Testing the Vitus Audio RI 101 MKII - Integrated Amplifier

Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII an amplifier with an important history behind it that we are extremely happy to tell you about.

When it comes to redefining the high-end integrated amplifier segment, few names resonate as strongly as Vitus Audio. Renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and performance-oriented design, the Danish company’s entry-level model, the RI-101 MKII, is anything but ordinary. Combining power, exceptional sonic performance, and understated elegance, this amplifier exemplifies Vitus Audio’s commitment to uncompromising quality.

Aesthetics and build quality of the Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII

The Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII integrated amplifier belongs to the Reference Series, which, despite what the name might suggest, is the entry-level one in the Vitus Audio offering. At first glance it exudes an austere minimalist sophistication. The solid steel cabinet is not only beautiful to look at but contributes to the amplifier’s robustness and resonance control. The split front panel-a hallmark of Vitus Audio-is made of thick aluminum and bears in the center a small recessed display by means of which one can control the effects of the controls given through two sets of buttons on either side of it. In short: a successful concentrate of Nordic design that conveys a reassuring sense of quality and solidity. The Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII has a carefully designed back panel to accommodate a wide range of configurations. All connectors used are professional Neutrik connectors. Equipment includes three balanced XLR inputs, two RCA inputs, and an XLR pre/tape output. The speaker terminals are aesthetically appealing and ergonomically designed for ease of use. Other features include a ground connector, a 15A IEC power tray, and a USB port for firmware updates to ensure that the amplifier is always future-proof. The overall weight is by no means negligible as it stands at 38 kg.

The visionary behind Vitus Audio

The Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII owes its excellence to Hans-Ole Vitus, an engineer, audio enthusiast, and hobbyist who began his journey into the world of audio from the age of 12, playing percussion in a marching band. At age 15, he joined his first rock band and owned a Pioneer hi-fi system that ignited his passion for audio technology. At the age of 18, Hans-Ole had an enlightening experience when he fell in love with the sound of Gryphon Audio Designs equipment, a luxury he could not afford at that time, however. However, that experience inspired him to study engineering with the goal of realizing his own designs. By 1995, at the age of 27, he was making amplifiers while working as a sales manager for Texas Instruments. His reputation grew through classic “word of mouth” from a few enthusiasts who had purchased his early designs and led to the launch of the Vitus Audio brand. His first products, unveiled in 2003 at the Stockholm Audio Fair, defined the design aesthetic that still distinguishes Vitus components today.

Technical Analysis of the Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII

The Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII uses for each channel a pair of high-polarized class AB monophonic amplifiers working in bridged (bridged). It delivers an impressive 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 600 watts into 4 ohms, including 8 watts and 16 watts in Class A, respectively. The amplifier incorporates a fully realized discrete-component output stage and boasts a fixed-resistor volume control based on a matrix of relay-selected resistors. This enables precise volume changes in 1dB steps between -80dB and +8dB. Vitus Audio’s meticulous approach also extends to the components used. Most of the resistors and capacitors are identical to those found in Vitus’ higher-end series, ensuring a high level of performance. The design of the power transformer is another hallmark. While many brands prefer toroidal transformers, Vitus opts for “EI”-type transformers for the Reference series to which the model under test belongs, which differ in winding configuration from those in the company’s high-end lines that are “UI”-type. This choice reflects Vitus’ commitment to balancing cost optimization with superior sound quality. In addition, the RI-101 MKII’s philosophy of avoiding the use of global negative feedback results in a sound signature that is free of coloration and very transparent. The standard input package can be expanded through the installation of an optional DAC/streamer card that integrates SPDIF, AES, USB and Network (RJ45) digital inputs with the latter opening the product to modern playback standards such as Roon and popular streaming platforms.

