A3 with Vitus sia-030 or CH i1

[Dhkte]

I am considering a demo Vitus sia 030 or a brand new CH i1 to drive my A3s... they are nearly the same price. My music is jazz and blues. Please tell me what I should get.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Bodhi]

Hi Dhkte, I've heard the A3's paired with the Vitus RI-101 and Soulution 330, but not the CH i1, so I couldn't offer an opinion on how that amp might work in synergy. I recently got a first audition of the SIA-030 to get first impressions, however that was on the Magico M2's. The SIA-030 is a beautifully engineered amp & is notably quieter and more effortless (powerful) compared to the SIA-025 which I own. It also offers the option of adding dac/streamer & phono options boards later on which provides greater flexibility.

Of the two amps i've heard with the A3's, I thought the RI-101 was a perfect match in a medium or medium-large room, whilst I preferred the Soulution 330 in a smaller hotel room. The SIA-030 would be over-kill on the A3's, but if you can swing a good deal on an ex-demo example, I'd suggest going for the Vitus. It is a great "allrounder" and should serve jazz and blues well running in Class A. It is also enormously powerful & will grow with your system as you upgrade.

 

[Dhkte]

Thank you Bodhi! Your experience with Vitus is so important to me!!!

 

[Koegz]

I have Q5’S, for about 4yrs powered by sia-025. Never wanted for power. Sound great. Until recently used the sia-025 as preamp and amp. Now, just as a power amplifier. I now use my MSB reference as dac and preamp. I believe the sia-025 (until maybe now) is the best integrated amp there is. For me the issue with the new sia-030 is it‘s size. Huge! If it were just an amp you could put on the floor. As a preamp, that doesn’t work for me. I am certain it sounds great though. Hope this helps.

 

[Barry2013]

Like Bodhi I have had a Vitus 025 SIA for a few years and it's a great amp.
Initially I was a bit concerned about the rated power output on 25 watts in Class A but it was a non existent poblem and my YG Kipods Signature passives which are not the most sensitive speakers have no problems with it.
I can well believe the 030 is a better amp but for room friendliness the 025 is ideal,

 

[Dhkte]

Thank you all for your valuable advice!

 

[Elberoth]

The A3s are 87-88dB efficient so do need tons of power, however, they are not the easiest speakers to drive.

The SIA-25 should do just fine though. I certainly loved one on my Magico S5 mk 2 when I had one on loan.