Awards

The SL-010 preamp and SM-010 mono amps may be "more affordable" compared to their legendary siblings, the SL-101 Linestage and SM-101 mono amps, but at $25K and $50K respectively, they are still very much in the high-rent district. Thankfully, these components also deliver the sonic goods: musicality, detail, realistic presence, and imaging.

The SL-010 renders music on a wonderfully defined stage while in "Class A" mode, the SM-010 not only gets room-heatingly warm but it sounds better than many of the best tube amps I've heard. Think CJ-MV50 warmth coupled with Krell KSA-50 power and control. This is an amazing-though-pricey combination. [Dave Thomas]

The Vitus Audio SS-101 is as neutral a component as I've heard, yet it sounds better than other amplifiers for which neutrality is the hallmark. The SS-101 pulls me into the music, something that some of the other super amps fail to do to the same startling degree. I can't think of a better combination of traits: that elusive audiophile goal of musicality (I hate that term, but damned if I can think of a better one) and the reviewer mantra of neutrality.

For me, the SS-101 set a new benchmark in listening. Although I'm still having a hard time with the fact that my reference electronics will comprise an integrated amplifier, what else can I do? Being honest with myself and with you requires that I wipe out some of the audiophile wisdoms burned into me during my years as a conforming audiophile. Can you see yourself doing the same? Maybe it's about time you at least asked yourself the question.

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Vitus Audio is a Danish company that is slightly over ten years old but the name is somewhat new to North America. Yet in the past couple of years the Vitus Audio name has quickly developed into a pedigree brand and has gained a stellar reputation for producing extremely well built, attractive, and fantastic sounding solid state amplifiers and preamplifiers.

The company also produces a supreme line of cables. The Andromeda series is the brainchild of Anders Grove who has been producing cables for over twenty years. The cables are constructed with carefully selected top grade copper wiring and produced some of the most musically satisfying performances that I have ever heard.

Although I'm in walking distance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra the Andromeda cables are so good at resolving inner details, creating a seductive, palpable soundstage, and an enchanting wave of music, I can sometimes experience the illustrious sounds of Mozart from my leather loveseat. [Craig Fitzpatrick].

Whilst you might be able to debate wheather or not the 010 really constitutes an integrated amp (two inputs, one balanced and one single-ended, plus a volume control is all the switching you get) ont thing you can't argue with is the unit's sheer density.

A 1400VA transformer in a chassis this compact makes for a product that should be lifted with considerable causion!

For once, when a manufacturer says "25 Watts, Class A", the weight of the amp as well as the heat generated means it carries the ring of truth.

Musically the end result of all that iron and the current it supplies is an icredible stability to the expansive sound-stage, an inky blackness to the acoustic space, an utterly unforced and natural pace to proceedings.

This amp is all about control without constraint, resolution without overt or obvious detail. Indeed, the 010's musical qualities are as discrete and understated as its exterior; but just like the schock you get when you first try to move it, just wait until the music turnsexplosive or nasty.

There's nothing shy or retiring here. This level of clarity and musicalcommunication is rare indeed. The fact that the input options allow you to investin it by stages, running the 010 as a standalone unit to start with until you can add a pukka line-stage later, just pushes the value quotient from "excellent" into the realms of "truely remarkable". The price might seem high for the power on offer, but it's cheap for the quality delivered.

It's a brave company that debuts with an £18500 phono and line-stage combination. It takes bravery on quite another level to put your faith in running them from batteries. Yet Vitus Audio seem to have passed both tests with no apparent trouble; the presentation of the products is as good as anything out there, while the battery supplies are simple,effective and failsafe. But, most importantly of all, the sonic performance fully justifies the extravagant pricing. Given the chequered history of battery power in the world of hi-fi, it's even more surprising when someone actually gets it right. Theoretically speaking, the benefits should be clear enough, but all too often the sonic results are marred by a lack of dynamic range and authority, further undermined by tortuous and unreliable operating procedures.

Well, maybe it's one of the few things that we actually have to thank mobile phones for, but batteries are considerably more compact, powerful and easier to use than ever before. Combine that with enough brute power and suddenly they take on a new viability. Which, no surprise, is exactly what's happening here. Listen to the Vitus pre-amp and you hear a wonderfully natural, unforced and beautifully paced performance. The fluidity of musical phrasing is combined with a real sense of grip and authority, whilst the music is entirely devoid of edge or grain. It makes for a seductive listening experience, one that combines the tonal appeal and dimensionality of vacuum tubes with the transparency and detail of the best solid-state designs.

Operationally too, these units are up with the best in terms of their facilities and the user interface that controls their considerable adjustability. The two, independently and externally adjustable inputs to the phono-stage are just one case in point that demonstrates the clarity of thinking that's gone into these products. There's much here than many a more established manufacturer would do well to emulate. When superb standards of fit, finish and operation combine with sound as musically enticing and convincing as this, the products responsible demand attention. That they come from a new and until now unknown company is as impressive as it is encouraging. Those who haven't lost sight of the purpose and goal of hi-fi should look forward to great things from designer Hans-Ole Vitus.