Vitus Audio MP-L201 Owner's Manual

MP-L201

Owner’s Manual

2

MP-L201 | Version 1

on a personal note

Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

from the creator

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

introduction

About this manual . . . . . . . . . 6

Introduction to

the Masterpiece Series . . . . . . . 6

1. getting started

Unpacking the box MP-L201 . . .8

What’s in the box . . . . . . . . . . 8

MP-L201 device overview . . . . . 9

Unpacking the box MP-PSU . . . 10

What’s in the box . . . . . . . . . 10

MP-PSU device overview . . . . 11

The topology of

the volume control. . . . . . . . 12

2. connecting

Turning the MP-L201 on and off. 13

Connecting the MP-L201 . . . . 14

MP-L201 rear panel . . . . . . . 15

MP-PSU rear panel . . . . . . . . 15

3. operation

Operation modes . . . . . . . . 18

Functions – MP-PSU front panel 19
Functions – MP-L201

left front panel . . . . . . . . . . 20

Functions – MP-L201

right front panel . . . . . . . . . 21

MP-L201 Menu: introduction . . 22
MP-L201 Menu:

discription of the elements. . . . 24

4. operation & service

Safety notice . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Mains supply voltage . . . . . . 26

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Mains fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Replacing a blown fuse . . . . . 28

5. warranty

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

6. specifications

MP-L201 Specifications . . . . . 33

All rights reserved. No part
of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in or
introduced into a retrieval
system, or transmitted in
any form, or by any means
(electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording
or otherwise) without the
prior written permission of
Vitus Audio. Any person who
does any unauthorized act
in relation to this publication
may be liable to criminal
prosecution and civil claims for
damages.

Information contained in this
manual is subject to change
without notice, and whilst it
is checked for accuracy, no
liabilities can be accepted for
errors.

3

MP-L201 | Version 1

table of contents

7. examples operation

Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Example 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Example 4 . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Example 5 . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Example 6 . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Example 7 . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Example 8 . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Example 9 . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Example 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Example 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Example 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7. examples connecting
devices

Connecting devices . . . . . . . 46

8. RC-010 system
remote

RC-010 System Remote . . . . .49

8. RC-010 getting
started

What’s included . . . . . . . . .50

RC-010 System Remote Device

overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

8. RC-010 operation

RC-010 System Remote operation

modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

The menu structure . . . . . . .57

RC-010 Discription of
the elements in the menu. 58
RC-010 The menu structure . . . 59

8. RC-010 examples

Examples Setup . . . . . . . . .60

Example 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Example 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Example 2.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Example 2.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Example 2.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Example 2.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Example 2.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Example 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Example 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Example 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Example 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Example 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

8. RC-010 specifications

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 72

8. RC-010 controls

The functions of the buttons for

the different products. . . . . . . 73

The RC 5 codes for the remote.

Decimal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

The RC 5 codes for the remote.

Hexadecimal . . . . . . . . . . . 75

9. pictures

MP-L201 Inside view . . . . . . . 76

MP-PSU Inside view . . . . . . .77

MP-L201 Front view . . . . . . .78

RC-010 Front view . . . . . . . .79

4

MP-L201 | Version 1

on a personal note

Certificate

Model: MP-L201

Product ID/Serial

__________________________________

Product Build Date

__________________________________

Signed

__________________________________

All products details, specifications and
measurements are recorded for your MP­L201 and kept by Vitus Audio.

5

MP-L201 | Version 1

from the creator

Foreword

First of all, thank you for
choosing the Vitus Audio
MP-L201 Line Stage, we
are sure you will enjoy it for
many years to come. When
purchasing a Vitus Audio
product, you are guaranteed
a musical performance,
which exceeds the current
musical standards. Vitus
Audio is dedicated to musical
performance rather than
technical details and high
performance measures.
We believe that many
manufactures are blinded by
the current available theory,
instead of looking for new
answers.

