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Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Virtue Audio Owners => Topic started by: virtue on 15 Jun 2009, 05:23 am

Title: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 15 Jun 2009, 05:23 am
This topic is where readers can provide links to reviews or discussion threads outside of Audio Circle.
Title: 6Moons reviews the TWO
Post by: virtue on 17 Jun 2009, 05:14 pm
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/virtueaudio/two.html

Hey guys, this is new today from David Kan with 6Moons.  David did some comprehensive reviews of some other T-Amps and he's had our units for a while.  It's too bad that the reviews now out and we have no more TWOs in stock.  I just sent a bunch to Australia today so they'll have them for you.  Singapore has a few left as does Italy and Denmark.  Enjoy!
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: 1000a on 27 Jun 2009, 05:21 pm
congrats can't wait to read the rest of it  :D
Title: Sergio's review on the T-Class Niceboard (Italy)
Post by: virtue on 4 Aug 2009, 05:08 pm
I just love reading what the Italians have to say about the Virtue amps.

"Now I can clearly say that the sound of the GC is a velvet cloth, but without the constraints and easily moved by the wind when you impetuous, while the sound of the VT is a sheet of silk, with weights of the edges (the control on the low) that make it immobile, while floating in air but does not move, and shine your buds embroidered on them (the detail and the division of instruments). "

.. the translation isn't perfect, but Sergio (like many of the participants on the NiceBoard) is so expressive! 

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http://t-class.niceboard.net/virtue-audio-f54/il-mio-virtuetwo-dopato-t2847-15.htm

They have a true passion for life and for the finest things, including us!

Read all of the threads in this forum, it's a blast.  Makes me feel so puritanical by comparison.

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http://t-class.niceboard.net/virtue-audio-f54/

Thanks, Sergio - you are a prince!
Title: Re: Sergio's review on the T-Class Niceboard (Italy)
Post by: Silver Black on 4 Aug 2009, 06:08 pm
.. the translation isn't perfect, but Sergio (like many of the participants on the NiceBoard) is so expressive! 

Thanks! If someone is interested in I can help with the translation of some passages that Google Translates doesn't get over.

Quote
Thanks, Sergio - you are a prince!

No, thank YOU for giving us such a hot piece of hardware!  :D
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: PSB Guy on 5 Sep 2009, 07:36 pm
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue41/ramblings_devilsound_virtue.htm

A nice article pairing up the Two with the Devilsound DAC. It's a unique little product that I use with my One in a PC based system. That is, of course, until my Virtue Pre/DAC/Head arrives in October. Gotta love new toys...
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: PSB Guy on 5 Sep 2009, 07:39 pm
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/va_audiophile_one_e.html
http://www.stereomojo.com/Virtue%20One%20Amplifier%20review/VirtueOneAmplfierreview.htm

Another couple of glowing reviews, you guys must be bursting with pride...
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: panomaniac on 11 Oct 2009, 02:22 pm
A very nice write up of Virtue at RMAF 2009 by James Darby at StereoMojo.
http://www.stereomojo.com/Rocky%20Mountain%20Audio%20Fest%202009%20Show%20Report%20/2009RockyMountainAudioFestpart3.htm (http://www.stereomojo.com/Rocky%20Mountain%20Audio%20Fest%202009%20Show%20Report%20/2009RockyMountainAudioFestpart3.htm)

Thanks StereoMojo!!
Title: Piano M1 wins Stereo Mojo bargain product of the year
Post by: virtue on 18 Feb 2010, 11:45 pm
http://www.stereomojo.com/2009%20Stereomojo%20Products%20of%20the%20Year/STEREOMOJO2009PRODUCTSOFTHEYEAR.htm

Guys, check this out.  Piano just joined the Virtue ONE on the StereoMojo product of the year list.   Marvin Bolden has written a review which will be out soon.  Thank you, StereoMojo!

