from Chris Thomas's review of the SIA-025 below. I agree with his view that the amp should reach optimal thermal conditions after no more than 12 hours from standby. In my experience you can start doing critical listening after 2-3hrs from standby in Class A mode. Though there is always some variance due to environmental factors, hence YMMV.

From stand-by, straight into class A I would say that you are looking at a half hour before it really begins to sing and then it just seems to keep getting better. Even after a solid afternoon and evening's listening I would swear that the amplifier was growing more fluid, textural and resolute with better dynamic contrasts, tonal shading and the delicacy of its musical message just seems to become more profound.

 

[Alectiong]

If it is necessary to warm up the amps for a long time before listening, I wonder about the heat and power bill, especially with the bigger models like SS103, SM103..
I used to have Pass labs XA series. They could heat up the room.


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[cyclopse]

If it is necessary to warm up the amps for a long time before listening, I wonder about the heat and power bill, especially with the bigger models like SS103, SM103..
I used to have Pass labs XA series. They could heat up the room.


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Coming from Nagra VPA monos the Vitus is a pleasure to use in summer. The heat from the VPA was unpleasant in summer. The Virus use a UI transformer that is very efficient. Same consumption as a lightbulb for the sia-025 been powered in A/B mode. Noticed the difference with the household electricity consumption as well.

 

[Melbguy1]

If it is necessary to warm up the amps for a long time before listening, I wonder about the heat and power bill, especially with the bigger models like SS103, SM103..
I used to have Pass labs XA series. They could heat up the room.

Alectiong, my SIA-025 integrated only gets to very warm to maybe mildly hot after several hours operation in Class A mode. Certainly not a room heater like some of the old Pass and Krell Class A amps. The latest SM-011 mono's & SS-103 use what VA call 'Intelligent Class A bias' which uses a circuit which measures the temperature on the output devices – and adjust bias slightly – to maintain a temperature on the output devices within +/- 2 degrees. This way optimal thermal conditions are maintained at all loads (a key to their liquid sound).

 

[Alectiong]

I home auditioned the SS-103. It is warm but certainly unlike the heat of the Pass XA series, so my concern was allayed. I have been using the Vitus SS-025 (Class A15W/Class AB 300W). The SS-103 is a very significant step up to my ears. The improvement in focus, control, dimensionality, the weight and the bass really surprised me. The Rock and Classic modes give different perspectives. I will eventually figure out which mode I prefer. I was so impressed I bought the unit.

 

[Melbguy1]

I home auditioned the SS-103. It is warm but certainly unlike the heat of the Pass XA series, so my concern was allayed. I have been using the Vitus SS-025 (Class A15W/Class AB 300W). The SS-103 is a very significant step up to my ears. The improvement in focus, control, dimensionality, the weight and the bass really surprised me. The Rock and Classic modes give different perspectives. I will eventually figure out which mode I prefer. I was so impressed I bought the unit.

Congratulations on your new amp Alectiong & great choice with your Rockport Cygnus speakers! Thanks for your feedback. The SS-103 has a lot more Class A power obviously, and borrows technology from the MP-S201. What preamp are you using if you don't mind me asking? The ideal match for that amp would be the SL-103 :thumbsup:.

 

[Alectiong]

Thanks Melbguy1. For preamp, I use the older SL102. Maybe one day I will send it in for upgrading to the current model.


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[Mike]

Congrats Alectiong. She's a beauty. Let us know how it sounds.


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[Alectiong]

Thanks Mike. I will post more impressions after burn-in .


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[Audiophon]

Thanks Melbguy1. For preamp, I use the older SL102. Maybe one day I will send it in for upgrading to the current model.


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A real beauty! Congratulations for your choice. I really love the Vitus sound. Did you have the possibility to compare the 103 to the 102? My local dealer was until last year the Italian importer for Vitus and he said that the 103 sound different from the 102.


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[Alectiong]

Thanks Audiophon. I didn't compare with 102. I heard it before at shows but my dealer no longer has any more units.


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[Audiophon]

Thanks Audiophon. I didn't compare with 102. I heard it before at shows but my dealer no longer has any more units.


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Thanks for your reply! My dealer had was still left with a pair of demo SM 102 but no 103 to compare with...

I was also considering getting his SM 102 for a very good price but then decided differently.


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[Alectiong]

I think Vitus is launching the new SM 103's in Munich show. Let's wait for the reports.


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[Alectiong]

I am quite excited to receive my SM103, apparently the first pair installed in my part of the world. Let them run in for a week and see.

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[joeinid]

Congratulations! Beautiful amps.

 

[Mike]

Congrats!! Those are big beauties! Let us know how they sound.


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