At Vitus Audio everything
works until proven not to.
This way we always try to
push the limits and explore
the unexplored. As a result
of this, many of the solutions
we use today are considered
to be “impossible to ever
get working”,however they
have convinced many people
and reviewers world wide
of the opposite. Before any
of our new topologies are
implemented in our products,
they are carefully reviewed by
our dedicated listening panel.
This way we can guarantee
the correct level of musically
performance and robustness.

Generally we’re after super
neutral, super detailed and
super dynamic reproduction
without “loosing” the nerve
in the music which often is
a drawback of many high
end amplifiers. Our real
strongholds are complete
silence, unbelievable depth
and width in the soundstage
resulting in a far more open
sound with higher resolution

-you could say, closer to the
artist. As a result of the above,
our amps do not “focus” on
any specific frequencies - i.e.
no extension of top or bass,
which of course results in high
clarity of the midrange since
it’s “naturally present”!

Hans Ole Vitus

6

MP-L201 | Version 1

introduction

About this manual

This is your MP-L201 owner’s
manual. The following pages
will describe, as clearly
as possible, how to get
your MP-L201 operating
fast and simple. Although
some operations are self­explanatory, we strongly
suggest you read this manual
to avoid any damage to the
unit. The manual is designed
to be helpful. If there are
points you feel we could cover
better, or that we have missed
out – please tell us.

Important

information
is presented like
this. Ignoring this
information may cause
damage to you or the
unit. Damage caused
to the unit by ignoring
this information might
invalidate the warranty.

Introduction to the
Masterpiece Series

The Vitus Audio Masterpiece
Series is a true high-end series
of products, which is build on
our true dedication to neutral
music reproduction. Every
detail is carefully thought
through, and all choices made
during development, where
based purely on listening, and
not measuring. Only the best
available materials are used to
ensure an overall quality which
will last for many years, when
treated right.



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MP-L201 | Version 1

introduction

F

120

100

80

60

40

- 40

20

- 20

0

C

50

40

30

- 20

20

10

- 10

- 40

- 30

0

introduction

This amplifier is
VERY heavy –

make sure to be
at least two people to
unpack the unit. You
might damage both
your back and the
amplifier if extra care
is not applied. Vitus
Audio A/S cannot
be held responsible
for any damage that
is a consequence of
uncareful handling of
the unit.

 

After unpacking
allow 24 hours
for the product to

reach room temperature
before connecting up
and switching on. This
is to allow condensation
to dissipate, which
might otherwise
cause damage to the
electronics. Remember
also that condensation
can form when you
move the amplifier from
a cold place to a warm
room.

CAUTION

Figure 1 Box exploded view

Foam bottom

Box

Foam top

Foam Sides
6 pieces

MP-L201

Brochure

Manual

Remote Charger

RC-010

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MP-L201 | Version 1

Unpacking the box
MP-L201

After you have opened the
top, it is possible to remove
the top protective foam which
gives you direct access to the
amplifier. In the top you will
find the remote, the power
cord and brochures. Now
remove the side protective
foam, this will make it easier
to grab hold of the MP-L201.
Two people carefully lift the
amplifier out of the box, and
put it directly onto the floor.

Store the empty box and the
protective foam for later use.

What’s in the box

MP-L201
RC-010 System Remote
Remote Charger
MP-L201 Manual
Vitus Audio Brochure

Foam top
Foam Sides 6 pieces
Foam bottom
Box

1. getting started

Figure 2 Device overview

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MP-L201 | Version 1

1. getting started

1. getting started

MP-L201 device
overview

The body of the MP-L201
is constructed of anodized
aluminium.

Material: anodized aluminium.

Dimensions (H x W x D):
130 x 435 x 430

Weight: 20 KG

135 mm

435 mm

435 mm

20 mm

Box exploded view

Foam bottom

Box

Foam top

Foam Sides
6 pieces

MP-PSU

Andromeda power cord

PSU AC Power cord

Unpacking the box
MP-PSU

After you have opened the
top, it is possible to remove
the top protective foam which
gives you direct access to the
power supply. In the top you
will find the power cords. Now
remove the side protective
foam, this will make it easier
to grab hold of the MP-PSU.
Two people carefully lift the
amplifier out of the box, and
put it directly onto the floor.