Title: Re: Positive Feedback Brutus Awards
Post by: virtue on 1 Mar 2010, 04:50 pm
I was totally remiss over the past few months for not posting this amazing award.
Dave Clark at Positive Feedback gave us the most amazing honor in his round-up of best products for 2009; his Brutus Awards.
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue46/brutus09.htm
Dean Saslove, Dave, and Adam Goldfine at Positive Feedback, each took very critical listens and found the Virtue ONE and TWO worthy of praise.  These are critical reviewers and you can learn a lot about what's great and not about our amps from their reviews.
Title: Re: Stereomojo Piano Review out Today!
Post by: virtue on 25 Mar 2010, 06:05 pm
Check out this awesome review for StereoMojo's Bargain CD Player of the Year!

http://www.stereomojo.com/Virtue%20Audio%20PianoM1%20Cd%20Player/VirtueAudioPianoCDPlayer.htm


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=28203)


I like this bit from reviewer Marvin Bolden especially:

The M1's midrange is so sweet and big and well here's that word again, TUBES. Tubes hwever, can sometimes give you a rolled off top end and bottom end as well. That is not the case with the Piano. The Piano's greatest stregth in plain English is that is does not sound like a digital player with the attendant gray, rather cool, steely presentation particularly in the midrange and and upper end. We call it "digititus". Often, when a digital source is also 100% solid state, the combination can be pretty unmusical. What I am trying to say without using a bunch of "audiophile speak" is that though the Virtue machine is both a solid state digital source, it does not suffer those maladies. It sounds much more analog with a midrange sweetness and fullness as well as a very robust bass that one might hear with an analog source; possibly a combination of a good tube preamp driving a high quality solid state power amplifier. In short, unusually musical at this or any price.

Marvin wouldn't send his unit back. 
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: PSB Guy on 25 Mar 2010, 11:59 pm
You forgot to mention the Maximum Mojo Award they gave to the Piano...no need to be humble.
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 10 May 2010, 03:50 am
While Nick tussles with UK customs to wrestle his Sensation from their grips, he's done some double-time checking out the Virtue ONE.2 with his friend Paul Hyne's really amazing linear regulated supplies.

Check out these two links when you get a chance:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/va_one2_e.html

http://www.tnt-audio.com/accessories/hynes_psu_e.html

Vortie mewbies will like how Nick explains some of the differences between the ONE and the ONE.2.
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 11 May 2010, 11:00 pm
A great ICEBlock review came out today which really helps customers understand why it's just so awesome.  Moreover, it made the cover!  Wow!  Isn't she purdy?

Lorin's review is very even handed and I'm thrilled with how well he captures the advantages that Gary's tube buffer brings.

After all, I was expecting great bass and plenty of treble extension, but would there be some midrange warmth? Bring on the Dixie Chicks singing the national anthem, Norah Jones live, Allison Kraus, Katie Melua….all serious challenges for the Class-D set. The “clinical” sound I had reacted against in the past was nearly gone – the fleshy midrange that was missing before was back! And what were the costs? Bass control? Tonal accuracy? Treble extension? Those tests required different music. Techno torture tracks, like Avratz from “Infected Mushroom” would reveal all! Bass control?  Outstanding! Treble extension? Outstanding! Perhaps even more surprising was the apparent lack of downside. The tubes contributed some midrange warmth, but did not seem to loosen the bass, truncate the treble, or even add noise across the spectrum.

You can read the full review here: http://www.affordableaudio.org/aa2010-05.pdf

Incidentally, our price-drop never made the editorial deadline, which I hope will be a pleasant surprise for affordable audio readers.  I couldn't pry Lorin's Xindak XA-8800MNE from his systems so we're looking to sell his review pair.  Canadian customs are pre-paid so it would be nice to sell to a Canadian!  Email me if you're interested.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30272)
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 20 Jun 2010, 10:41 am
http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/va_piano_m1_e.html

Nick's piano review has arrived!
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 12 Jul 2010, 02:43 am
The reviews have started to land and wow are they a treat.

Please check out the July/August edition of the prestigious Positive Feedback Online magazine for not one, but TWO reviews.

Let's start with the man, the myth, the legend Bob Levi (of Turner Broadcasting and Hollywood fame and now Associate Editor of PFO and President of the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society) who tells me that he has $9,000 worth of cables strapped onto the TWO.2 and he can't stop his toe from tapping.  Bob was kind enough to write up his impressions and they're here: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue50/virtue_2.htm (http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue50/virtue_2.htm)

Here are some choice words from Bob:

I hesitate to continue to wax poetic about a $598 integrated amp [including the excellent Dodd battery pack.] How will anyone take me seriously after this? I guess I'll just have to risk it. You folks who have been looking for a wham bam super deal in high value amplification, here it is! It's available factory direct from Virtue Audio and it's called the TWO.2.

