Excited to Represent Vinnie Rossi Gen2 Brama Components

[JamesD]

Hello Everyone,

I’m excited to be part of this incredible community and would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is James DaRosa, and I’m the proud owner of Choice Audio. Alongside Keith Stafford, our VP of Sales and Marketing, we share a deep passion for high-end audio. Our mission is to help fellow enthusiasts build systems that truly bring their music to life and deliver unforgettable listening experiences.

Looking forward to connecting with you all!

One of the brands we are incredibly proud to represent is Vinnie Rossi.
Their gen2 Brama Collection components are a masterclass in design and craftsmanship, offering an unparalleled listening experience.

The Vinnie Rossi gen 2 Brama Collection includes:

- Brama Integrated Amplifier (MSRP $47,995k USD)
- Brama Preamplifier (MSRP $38,995 USD)
- Brama Monoblock Power Amplifier (MSRP $59,995/pair USD)

This first post will be about the Brama Integrated Amplifier, and I’ll follow with posts in this thread for the other two models.

Brama Integrated Amplifier

The Brama Integrated Amplifier is a no-compromise design that combines cutting-edge performance, impeccable build quality, and elegant simplicity.

- Power and Precision

The Brama Integrated Amplifier delivers 200wpc into 8-ohms, 400wpc per channel into 4 ohms and remains stable into 2 ohms, effortlessly powering demanding loudspeakers. Its high-current Class AB lateral MOSFET output stage uses only two matched output devices per rail, ensuring stunning musical detail. With advanced layout techniques, dual-PCB stacks for short signal and power paths, and continuous monitoring of temperatures and output currents, it guarantees optimal performance and long-term reliability.


- 300B Triode Excellence

The heart of Brama is a 300B preamplifier stage featuring Western Electric WE300B directly-heated triodes in a dual-mono Class-A voltage gain stage. With patented Belleson super-regulated power supplies and ultra-short signal paths, the result is unmatched realism, tonal purity, and very low noise.


- Innovative Power Supply

Brama’s custom switch-mode power supply was designed from the ground up, delivering 2400W peak output with patented Belleson linear super-regulated outputs for the preamplifier stage, ensuring ultra-fast transient response and superior timing. Active power factor correction and precise regulation maintain peak performance regardless of AC mains quality. Fully enclosed in dedicated chamber that is CNC machined into Brama’s solid aluminum body (see below), it’s isolated and shielded for optimal audio fidelity.


- Timeless Analog Design

The front panel’s analog wattage gauge, with precision air-core movement and sapphire glass, reflects Brama’s commitment to simplicity and elegance. Swiss-engineered rotary encoders offer a luxurious tactile experience, eliminating digital clutter for a clean, timeless aesthetic.


- Seamless Craftsmanship

Precision-machined from a solid block of aluminum, Brama’s body provides excellent resonance control, EMI shielding, and heat dissipation. This seamless construction delivers both durability and understated elegance.


- Effortless Control

The Brama Remote redefines functionality with an intuitive menu, a high-resolution display, and tactile push buttons. Effortlessly adjust volume, gain, balance, and input settings. Bluetooth communication eliminates line-of-sight issues. USB-C ensures easy recharging and firmware updates, while its solid aluminum body and sapphire glass window mirrors the Brama Integrated Amplifier’s craftsmanship.


- For additional details and specifications, please visit:

https://www.vinnierossi.com/brama-integrated-amplifier/

 

[BlueLightSpecial]

Any idea if any of these are going to be shown at the Florida Audio Expo next month?

 

[JamesD]

Any idea if any of these are going to be shown at the Florida Audio Expo next month?

Great question. I know the separates and integrated will be at Axpona. Let me see if I can get Vinnie to hop on and answer. Thanks! James

 

[Vinnie Rossi]

Hi James,

Thanks for starting this thread and welcoming me over!

Hi BlueLightSpecial,

We will not be at the Florida Audio Expo next month. James is correct - we'll be at AXPONA in April, exhibiting in two rooms:

- Room 1427, with Rockport Technologies (their new LYNX loudspeaker) powered by the gen2 Brama Preamplifier and Monoblocks.

- Room 1428, with the QLN Reference 9 Loudspeakers powered by the gen2 Brama Integrated Amplifier (Mark Sossa of Well-Pleased AV and James of Choice Audio will be running this room).

We'll also be exhibiting at the Munich Show in May (details to follow).

---

If anyone has any questions about the Brama components, please let me know.

Best regards,

Vinnie

 

[Synaxis]

Looks fantastic!

 

[treitz3]

Hello to the both of you and please allow me to offer each of you a very warm welcome to the What's Best Forum! There are many people on this forum that share your deep passion for high-end audio. You should feel at home.

