Vitus integrated amp v 552/500

Did you use the optional internal dac for the 300 or an external dac?

On smaller speakers…
I downsized from Dyn’ Contour 60 on my 252/250DR, then Diablo 300, to Mojo S with the Class A Essence pre/power.
The Dyn’s are quite big 3-way floorstanders with 2 x 9” woofers; Mojo is a 2-way, 108lb (not small) standmount with bass coming through 2 x 5.5” drivers. The scale (and presence) of sound, particularly the bass, is leaps and bounds greater with Mojo/Essence. Latter can’t reproduce the lowest bass like the Dyn’s could, but I rarely miss it and I certainly don’t miss the endless trials and tribulations I had trying to control the bass boom with multiple g/f unfriendly panels. I don’t need any panels now, though I’ve kept the GIK art panels on the walls because they’re decorative and perform a modest function. Also, Mojo disappears from the musical presentation. I have just one big soundscape with performers spread about on it. I could never quite get the Contours to fully disappear from a performance.
Since my listening space is also our lounge, the floorstanders were a win win not only in SQ but also aesthetics. Floorstanders aren’t necessarily more effective than standmounts in smaller spaces where comprehensive room treatment isn’t possible. But not all standmounts are created equal…

1 Like

Looking at the OP’s room makes me think it’s a case of over investment in electronics and speakers…for the simple enjoyment of music.

I apologise to the OP but I must put this thought in your head.

There are some brilliant standmounts available which might be all one ever needs…in that room…and some room treatment

1 Like

77Rand -
I use an external Resonessence Mirus Pro. One of the beauties of Gryphon is you don’t have to worry about synergy if you use their kit; like Naim. But I didn’t feel the need to change the excellent Mirus unit. I’d have been interested to hear the onboard dac, though.

1 Like

Looking at the new two-rack setup and your shelves, I’d be tempted to get the 552 service+DR done first unless a fabulous used Fraim job lot comes up. Especially if the 552 is around 12-14 years old.

I would agree entirely Michael. The decline can be extremely slow over years I suspect. I decided to have mine serviced at 9 years and comfortably back it is going through the motions atm.
Having said that I’d still be curious to hear a pair of LS3/5As ( Falcons) fronted by the Rossini/ Supernait 3 in Dunc’s room. Just sayin’ :partying_face: Peter

1 Like

Im still about a week behind in your thread, but wanted to comment on this. We humans can simultaneously process multiple “inputs.” Our ears, our eyes. They produce in our brains multiple outputs; emotion is the result of more than just one of those inputs. I think it entirely appropriate to prefer a hi fi for how it makes us feel when we listen, acknowledging that what we hear is necessary, but not sufficient, to the total emotional result.

Here, you had enough self-awareness to realize that absent a total system change, you’d be emotionally unsettled. When you put the Naim back, you returned to an emotionally pleasant space. You’re allowed to change your mind again, but I find it interesting that you recognized that something else was still lacking with the VA in the room.

I’m totally comfortable with the 1.5x level for the 500DR. It certainly provides a tidier look, IMHO.

Decided I am going to get the 552 and ps serviced first, as then I will know for sure that all is well and hopefully this will sort out my slight problem I have with it all.
I am very happy with it all, it’s just that being able to run my headphone amp direct from the rossini, rather than through the 552, highlighted a slight decrease in sound and this started the vitus chat.
Just to clarify if I go fraim it will be 2 racks, very similar to what I have now

2 Likes

I think someone has already mentioned it and you are probably aware but I never twigged that fraim is quite a bit wider than other racks- I could just about fit three racks into my space but not 3 fraim. I may add a quadraspire half width rack which would fit next to my two fraim…

Hi tim yes i know they are wider, and will need to get the tape measure out before i commit, but a bit wider isn’t a real problem, the biggest problem will come from the rossini, clock and rega aura, as cables and size will be an issue on the naim

1 Like

When my lp12 gets fettled (shortly) I need to get a longer signal cable fitted as the width of the fraim mean its location on the right stack is a problem for reaching the 552 signal input even with the furthest right input. So it pushes the left and right stacks a bit further From each other

Hi Dunc
My Rossini and Master Clock have just arrived. Although I was under the impression the feet would not fit on the Fraim glass - and I ordered and have HRS footers - I can confirm that the Rossini’s feet just fit (and barely) on the Fraim.

Rossini and Master Clock set up last night and only listening via headphones as the 552/500 are still not back from Dr and recap. A quick two hour session with both units Stone cold indicated that you were right - Master Clock is mandatory!

My Linn DS/3 has been usurped. The king is dead… long live the king.

Best
Gregg

3 Likes

Nice one gregg
I know it does just fit on the fraim, as long as its on the top, i also have isolation feet under dcs stack, so that will help.
Be good to compare how you get on with it, also just sorting out about sending my 552/552ps off for service and dr.

Dunc, I do hope you will come back to the forum and tell us what impact DRing and servicing your 552 has had, and eventually what impact a Fraim has, if you decide to.

1 Like

Hi Gregg. It would be interesting to get your feed back, when they finally land back. You are in for a treat! :+1:t3: Enjoy Peter

Hi Peter

FedEx should be delivering them today. I am not quite sure I will enjoy the unpacking, tightening up Fraim etc. however someone has to do it :blush:

When FedEx sent the shipping notification I had a nice chuckle - 229 lbs.
How many of your " stone" is that :grin:

Best
Gregg

2 Likes

My 500 and 552 came from the dealer on a wooden pallet, shipped by a trucking/freight service. The 500DR will have the Fed Ex driver cursing!

Can’t wait to hear more about your new source :slight_smile:

Well Gregg, let us keep it simple. It is the same weight as me= tall and a little bit of middle age spread. The 500 head is a bugger to get back in the rack with balls flying everywhere. :crazy_face: Have fun Peter

There’s no way I’d try to slide it in. Maybe 2 people can??

I did mine as part of a total Fraim re-build. I’d dismantle the Fraim/system, but the 500 head on the bottom, and re-assemble going up. Probably not much more time consuming, fewer curses, fewer pinched fingers, etc etc.

1 Like