Duckworp,
I appreciate posts such as these, comprehensive yet having a certain succinctness to the underlying message. The more I read the more I observe on the familiar pattern or sound characteristics of these amplifiers. Although the system, equipment or loudspeakers may vary across the board, it’s the consistent impressions or experiences that people have which matter.
I can somehow relate to some of the impressions particularly the Luxman and Naim comparison. Although I do not have experience with the Luxman, I get the same impressions when the Luxman C700U/M-700U separates are substituted with the Quad 66/606 or Rega Elicit Mk2 integrated. The Naim amps in my case are NAC 282 and NAP 250DR instead of NAC 552 and NAP 300.
Luxman vs Naim
Smooth, velvety, big, lush, soft, lacking in detail and excitement come to mind. There is a softening of leading edges that has led to the reduction in detail and excitement, a smoothening effect to the sound. That’s the same experience I had when the Naim was compared to some of these smooth sounding mainstream amps especially the vintage Quad 606/600 and matching CD player. The same can be said with other amps such as the Rega (Elicit Mk2) or other common mainstream amps. Just a smooth and non-offensive sound as most have put it but lacking in detail, verve and excitement to me.
Vitus vs Naim
The Vitus and Naim comparison is surely interesting. I am aware that the Vitus is a special amp after a friend recommended it many years ago given its pedigree. The Vitus surely belongs within the realm of high-end – exemplary quality and build with a befitting price tag. The Vitus RI-100 is an integrated amp that weighs a whopping 88 lbs (40 kilogrammes) which surely tells you something. Most common mainstream integrated amps weigh below 10 kg with few premium ones touching 15 kg. The Vitus is 3 times heavier than most common amps out there.
More organic presentation, sweeter treble, less forward sound and more transparent midrange. As mentioned earlier, these descriptions are rather consistent when folks compare the Naim with other alternatives. The Vitus may have stood out by not sacrificing detail or excitement when delivering those positive traits that you cited. Most amps may have a sweeter treble and sound smoother and more organic in comparison to the Naim but in turn lacks excitement and detail apart from showing a certain dullness to the overall presentation.
Perhaps try the Teddy integrated or pre/power options and compare them with your Naim NAC 552 / NAP 300 as the description of the Vitus RI-100 is quite similar to the Teddy gear.
Devialet vs. Naim
No comment on this one as I don’t really dig the looks of the Devialet but understand that there are few folks who prefer the sound of the Devialet.
My own conclusion as follows.
I share the same sentiment on the Naim “house sound”. Although your NAC 552 / NAP 300 are different from my NAC 282 / NAP 250DR, I can relate to the remarks on the forwardness or excitement of the Naim. It’s certainly a signature of the Naim sound and I acknowledge the fact that the Naim may not sound as natural, organic or lush when compared to other amplifiers in the market, but I like the forwardness of the Naim in the context of my system. So far it works well for me. The Teddy power supply brought an organic quality to the presentation when it’s connected to the NAC 282 in tandem with the Hicap DR. A slight softening to the sound but not overly done at the expense of robbing excitement from the system.
The match between amplifiers and loudspeakers may be a crucial factor apart from listening preferences. I note that you are using B&W 804 Diamond speakers. The forwardness of the 804 Diamond may be amplified by the 552/300 when the Vitus sounds more at home with the B&Ws. In my case, the Harbeth Super HL5 Plus are inherently smooth sounding speakers and may benefit from the forwardness or excitement of the Naim. Some folks regard the Harbeth as dull and flat-sounding “sleepy speakers” with people falling asleep when in the midst of a listening session. The immediacy and forwardness of the Naim may be useful here although there are some who still prefer smoother sounding amps with the Harbeth.
Lastly, I used to own large and heavy power amplifiers, one being the Plinius SA-100 MkIII. Although the amp comes with handles on the front panel (which prove to be almost mandatory to me) it is still quite a chore to lift the whole thing up. I just checked and the Vitus RI-100 integrated is actually heavier than the Plinius amp, and it does not come with handles on the front or rear panel. I wonder how do people carry or handle the amp.
These days, large and heavy amps are out of question to me although they may sound stellar. It’s just something that’s personal.
I am into my Rock/Metal so NAIM just tired me out (NDS system)