Question - Does the remote upload the update, then sends the information to the unit via BT, or does the unit connect via USB-C and say, a laptop or phone? Reason I ask, is I do not see a USB-C on the unit itself. (Unless the hookup is located above the PC....hard to tell from my device at the moment)

Tom

 

[Vinnie Rossi]

Question - Does the remote upload the update, then sends the information to the unit via BT, or does the unit connect via USB-C and say, a laptop or phone? Reason I ask, is I do not see a USB-C on the unit itself. (Unless the hookup is located above the PC....hard to tell from my device at the moment)

Hi Tom,

Thank you for your kind welcome!

Regarding the Brama Remote, I believe you are referring to software updates? The same USB-C jack on the bottom of the Remote that is used for recharging its internal battery can also be used for updating the firmware using a laptop.

There is also a USB-C jack located at the center of the rear panel of the Brama units (just above the AC mains power inlet) for firmware updates.
It's machined into the rear panel, so it's kind of stealth - but if you zoom in on the pic of the rear of the Brama Integrated Amp above, you should be able to see it more clearly.

I have high resolution images of Brama, but I'm not sure what is the largest size that WBF will accept (and not sure if it compresses them)?

Best regards,

Vinnie

 

[treitz3]

I believe you are referring to software updates?

I was and that is cool. Very cool. For some folks, getting a USB-C back at that location would be....shall I say, not "convenient". At all. I find that awesome that you offer both as a tool to update. Very nice and well done!

Tom

 

[JamesD]

I was and that is cool. Very cool. For some folks, getting a USB-C back at that location would be....shall I say, not "convenient". At all. I find that awesome that you offer both as a tool to update. Very nice and well done!

Tom

Thanks for reaching out Tom. Pleasure to meet you!

James

 

[Elberoth]

A friend of mine just bought one to drive his Wilsons Alexia V. He is super happy with one. He had some heavy hitters in his system (his previous amp was Karan Masterclass amp).

 

[JamesD]

Below are some details of the gen2 Brama Preamplifier:


Brama Preamplifier

The Brama Preamplifier delivers ultimate musical refinement and flexibility for discerning audiophiles.

- The Heart and Soul of Your System

At its core is Vinnie Rossi’s finest 300B linestage, featuring matched Western Electric WE300B directly-heated triodes in pure Class A operation for voltage gain. These legendary triodes deliver unmatched realism, tonal purity, and immersion. Fully balanced input and output stages ensure exceptional noise rejection and signal integrity.

Unique to Brama, its dual-mono circuitry, including the 300B triodes, is mounted directly to the rear panel, minimizing the audio signal path to just a few centimeters for maximum signal purity. Separate resistor ladder volume control for the L and R channels offer precise channel matching at all volume settings.


- Pure Analog Emotion

The Brama’s front panel reflects timeless analog simplicity, with no digital displays or clutter. A bespoke analog VU gauge with precision air-core movement, sapphire glass, and a polished stainless bezel seamlessly integrates into its design. Swiss-engineered rotary encoders, paired with solid aluminum knobs, offer precise and luxurious tactile control.


- Effortless Control

The Brama Remote redefines functionality with an intuitive menu, a high-resolution display, and tactile push buttons. Effortlessly adjust volume, gain, balance, and input settings. Bluetooth communication eliminates line-of-sight issues. USB-C ensures easy recharging and firmware updates, while its solid aluminum body and sapphire glass window mirrors the Brama Preamplifier’s craftsmanship.


- Powering Your Passion

A custom switch-mode power supply with linear, Belleson super-regulated outputs ensures ultra-low noise and impedance for pristine performance. With independent voltage rails and 300B cathode heating, it minimizes crosstalk and interference for superior pace, rhythm, and timing (regardless of AC mains quality).

Fully enclosed in dedicated chamber that is CNC machined into Brama’s solid aluminum body (see below), it’s isolated and shielded for optimal audio fidelity.


- Timeless Craftsmanship

Precision-machined from a solid block of aluminum, Brama’s seamless construction provides exceptional resonance control, EMI shielding, and heat dissipation. This cost-no-object design ensures long-term reliability while offering sophisticated elegance to complement its superior performance.


- For additional details and specifications, please visit:

https://www.vinnierossi.com/brama-preamplifier/

 

[Vinnie Rossi]

 

[JamesD]

A friend of mine just bought one to drive his Wilsons Alexia V. He is super happy with one. He had some heavy hitters in his system (his previous amp was Karan Masterclass amp).

Hi Elberoth, that’s great to hear. I’m pretty sure there will be a review of the Brama separates coming paired those same speakers. Cheers, James

 

[JamesD]

Below are some details of the gen2 Brama Monoblock Power Amplifiers (MPA):


Brama Monoblock Power Amplifiers

The Brama Monoblocks are designed to deliver immense power, exquisite musicality, and enduring reliability, effortlessly driving even the most demanding loudspeakers.


