Vitus Audio MP-P201 Mk III The Ultimate Phono Stage
Unveiling the new Vitus Audio MP-P201 Mk.III phono stage, Denmark’s Vitus Audio expands its reputation for meticulously engineered high-end audio equipment. This latest addition to the Masterpiece Series offers a sublime combination of extremely low noise performance and cutting-edge signal optimization, grounded in over a decade of expertise focused on elevating analog playback.
The MP-P201 Mk.III features a dual-chassis design anchored by a discrete external power supply. By physically isolating the power components, Vitus Audio has successfully minimized electrical interference, resulting in an astonishingly quiet background—a trait that vinyl enthusiasts often deem vital for preserving tonal and spatial integrity. The power supply, with its robust shielding and isolation of sensitive audio circuits from transformer noise, provides the foundation for what many might describe as a "purely black sonic canvas."
Key to this model’s audio performance are its discrete gain stage modules, derived from the renowned MP-L201 line stage. However, for this phono preamplifier, these modules were reworked to deliver even lower noise levels, ensuring a seamless match with modern low-output moving coil cartridges. Gain levels are user-adjustable, ranging from 50 to 75 dB for moving coils and 20 to 47 dB for moving magnets, allowing users to tailor the performance to their specific cartridge and system needs. This flexibility extends to loading options as well, with an impressive array of resistance and capacitance step adjustments offered for both MM and MC cartridges.
Beyond technical flexibility, ease of use remains a distinctive element of the MP-P201 Mk.III. Adjustable parameters, including gain and loading, can be managed remotely via an intuitive control mechanism or directly through the unit’s front-facing buttons. Whether using a mono, moving magnet, or moving coil cartridge, the phono stage is equipped to handle the nuanced demands of even the most discerning listener. It is this level of thoughtful customization that makes the MP-P201 Mk.III appealing for adapting to diverse analog setups.
The unit's frequency response effortlessly exceeds the operational bandwidth of any phono cartridge, stretching to +800 kHz. While such ultrawide response may seem excessive on paper, the lack of bandwidth limiting ensures transient details and harmonic textures remain unblemished across all dynamic ranges. When paired with its greater-than-110 dB signal-to-noise ratio (measured at 1 kHz), the MP-P201 Mk.III stands as a benchmark in achieving musical lifelikeness without audible artifacts.
Of course, the art of good design goes hand-in-hand with technical performance. The MP-P201 Mk.III is housed in a robust aluminum chassis available in several finishes. Standard colors include Pure White, Jet Black, and Warm Silver. Meanwhile, Vitus offers several signature finishes—such as Titanium Orange, Dark Champagne, and Titanium Grey—for those seeking a more personalized aesthetic to complement their listening environment.
In terms of physical specification, the phonostage and its external power supply are both precision-machined to match the brand’s high standards. Each unit is substantial—the phonostage itself weighs in at 22 kg, while the power supply adds another 31 kg of heft. The dimensions (H: 135 mm, W: 435 mm, D: 470 mm for the phonostage) reflect the meticulous engineering and thought given to thermal dissipation and resonance control.
For those seeking to extract the utmost from their vinyl collections, Vitus Audio once again proves why analog playback remains the zenith of musical expression. By combining professional-grade engineering with a user-centric philosophy, the MP-P201 Mk.III aims not just to play music but to fully immerse listeners in its emotional depth and detail.
In the words of many vinyl aficionados, it’s not just a playback device—it’s a portal to the essence of recorded art.