User interface: Intuitive simplicity

The front panel of the Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and functionality. A centrally located, narrow, recessed section of the panel houses the display that provides clear input and volume information. Next to the display are two larger side panels, available in contrasting colors-even a bold yet striking Titanium Orange-that add a touch of personalization. The left side includes buttons for input selection, menu access, and standby, while the right side features two volume buttons for up/down control and a mute button. Notably, there is no traditional volume knob, emphasizing the modern, minimalist design. The intuitive menu system allows users to assign a custom name to inputs, set initial volume levels for each input, turn on Vitus logo illumination, adjust display brightness, activate auto-standby, and more. This careful interface design makes the RI-101 MKII not only a pleasure to listen to but also to use. A convenient metal remote control from Apple is offered as standard equipment.

Listening

The Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII excels at delivering a neutral yet thoroughly engaging listening experience. From orchestral masterpieces to intimate jazz sessions, from Rock to electronica, it always manages to disentangle complex arrangements with great finesse, preserving the emotional essence of the music. Unlike many amplifiers that overemphasize detail at the expense of musicality, the RI-101 MKII achieves a delicate balance between resolution-which is always at the highest level-and warmth. In a sense we could call it “the amplifier that isn’t there” such is its ability (but one would be tempted to call it a “desire”) to disappear behind the scenes while still providing the necessary energy. We particularly appreciated this amplifier’s ability to drive any speaker we connected to it in exemplary fashion: from the small but demanding Vivid Audio Kaya S12 to the large Kaya 90. Even cheaper speakers, we refer in this case to the Marten Oscar Duo and the Paradigm Founder 40B, were enabled to express their full potential by the Danish integrated amplifier, which, thanks to the reserve of energy combined with refinement, always allows for the best. Listening to Brahms’ German Requiem with this amplifier is an emotional and thrilling experience. The immense power and dynamic precision bring the orchestral crescendos to life with the choir voices being articulate and clearly readable. In Sibelius’ Violin Concerto No. 1 in D minor Op. 47 (J. Jansen – Mäkelä), the nuanced handling of the quieter passages allows one to immerse oneself in music evocative of terse Nordic atmospheres. The brass sections shine with clarity and the bass is taut but thunderous, creating an intimate connection with each note.

Comparison and value

Placed as an entry point into the Vitus Audio universe, the RI-101 MKII is sometimes compared to the higher-end SIA-025 model. Although it does not have the full Class A operation of the latter, its hybrid topology and meticulous design allow it to offer performance that rivals much more expensive models. Priced at 18,000, the RI-101 MKII is undeniably a significant investment, but its exceptional build quality, sonic performance, and upgrade potential make it an exceptional value in high-end audio.

Conclusions

The Vitus Audio RI-101 MKII is a triumph of design and engineering. Its combination of power, refinement and ability to connect emotionally to music sets a benchmark for integrated amplifiers in its class. Whether you are an audiophile seeking maximum neutrality or a music lover who desires an emotional connection to your favorite recordings, the RI-101 MKII does more than just reproduce music; it transforms it into a profound experience. For some it may be the ultimate choice among amplifiers.

Manufacturer: AVA Group A/S, Dueoddevej 6B, 7400 Herning, Denmark
Tel: +45 9626 8046

Web: https://www.vitusaudio.com/

Distributor for Italy: Audio Point Italia, Via Elio Vittorini 16, 95021 Aci Castello (CT)

Email: info@audiopointitalia.it

Web: https://www.audiopoint.it

Tel: +39 095 27 26 01

Technical Characteristics

Inputs	XLR	RCA
n°	3 (L+R)	2 (L+R)
Sensitivity	2 VRMS	2 VRMS
Impedance	16kΩ	16kΩ

Outputs (per channel)	Speakers	PRE/TAPE OUT
n°	1 set balanced	1(XLR)
Impedance	0.075Ω	33Ω
Power WRMS (8Ω)	~8W Class A / ~300W Class AB
Power WRMS (4Ω)	~16W Class A / ~600W Class AB
Bandwidth	+800kHz
S/R ratio	>100dB @ 1kHz
THD + noise	0.04% @ 100W / 1kHz