Now if you're interested in writing inspiration, check out this review.  Dean Seislove, the Neoteric listener, really does Sensation M901 justice.  This guy can write: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue50/virtue_audio.htm (http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue50/virtue_audio.htm)

I played Peter Gabriel's world beat-influenced "The Rhythm of the Heat." I was curious as to how well the Sensation would keep up with the song's suspenseful build up and climatic explosion of Ghanian drums, Surdo drums, and Linn drum machine. Depending on the system, by the time the song ends, you're either enveloped in the primal mystery of rhythm, or you're shouting "shut that f-ing noise off!" The percussion on this track is fast, dynamic, and loud, and it's easy for an amp to stumble and fall behind. The Boxers aren't really designed to awaken the forest spirits, but the Sensation's timing and control of the rhythm certainly elevated me out of my chair (perhaps an even more amazing accomplishment). I wasn't quite stripped down to body paint and a chikunga tribal mask, but the rhythm did inspire a creditable surfer stomp, of sorts.

Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: eclein on 13 Jul 2010, 05:12 pm
Check it out..Seth and Virtue made GIZMODO!!!

http://gizmodo.com/5585432/in-defense-of-audiophilia

or cutting to the chase:

A number of new products offer incredible bang for the buck. Seth Krinsky's Virtue Audio offers the tiny ONE.2 amplifier for $349; while small enough to fit under a computer monitor, the ONE.2 has 30 watts per channel of superb quality sound, and is routinely demonstrated at shows powering those huge megabuck speakers we all make fun of. Next to the speakers, the ONE.2 looks like a Chihuahua hangin' with a Great Dane.
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 29 Aug 2010, 07:16 am
John Darko kills it with the ONE.2.  Great photos as well!!!

http://www.digitalaudioreview.com.au/index.php/audio-reviews/amplifier-reviews/item/109-virtue-one2-integrated-amplifier
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: musicophile on 16 Sep 2010, 10:29 pm

They changed the URL for that last one.  The (excellent) review is now at:

http://www.digitalaudioreview.com.au/index.php/reviews/amplifier-reviews/item/109-virtue-one2-integrated-amplifier

Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: PHamm on 17 Sep 2010, 06:31 pm

If this hasn't already been noted elsewhere, there is a new review of the Sensation 451 on tnt-audio:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/virtue_sensation_e.html

Unfortunately, they call it the 541, but the reviewer is very positive about the amp.
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 28 Sep 2010, 02:15 am
Our insightful and soft-spoken friend Sean Fowler (aka Zero) with Sonic Flare dishes on the Virtue Nirvana cables.  This guy is thoughtful.  Thank you Sean!

"This is (kind of) what the Nirvana’s are.  I say kind-of, because the Nirvana’s, like all products, still retain a distinct sonic signature. If I had to pin them down to a particular tonal palette, I would classify them under the “warm” designation. The good news is that most people find warmth, particularly when applied across the midrange and upper mid-bass range, to be pleasing. The better news is that the Nirvana manages to maintain this coloration without seriously compromising the rest of its performance. The top end is still reasonably extended and detailed. The imaging is still wide and precise.  The bass isn’t slow, nor is the midrange under damped.  What you get is a good all around cable that truly fits the “jack of all trades” cliché."

You can find the full review here:

http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/a-brief-look-at-the-virtue-audio-nirvana.php (http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/a-brief-look-at-the-virtue-audio-nirvana.php)
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: kylek on 1 Oct 2010, 03:43 am
Digital Audio Review just posted a great review of the Sensation M901.

http://www.digitalaudioreview.com.au/index.php/audio-reviews/amplifier-reviews/item/141-virtue-sensation-m901-integrated-amplifier

Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: kylek on 20 Oct 2010, 12:52 am
Dean Seislove gives an update on the Sensation 901 after the tube buffer upgrade:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue51/hrt_plus.htm

Also, TONE Audio reviews the Piano M1 CD player and gives it an Exceptional Value Award:

http://www.tonepublications.com/

Kyle
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 20 Oct 2010, 02:30 am
Thanks Kyle!  I'm really thrilled with these reviews.  Amazing. 

Dean really nailed it and it's good to see the Melissa sale immortalized and this community recognized.  We are a fun little family here (not in the AV123 sense, haha).