- Effortless Power

Delivering 300W into 8-ohms, 600W into 4 ohms, and 1200W RMS into 2 ohms, the Brama Monoblocks feature a high-current Class AB lateral MOSFET output stage. Using only three matched output devices per rail, they reveal the finest musical details with stunning clarity.

Advanced layout techniques, a dual-PCB stack, and ultra-short signal and power paths ensure optimal performance and minimal signal degradation. Continuous monitoring of heatsink temperature and output current for high reliability and long-term enjoyment.


- Timeless Analog Design

Brama Monoblocks embody simplicity and elegance, free from unnecessary digital displays. Their bespoke analog power gauge features precision air-core movement, sapphire glass, and a polished stainless bezel, seamlessly centered into the minimalist front panel.


- An Exceptional Power Supply

The Brama Monoblocks boast a custom switch-mode power supply that was designed from the ground up. It can deliver 2400W peak output, ultra-low noise and highly-responsive output current. Active power factor correction (PFC) ensure consistent performance regardless of AC mains quality. Fully enclosed in dedicated chamber that is CNC machined into Brama’s solid aluminum body (see below), it’s isolated and shielded for optimal audio fidelity.


- Seamless Craftsmanship

Precision-machined from a single block of aluminum, the Brama Monoblocks combine elegant form and function. This seamless construction offers exceptional resonance control, EMI shielding, and efficient heat dissipation. From industrial design to internal engineering, every detail reflects a commitment to sophistication, reliability, and timeless appeal.


- For additional details and specifications, please visit:

https://www.vinnierossi.com/brama-monoblock-power-amplifier/




(Shown above is the L-channel Brama MPA. The rear panel of R-channel Brama MPA is "mirror-imaged")

 

[SWA_TX]

Beautiful gear — have always enjoyed the house sound of Vinni Rossi.. especially when paired with YG Acoustics at shows.

 

[JamesD]

Beautiful gear — have always enjoyed the house sound of Vinni Rossi.. especially when paired with YG Acoustics at shows.

Thanks Josh, I'm currently playing the Brama Integrated with the Von Schweikert VR50s. Really nice synergy so far. More than enough power.

 

[JamesD]

The iconic Western Electric WE300B tubes in the gen2 Brama Preamplifier and Integrated Amplifier (shown above) are revered for their sonic purity and unparalleled ability to convey the nuance and emotion of music. While they are often associated with low-powered SET power amplifiers, Vinnie Rossi chose to use them for linestage (voltage gain) duty in his Brama PRE and INT models because of their exceptional linearity, low distortion, and the expansive soundstage that they deliver in his circuit.

The key word here is "realism" - and Vinnie explained to me that he couldn’t achieve quite this level of realism with typical indirectly-heated preamp tubes that he has used in past designs . The WE300Bs are sonically transparent yet deeply engaging, especially as used in the Brama PRE and INT since they are not burdened by the demands of driving a loudspeaker load via an output transformer. This not only allows them to fully showcase their strengths in this design, but also allows them to easily exceed 10 years of life since they are being ran gently (in comparison to being used in a power amplifier).

Vinnie also managed to get the noise floor in his Brama linestage down in the -120dB range using Belleson super-regualtors for both the B+ and cathode heating of the WE300Bs, and unlike his earlier LIO and L2 designs that used directly heated triodes in the linestage, he perfected the Brama to achieve super-low microphonics. You can put your ear up to the speaker, tap on Brama's solid-body enclosure and not hear anything in the loudspeakers.

The gen2 Brama Preamplifier and Integrated Amplifier models ship with a matched-pair of WE300Bs installed in teflon tube sockets that are mounted directly to the rear panel's dual-mono pcb (for the shortest signal paths), and the tubes come with Western Electric's warranty and paperwork (test data for each tube).

Together with Mark Sossa of Well Pleased AV, I'll be showing the gen2 Brama Integrated Amplifier at AXPONA this April in Room 1428 with the QLN Reference 9 Loudspeakers! We did very well with this combo at Axpona 2024, as you can see here: https://www.vinnierossi.com/reviews/
(scroll down to the Axpona 2024 coverage).

Cheers, James

 

[JamesD]

Photo credit: Michael Lavorgna of Twittering Machines

I thought I would share a recent review by Michael Lavorgna.