Store the empty box and the
protective foam for later use.

What’s in the box

MP-PSU
Andromeda Power Cord

Foam top
Foam Sides 6 pieces
Foam bottom
Box

10

MP-L201 | Version 1

1. getting started

Figure 2 Device overview

MP-PSU device over­view

The body of the MP-PSU
is constructed of anodized
aluminium.

Material: anodized aluminium.

Dimensions (H x W x D):
130 x 435 x 430

Weight: 30 KG

135 mm

435 mm

435 mm

20 mm

11

MP-L201 | Version 1

1. getting started

1. getting started

12

MP-L201 | Version 1

1. getting started

The topology of the volume
control used in the MP-L201
is very different compared
to the “standard”. The MP­L201 uses a series of fixed
resistor networks to control
the volume. Relays are used
to switch between the resistor
networks. Across all volume
steps, a fixed resistor is in
series with the signal path. This
gives the best performance
possible. When you change
volume, a different number of
shunt resistors are used.

To prevent pop in the output,
we have chosen to first add
the new shunt resistors, and
then wait a short time, before
removing the unused shunt
resistors at the new volume
step. This will give a minor fall
in volume before settling at
the new volume step. It takes
only very little time to get
used to this type of operation
of the volume, and it will give
you superior sound quality
over the traditional digital and
analogue potentio meters.

The topology of the volume control.

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MP-L201 | Version 1

2. connecting

2. connecting

Turning the MP-L201 on and off.

Always turn on the products
beginning from the source:

CD-Player a pre-amplifier a power amplifier.

Always turn off your products in
reverse order:

Power amplifier a pre-amplifier a CD-Player



Not following this procedure,

may cause damage to any

of your products/speakers.

Damage caused to any of your

products/speakers by not

following this procedure will

invalidate the warranty.

Place the MP-L201 on its shelf.
Connect all the sources to
the inputs of the MP-L201,
Connect the outputs of the
MP-L201. Carefully connect
the mains to the MP-L201,
after you have connected both
inputs and outputs.

We have included the RCA
output for compatabilyty
reasons only. The MP-L201 is
balanced from input to output,
we recommend you use the
balanced (XLR) output.

This is a true balanced
amplifier, DO NOT connect
the ”-“output (Figure 3) to
any ground source, including
chassis or signal ground, this
will damage the amplifier.

Connecting the
MP-L201

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MP-L201 | Version 1

2. connecting

“GND”
Ground



Always follow this procedure.

1. Turn the MP-L201 off.

2. Disconnect the mains power supply
(take the andromeda cable out).

3. Remove the PSU Power Cable

4. Move/Transport the MP-L201

5. Allow 24 hours for the MP-M201 to
reach room temperature.

6. Connect the MP-M201.

Moving and transporting
the MP-L201

MP-L201 rear panel

Inputs.

Input 1,2,3. XLR

Input 4,5 RCA

PSU Right / Left

Outputs

Output 1,2, XLR (R+L)

Output 3,4 RCA (R+L)

Ground/Earth

MP-PSU rear panel

Inputs.

Power AC

Outputs

PSU right + left

Ground

XLR out (L+R)

XLR out (L+R)

Power

RCA in

DC in

RCA out (S/PDIF)

XLR in

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MP-L201 | Version 1

2. connecting

2. connecting

MP-PSU Rear panel.