And Jeff's work is gorgeous.  What photos!  What layout!  The guy is a genius.
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: kylek on 29 Oct 2010, 08:30 pm
And the great reviews keep coming...  This time it's on the M451 with Dodd tube buffer from Enjoy the Music:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1110/virtue_audio_sensation_m451.htm


Kyle
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: ltr317 on 29 Oct 2010, 10:18 pm
Congrats Seth.  Ron threw me a bone by mentioning my name.   :lol:
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 2 Nov 2010, 09:59 pm
Here's a great mention from our friends at CustomMade.  We're really excited to see who finds us from this website!  We're apparently the first custom electronics manufacturer and they have threatened to create a new category for us!

http://blog.custommade.com/
CustomMade gets a Custom Stereo! Behold! Our stereo's home : the conference room

At CustomMade, we are constantly growing our subscriber base, but better yet frequently making good friends. Every once in a while we are fortunate enough to have a maker share some of their work with us at the CustomMade headquarters.  We’ve had Jim Ayer send us a gorgeous puzzle. (Which took a while to complete!) We’ve all taken a break and sat on Geoffrey Warner’s “Owl stool“. Most recently, we were sent the gracious gift of a custom made amplifier, which made the official stereo system of the CustomMade headquarters possible.  Seth Krinsky of Virtue Audio in LA sent us this gorgeous stereo amplifier, in a red, and woodgrain finish case.  Seth says:

“A fine audio system conveys not only aural pleasure, but the natural beauty and loving craftsmanship of a custom suit or timepiece. That’s what we do. Bringing the sensory excitement of high-end audio to your home, at a price you can afford, is our driving passion.”

We want to offer our personal thanks to Seth, Jim, Geoffrey, and everyone else who has helped us and sent us their work. Whenever we happen to have visitors, they see your work displayed proudly.
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: johnnydarko on 2 Nov 2010, 11:24 pm
The Digital Audio Review for the Sensation M901 has moved to here:

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net.au/index.php/audio-reviews/amplifier-reviews/item/141-virtue-sensation-m901-integrated-amplifier

and the ONE.2 review is now here:

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net.au/index.php/audio-reviews/amplifier-reviews/item/109-virtue-one2-integrated-amplifier

[sorry, I had to move the entire DAR website!]
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 9 Nov 2010, 04:01 pm
November 2010 / The Stereo Mojo team award us BEST VALUE SOLID STATE INTEGRATED!
"It's hard to beat an 87 wpc stereo integrated amp for $799. We're talking real high end here with the Tripath chip driven amp. You can add better power supplies to improve the sound and even add a Gary Dodd tube buffer to really bump it up. Up to you. Combine that with the ability to customize the colors, style and the exotic wood top and you have a very personalized amp like no one else. It sounded almost as good at the show as it does here at Stereomojo." There's utter pandemonium here.

http://www.stereomojo.com/RMAF%202010/RockyMountainAudioFest2010BestofShowAwards.htm (http://www.stereomojo.com/RMAF%202010/RockyMountainAudioFest2010BestofShowAwards.htm)

November 2010 / Ron Nagle from Enjoy the Music reviews the Dodd Buffer M451!
"Bottom Line The Dodd Audio, Virtue Audio Sensation M 451 is an advance in digital design that finally bridges the gap that existed between digital and tube and solid-state amplifiers. It seems evident to me that no matter what type of music you enjoy be it classical, jazz, or rock you now have options at your fingertips."

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1110/virtue_audio_sensation_m451.htm (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1110/virtue_audio_sensation_m451.htm)
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: Mama Virtue on 19 Nov 2010, 08:52 pm
Hey check out the Piano M1 review in October's Tone Pub issue! http://www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_032.pdf (page 117)
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 12 Dec 2010, 05:28 am
James has been working on this review for over a year.  I had an opportunity to discuss with him why we named the company "Virtue" and some other good stuff. 

http://www.stereomojo.com/Virtue%20Audio%20Sensation%20review.htm/VirtueAudioSensationreview.htm

Linda has a white Sensation and we're getting James a new one with the 6/12v Dodd buffer soon.  He loves the amp although not with every speaker. 

Check it out!
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: se-riously on 12 Dec 2010, 08:36 am
Congrats on the positive review of the Sensations.  Just one thing you might want to clarify with James Darby on the review:  Why would anyone buy one of the upgraded power supplies if they were going to buy the RWA battery supply?  Likewise, you might want to send him a Dodd battery supply since the $1,923 total in the article is functionally equivalent to a $1,428 M901 (w/ Dodd tube buffer and DIY battery supply).
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 26 Dec 2010, 09:19 am
Here's David Kan's thoughtful follow-up to his original Virtue TWO review in 6Moons! 

