Vitus Audio truly is a great name in the industry. Best of high end got the chance to interview the leading man and visionair Hans-Ole Vitus. In this third part we asked him: ‘Can you describe the process from idea to finished product?’.
That mechanical-first approach is a direct extension of the hybrid tube/solid-state sound he engineers into every product, and it feeds directly into how the Reference, Signature and Masterpiece Series differ.
An idea left to mature for up to a year
Hans-Ole Vitus: “Haha, that’s again another long story and it’s not fixed to be honest. But it always starts with me having an idea. And normally I spend up to a year thinking about that idea, refining that idea before I even start putting anything in writing. After that period of time, when I’ve had the same thought for long enough time and the idea resurfaces … that’s when I start taking my own ideas seriously. I actually start putting stuff on paper or on the computer.”
Starting with the mechanical design, not the electronics
“I start building a project; I start to figure out what kind of … well not so much features anymore, because features are pretty much fixed. Where do I want this product to go? It sounds a little bit backwards, but one of the things that I then start with is the mechanical design. I’ll give you one example. I’m sure you’ve seen our Masterpiece stereo amplifier, which is huge; a 125Kg unpacked. I started with the chassis, not because I wanted a particular size. I wanted to figure out which transformers and heat sink surface or area that I would need. How can I put this together and fit everything inside? It’s designed this way, even though you look at it and think this is crazy! Take a look at the SIA-025, which we are using here at the show. If you look inside; it’s absolutely packed. There are people asking me … can you add a phono stage to a SIA-025? I normally send them a picture of how it looks on the inside. I ask them the question; yes, not a problem, we can do that … but you have to tell me where we can fit it in! It’s impossible. There is no way we can fit in more.”
Design timelines from seven months to three years
“That’s one of the reasons why I often start with the mechanical side, to try and figure out what I can actually fit in. The electronics come afterwards. I’m not doing this alone. I have a team, which is helping me with that. It’s a long process. Sometimes it’s a quick process. The longest design timeline we had for one product is 3 years, which was our Masterpiece DAC. It took forever. The quickest we ever did was, actually I think the MPS, because I had a very clear picture of what I wanted. We executed that in 7 months! I don’t think other people are able to bring out a product in 7 months. That’s something we can also do.”
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Frequently asked questions
Where does a new Vitus Audio product begin?
With an idea Hans-Ole Vitus lets mature for up to a year before he puts anything on paper.
Why does Hans-Ole Vitus start with the mechanical design?
To work out what will physically fit — transformers, heat sinks, layout — before the electronics are designed, as shown by the tightly packed SIA-025 chassis.
How long does it take to develop a new Vitus Audio product?
Anywhere from seven months, as with the MPS, to three years, as with the Masterpiece DAC.
