Sam Runham from Martins Hi-Fi and Steve Forrest, our UK Sales Manager, had the simple (yet heavy) job this week of carrying out an upgrade on a client’s system, replacing a Vitus Audio RI-101 with a new Vitus Audio SIA-025 Mk.II. Also included in the installation was an additional set of Stillpoints Ultra SS with Ultra Base isolation feet.
Steve had the opportunity to listen to the RI-101 prior to swapping it out and it still sounds exceptionally good with the dCS Apex Rossini Player and Clock, but the SIA-025 definitely takes things to the next level.
The job was made a lot easier (considering the number of boxes connected) thanks to the initial installation being very well laid out by the Martins Hi-Fi team and the components all being reasonably accessible. Once the heavy lifting was completed, all cables were attached and checked. Then it was on to firing up the SIA-025 Mk.II.
Before the listening could begin, time was taken to check all the input and output voltages of the various components.
Steve and Sam put in place a fixed input for the Trinnov Altitude 32-16, 2V for the cassette deck, 2V for the dCS Apex Rossini and 4V for the balanced out from the Gold Note PH-10 and PSU-10. Each input was tested until they both confirmed they were happy with the sound.
“It was fantastic to hear the SIA-025 sounding so good immediately, even from cold. Once switched to Class A, we could see a grin appear on the customer’s face. Job done!” – Steve, Airt UK Sales Manager.
Who says you can’t have big speakers in a small room, or drive a pair of B&W 801 D4’s with 25W per channel!
The plan is to leave the SIA-025 Mk.II for a few months to fully break in after which we will return to do a full system calibration and make sure everything is fully optimised.
We’re looking forward to hearing the fully run in system soon and sharing the results here.