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/virtueaudio/1.html

Great stuff!
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 15 Feb 2011, 05:52 am
Bill Schuchard digs our Virtue Nirvana audio cables.

Read all about it on StereoMojo!

http://www.stereomojo.com/Virtue%20Audio%20Nirvana%20Cables%20Review/VIRTUEAUDIOCABLESREVIEW.htm (http://www.stereomojo.com/Virtue%20Audio%20Nirvana%20Cables%20Review/VIRTUEAUDIOCABLESREVIEW.htm)

"The Virtue Audio Nirvana speaker cable should be on everybody's audition list, regardless of budget. They sound that good and are my new reference speaker cable to beat. They're a great deal for those on a budget but might just surprise those would can afford far more. I'll be recommending these to friends and family for the foreseeable future. This is Maximum Mojo in spades. They're also pretty to look at or at least easy to ignore.

The Virtue Audio interconnects are also a great deal, besting the Audioquest Diamondbacks and trouncing the Bluejeans cables I have in house. Whether one might choose the Nordost Blue Heaven is still up for debate depending on system synergy. They operate at a similar level with the Virtue costing less than half as much. Will the Nirvana interconnects beat a set of $500 MIT cables? No, they won't but at $64 for a meter set, one could wire an entire system for far less than one set of MIT cables. Food for thought. I'm now using the Virtue Audio Nirvana interconnects as my reference as justifying a $500 cable to my wife is a fool's errand.

How about that old Speed Freak digital coax? These are a no-brainer over the Bluejeans cable I was using before. They won't match the far more expensive MIT digital interconnect but it comes down to price. Some may shell out some serious change for the MIT for that slight uptick. I know I will at some point The difference was very subtle unless I upclocked the transport from 44.1 to 88.2Khz. At $39, this cable is simply amazing.

Since my reference system is going to stay completely wired with Virtue Audio Nirvana speaker cables, Nirvana interconnects, and a Speed Freak digital interconnect, and I'm thrilled about that, I'm bestowing upon Virtue Audio Cables the Maximum Mojo Award."
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 7 Jun 2011, 05:30 pm
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/557418/virtue-audio-sensation-m451-review#post_7524902 (http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/557418/virtue-audio-sensation-m451-review#post_7524902)

Ron Kerlin just reviewed a buffered Sensation in his headphone rig.  For those of you who don't know Ron, he's the HEAD-FI headphone guru.  He's actually never used our amps with speakers and is a huge fan!  THANK YOU RON!
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: WC on 30 Jun 2011, 03:39 am
http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/review-virtue-audio-sensation-m451-integrated-amplifier.php

Another review from Sean Fowler. Sean much prefers the battery power to the PS that Seth sent him. Also was not a big fan of the tube buffer, at least on PS power.

Link works now.
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: PSB Guy on 30 Jun 2011, 06:39 pm
http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/review-virtue-audio-sensation-m451-integrated-amplifier.php

Another review from Sean Fowler. Sean much prefers the battery power to the PS that Seth sent him. Also was not a big fan of the tube buffer, at least on PS power.

Link works now.
Just read that review, I'm thinking Sean may have got a defective power supply, or he has really crappy power lines. I have no such issues with the JT Dynamic PS on my M901. Just my $0.02.

Cornelis
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: Zero on 30 Jun 2011, 07:24 pm
WC -  I'm impressed by how quickly you were able to spot that review. Thanks for pointing it out!  And yep, as good as the stock M451 is, the battery driven unit is even better (to my ears)!

Cornelis - Hell, I'll be the first to admit that the cables tasked to filter juice into my abode are far and away from standing as the holy grail of electrical transmission lines. They're OK at best.

With that said, if my lines were truly that unflattering, I'd have never gotten into hi-fi in the first place if that meant having to deal with all the noise... noise... noise...  Thankfully, most amplifiers that I buy or test exhibit either very mild mechanical noise, or none at all. The issues I encountered were exclusive to the JT Dynamic PS -  regardless of the gear that I attached to it, regardless of the outlets that I used, and regardless of the home that I put it in. 