Power
AC in

PSU

DC out

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MP-L201 | Version 1

2. connecting

Denmark

Master piece Series

External Powersupply for:

MP-P201 and MP-L201

PSU Right PSU Left

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

Denmark

Input 1Input 2Input 3

MAINS

GND

Input 4

Input 1

Input 4

Output 1

Output 2

Output 1

Output 2

Output 3 Output 3

Output 4

Input 3

Output 4Input 5

Input 2

Input 5

Handcrafted in Denmark

By Vitus Audio an

AVA Group Company

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

PSU Right PSU Left

Fuse

Denmark

Input 1Input 2Input 3

GND

Input 4

Input 1

Input 4

Output 1

Output 2

Output 1

Output 2

Output 3 Output 3

Output 4

Input 3

Output 4Input 5

Input 2

Input 5

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

NEUTRIK

PUSH

PSU Right PSU Left

RCA in

PSU

DC in

17

MP-L201 | Version 1

2. connecting

XLR in XLR out RCA outGround

MP-L201 Rear panel.

2. connecting

MP-L201 Front panel.

INPUT

MENU

SELECT

MUTE

MP-L

+

INPUT

+

STANDBY

POWER

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MP-L201 | Version 1

3. operation

The MP-L201 has 3
operation modes

1. Normal mode.

This is the mode you use when
listening to music.

2. Menu mode

In this mode you can alter the
settings of the MP-L201.

3. Standby mode.

In this mode the controls of
the MP-L201 are deactivated.

The MP-L201 does not shut
down in Standby Mode in
order to maintain an optimal
working temperature

Operation modes

MP-PSU Front panel.

INPUT

MENU

SELECT

MUTE

MP-L

+

INPUT

+

STANDBY

POWER

19

MP-L201 | Version 1

3. operation

3. operation

In Standby Mode the power to the
MP-L201 is cut off. The MP-PSU itself
does not shut down, it is in a sleep
mode, this in order to maintain an
optimal working temperature

Normal mode

In normal mode there are
2 basic functions/buttons
available on the PSU Front
panel.

1. STANDBY Puts the
PSU in and out of
Standby Mode

2. POWER Switches the
MP-PSU
on and off.

Functions – MP-PSU front panel

Figure 6 MP-L201 Left front panel.

INPUT

MENU

SELECT

STANDBY

MUTE

MP-D

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MP-L201 | Version 1

3. operation

Normal mode

In normal mode there are
3 basic functions/buttons
available on the left front.

1. INPUT + Selects

between the
5 inputs.

2. MENU Switches to

“Menu mode”.

3. INPUT - Selects between

the 5 inputs.

Menu mode

You enter menu mode, by
pushing the ”MENU” button
once in Normal mode. In the
Menu mode there are 3 basic
functions/buttons:

1.  Scroll forward in the
menu.

2. MENU/ Enter & Exit
SELECT submenus and
selectsettings.

3.  Scroll backward in the
menu.

Functions – MP-L201 left front panel

INPUT

MENU

SELECT

STANDBY

MUTE

MP-D

Figure 7 MP-L201 Right front panel.

21

MP-L201 | Version 1

3. operation

Normal mode

In normal mode there are
3 basic functions/buttons
available on the right front:

1.  Turns volume UP.

2. MUTE Mutes the output.

3.  Turns volume DOWN.

Menu mode

In the text-menu it is possible
to change the name of the
input. This is done by using
the following buttons from the
right front:

1.  Change selected
character.

2. MUTE Go to the next
character
in the display.

3.  Change selected
character.

Functions – MP-L201 right front panel

3. operation

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MP-L201 | Version 1

3. operation

The sub-menus are indicated
with a colour.

RESET V.INIT BRIGHT FILTER.

and INPUT

RESET

Restore the settings of the MP­L201 to its default settings.

Volume settings

The MP-L201 starts up in
the same volume step on
initialization. You can select
in which volume step, the MP­L201 should initialize. You can
set the initial volume step in
the menu, to a step between

-99.0dB and +6dB.

You can also set the initial
volume-step to “REMEMBER”.
When you set the MP-L201
to “REMEMBER”, then it
remembers the volume step
from when it was put to
standby. Next time the MP­L201 leaves standby, it will
start in this volume step.

