What are your thoughts on these brands? Do you like one brand over the other? If so, why? Is it purely subjective at this level or do you feel some of these brands have significant shortcomings, colorations or compromises?
Agree with most of the sentiments expressed herein...but I still must say that, as good as the individual equipment is, combining those components AND setup still matter (a lot). And yes, that does mean 'the tweaks' which include good isolation, room treatment, and paying attention to power and grounding. It will not change the components' intrinsic sound (unless those tweaks are quite extreme...in which case, be careful)...but they WILL allow me to hear 'more' of what the components are already capable of doing (in my experience).
For me, this applies to Gryphon, Zanden, CJ, Wilson, Transparent Cables, Burmester (Power Conditioner) and of course the Velodyne.
Hi LL,
Not disagreeing regarding setup and tweeking with you, but should be done after getting the right amp. My point is that if someone's amplifier is a pusssy, all that work is a waste of time.
To my ears the Vitus amps have a natural musicality that I like
Barry, do you believe the Vitus amps match the natural musicality which you like from tube amplifiers?
(I do not mean to open up a can of worms about the definition of "natural musicality." I simply am repeating Barry's term in however he means it.)
Hi Ron
Hope you are well.
I am no expert on tube amplifiers and I have no quarrel at all with those who prefer them to SS, but I prefer the convenience and generally more neutral sound of SS.Certainly in Class A in particular the Vitus amps do have tube like qualities and provide me with the balance of sound quality and convenience which I prefer along with outstanding build quality and aesthetics.
Ian for you it's easy to go to Manhattan and listen to Vitus at rsvinta's on Magico. Pick up one of his many Goldmund Apologues on the way back. He won't notice if one is missing, he has been selling so many
Barry, do you believe the Vitus amps match the natural musicality which you like from tube amplifiers?
(I do not mean to open up a can of worms about the definition of "natural musicality." I simply am repeating Barry's term in however he means it.)
I went from Nagra class A valves to solid state. With Vitus the over spec UI transformer has a lot to do with the valve like presentation. No replacement valves or biasing to worry about. With the SIA 025 you forget it's an integrated, you forget its only 25 watts in class A. It's just switch on and enjoy.
I had Ayre MXR's for ~6 years. Just loved those amps. Replaced BAT VK 150SE's. First amps that got me away from tubes.
Then the MXR-20 came out. While "technically" better, seemed to loose that emotional connection I had with the MXR's. 5 different amp combo's when through my room...when the Nagra Classic came...it stayed...technically better and emotionally. And it was the cheapest...go figure. I'll get to hear a 2nd Classic and the Nagra HD amps soon. I'd add Nagra to your list...
I went from Nagra class A valves to solid state. With Vitus the over spec UI transformer has a lot to do with the valve like presentation. No replacement valves or biasing to worry about. With the SIA 025 you forget it's an integrated, you forget its only 25 watts in class A. It's just switch on and enjoy.
+1
My experience too
Hey JFrech, if you are going to hear further Nagra amps, have you ever heard Vitus before? I continue to think of Andy Payor and his penchant for Gryphon, where perhaps Vitus is another stellar Class A amp.
...
I am curious on amps right now. Wondering if a Gryphon is something I should listen too. I agree with the class A fans out there...
If you can, i would highly recommend it!
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