Twittering Machines review of the gen2 Brama Integrated Amp:
https://twitteringmachines.com/review-vinnie-rossi-brama-integrated-amplifier/

“Chief among the Brama’s strengths are its graceful way with any music you send its way coupled with just-right richness, full range reach, and a kind of effortless purity that invites the listener in, as deeply as one’s time and attention allows. And Vinnie Rossi wrapped all of that sonic goodness in one of the most attractive, thoughtfully designed packages I’ve had the pleasure to live with. All told, the Vinnie Rossi Brama Integrated Amplifier comes with my highest recommendation. Bravo!“ - Michael Lavorgna / Twittering Machines

Loudspeakers used in the review included the QLN Reference 9, the Devore Fidelity O/96. Yes, the Brama Integrated is equally well-suited for driving 4-ohm loudspeakers as well as 16-ohm loudspeakers (and everything in between!).

On top of that, Brama made it to Twittering Machines "Favorite Gear of 2024" list:
https://twitteringmachines.com/twittering-machines-favorite-gear-of-2024/

Choice Audio's Comments:

We have had the Gen 2 Brama Integrated in house for almost one year. I have heard it with the Von Schweikert Endeavor SEs (now the one), Von Schweikert VR-55s, Gauder Akustik Capello 100s, Perlistin S7ts, QLN Ref9s, QLN P3s and QLN P5s. We also have a customer paring the Focal Utopias with this integrated and he is extremely happy.

With all of these speakers, the Brama's sonic attributes shined through. The Gen2 Integrated has the control and speed you would expect at this price point, along with sound staging that's among the best that I have ever heard. It delivers leading edge detail, resolution and weight (meat on the bones) and yet at the same time has the richness and soul that allows you to listen for hours on end without fatigue. It's also gorgeous to look at! They also come shipped in a Pelican Case, so remote auditions are a relatively easy to set up.

 

[JamesD]

Here's a link to a cool interview with Vinnie Rossi, conducted by Chris Connaker of Audiophile Style. This conversation offers valuable insight into Vinnie’s lifelong passion for design, which began at the young age of four, and his journey in high-end audio.

As Chris is currently reviewing the Brama Preamplifier and Monoblock Amplifiers, he also gives Vinnie the opportunity to discuss key design features of the Brama series, providing deeper context on what makes these components special.

If you have never met Vinnie in person and you will be at Axpona, stop by Room 1427 and say "hello". In addition to being a brilliant designer, he is one of the coolest, most down to earth guys you will ever meet.

Chris Connaker - Vinnie Rossi Interview

 

[JamesD]

Below are some details of the gen2 Brama Monoblock Power Amplifiers (MPA):


Brama Monoblock Power Amplifiers

The Brama Monoblocks are designed to deliver immense power, exquisite musicality, and enduring reliability, effortlessly driving even the most demanding loudspeakers.


- Effortless Power

Delivering 300W into 8-ohms, 600W into 4 ohms, and 1200W RMS into 2 ohms, the Brama Monoblocks feature a high-current Class AB lateral MOSFET output stage. Using only three matched output devices per rail, they reveal the finest musical details with stunning clarity.

Advanced layout techniques, a dual-PCB stack, and ultra-short signal and power paths ensure optimal performance and minimal signal degradation. Continuous monitoring of heatsink temperature and output current for high reliability and long-term enjoyment.


- Timeless Analog Design

Brama Monoblocks embody simplicity and elegance, free from unnecessary digital displays. Their bespoke analog power gauge features precision air-core movement, sapphire glass, and a polished stainless bezel, seamlessly centered into the minimalist front panel.


- An Exceptional Power Supply

The Brama Monoblocks boast a custom switch-mode power supply that was designed from the ground up. It can deliver 2400W peak output, ultra-low noise and highly-responsive output current. Active power factor correction (PFC) ensure consistent performance regardless of AC mains quality. Fully enclosed in dedicated chamber that is CNC machined into Brama’s solid aluminum body (see below), it’s isolated and shielded for optimal audio fidelity.


- Seamless Craftsmanship

Precision-machined from a single block of aluminum, the Brama Monoblocks combine elegant form and function. This seamless construction offers exceptional resonance control, EMI shielding, and efficient heat dissipation. From industrial design to internal engineering, every detail reflects a commitment to sophistication, reliability, and timeless appeal.


- For additional details and specifications, please visit:

https://www.vinnierossi.com/brama-monoblock-power-amplifier/


View attachment 144554
View attachment 144555
(Shown above is the L-channel Brama MPA. The rear panel of R-channel Brama MPA is "mirror-imaged")

Adding a recent review from Chris Connaker of Audiophile Style. Chris reviews the Vinnie Rossi Brama Gen2 Separates, pairing them with his Wilson Alexia V speakers.

Vinnie Rossi 2nd Generation Brama Preamp and Monoblock Amp Review

Audio: Listen to this article. I’ve listened to a zillion components over the last twenty years at audio shows, dealer showrooms, private homes, and in my dedicated listening rooms. Listening to the components is one thing, but selecting them for use as a reference in my own system, through which...

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