Bright

Change the brightness of the
display any step between 0 and 3.

Filter(optional)

When you have the optional filter
installed, then it is possible to filter
the output signal, for example if
you want to use the MP-L201 for
bi-amping.

MP-L201 Menu: introduction

23

MP-L201 | Version 1

3. operation

Input settings

The MP-L201 comes with
5 inputs. The settings for
each individual input can
be adjusted in the menu.
The input selection is saved
automatically every 10 minutes.
Each time you initialize the
MP-L201, the last saved setting
is restored. You can manually
save a setting by pressing the
MENU button down 2-3 sec.
When “SAVE” is shown in the
display, the setting has been
saved.

Input phase settings

It is possible to invert the
phase.

Input gain settings

Offset gain setting / Sensitivity
setting. Different sources often
have different output voltages.
This has a direct influence
on the typical volume level
that is needed for a specific
sound level, hence changing
between sources can result in
high sound level differences.
To accommodate easy
operation, we have included
a gain (or as some prefer to
call it – sensitivity setting) in
our amplifiers – it simply sets

the volume starting point at a
specific volume – to match the
source. The offset-value can be
set from - 12 dB to +12 dB.

Input sensitivity

Devices can have differences
in output level. You can adjust
the sensitivity of each input
between ≤ 2 Vrms, ≤ 4 Vrms
and ≤ 8 Vrms. to minimize
these differences. To prevent
clipping of the input. The
sensitivity level needs to be
higher then the input level.

Input name settings

As a standard, the inputs are
named input 1, input 2, etc. In
the text-menu you can find a
list of predefined input names.
If the name of your device is
not in the list, you can choose
to make your own device
name.

Disabling inputs

If you only use some of the
inputs, it is possible to disable
the inputs that are
not used. Using the “Input”
button, the system skips the
disabled inputs, and jumps to
the next input.

3. operation

24

MP-L201 | Version 1

3. operation

SETUP

Change the settings of the MP­L201.

DATA

Shows information about this
MP-L201.

RESET

Restore the settings of the MP­L201 to its default settings.

V.INIT

Change the initial dB step of the
volume in the MP-L201 to any
step between -99 and12.dB

VOL.STEP

The MP-L201 has a standard
volume step of -42 dB. You can
set the volume step to a step,
between -99.0 dB to +6dB.This
step will be the new volume
step. Even when after the power
cord has been disconnected the
MP-L201 still starts up in the new
volume step.

REMEMBER

Set the MP-L201 to remembers
the current volume step. The MP­L201 will start up in this volume
step when it leaves standby. This
volume step is not remembered
when the power cord is removed.
Then the MP-L201 will initiate in

the volume step as it is defined in
the V.INIT sub-menu.

FILTER(optional)

Enable or disable the filters
of the four outputs. A restart
(unplugging power supply) is
needed for changes to take
effect.

INPUTS

Change settings for each input.

INPUT X

Change the settings of input X.

PHASE

Turn phase inversion on or off.

FIXED

Lock and unlock the volume by
switching between FIX ON/FIX
OFF.

SET FIX

Set the volume of input X to a fixed
dB step. (Input X is now locked to
a dB step and can not be adjusted
with the volume control)

ADJUST

Adjust the fixed dB step to any
step between -99 and +12 dB.
This function is only available
when FIX ON is selected.

OFFSET

Select an offset- gain, between

-12 and 12 dB, for input X. This
function is only available when

FIX OFF is selected

SENSE

Change the sensitivity of the
input. Select between ≤ 2 Vrms,
≤ 4 Vrms and ≤ 8 Vrms. The
sensitivity level needs to be
higher then the input level. To
prevent clipping of the input

TEXT

Choose a name for input X.

USED

Select whether input X has to be
USED or not NOT USED. When
you select NOT USED input X will
not be shown in the list of inputs.

BRIGHT

Change the brightness of the
display any step between 0 and 3.

MP-L201 Menu: discription of the elements.