So does this mean that the unit supplied to me was defective? Maybe. I'm not an electrical engineer, nor will I pretend to be. When I submitted my initial concerns to Virtue - the idea of a defective unit was never brought up. Anyways, at the end of the day, I'm glad that the power supply is working for you, as it's a great sounding unit. Also, your results only further support the notion that just because one person runs into an issue, doesn't mean that everyone will. Tis's the beauty (and sometimes curse) of hi-fi. 
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: WC on 30 Jun 2011, 07:42 pm
WC -  I'm impressed by how quickly you were able to spot that review. Thanks for pointing it out!

Speed is the beauty of having many audio review sites in my RSS reader. Sonic Flare is just one of many. :)
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: PSB Guy on 30 Jun 2011, 08:41 pm
WC -  I'm impressed by how quickly you were able to spot that review. Thanks for pointing it out!  And yep, as good as the stock M451 is, the battery driven unit is even better (to my ears)!

Cornelis - Hell, I'll be the first to admit that the cables tasked to filter juice into my abode are far and away from standing as the holy grail of electrical transmission lines. They're OK at best.

With that said, if my lines were truly that unflattering, I'd have never gotten into hi-fi in the first place if that meant having to deal with all the noise... noise... noise...  Thankfully, most amplifiers that I buy or test exhibit either very mild mechanical noise, or none at all. The issues I encountered were exclusive to the JT Dynamic PS -  regardless of the gear that I attached to it, regardless of the outlets that I used, and regardless of the home that I put it in. 

So does this mean that the unit supplied to me was defective? Maybe. I'm not an electrical engineer, nor will I pretend to be. When I submitted my initial concerns to Virtue - the idea of a defective unit was never brought up. Anyways, at the end of the day, I'm glad that the power supply is working for you, as it's a great sounding unit. Also, your results only further support the notion that just because one person runs into an issue, doesn't mean that everyone will. Tis's the beauty (and sometimes curse) of hi-fi.
Hi Sean,
Regardless of the origins of the noise you were experiencing, your review has pretty much convinced me that I just HAVE to try the battery kit with my M901.
Cornelis
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: dboulet on 30 Jun 2011, 10:51 pm
Review URL was changed:

http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/review-the-virtue-audio-sensation-m451-integrated-amplifier.php
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 5 Jul 2011, 05:09 am
Sean, thanks for writing this up!  Amazing as always.  Come back safely from your European vacation!
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: WC on 30 Jan 2012, 04:12 am
A new reveiw of the Sensation amp and Piano:

http://www.affordableaudio.org/Affordable$$Audio/Current_Issue.html (http://www.affordableaudio.org/Affordable$$Audio/Current_Issue.html)

Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: Jason T on 31 Jan 2012, 01:22 am
A new reveiw of the Sensation amp and Piano:

http://www.affordableaudio.org/Affordable$$Audio/Current_Issue.html (http://www.affordableaudio.org/Affordable$$Audio/Current_Issue.html)

nice review although I disagree with this phrase in their review
 
" one ought to stay with single driver loudspeaker types that are reasonably efficient and sensitive, or smaller two-way designs with fairly flat impedance curves. Large multi-way speakers with higher order crossovers need not apply.  Folks who own speakers that include high order crossovers, complex impedance loads, low sensitivity and low efficiency simply miss the point to the, and pretty much the complete line of Virtue Audio products."

I build speakers and have run our amps on many different breeds, my current pair being 86db 3-way with 18-24db sloped crossover networks with impedance dips of 2ohms and my sensation has 0 issues not to mention it sounds brilliant.
just my 2 cents  :)
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: Zero on 31 Jan 2012, 01:35 am
For what it's worth - I'm with Jason on this.  When I was evaluating the M451, never once did it exhibit odd behavior while driving my Polk Audio LSi-9's for long periods of time - and these speakers aren't exactly rock steady in the impedance department.

Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: johnnydarko on 4 Sep 2012, 03:13 am
My 2010 reviews of the ONE.2 and the M901 now live here:

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2010/09/virtue-sensation-m901-integrated-amplifier/

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2010/08/virtue-one2-integrated-amplifier/

Seth - will you be at RMAF this year, bro?
Title: Re: Reviews and External Threads
Post by: virtue on 7 Aug 2014, 04:25 am
The incomparable John Darko posted this little blurb about the ONE.3 that welcomes us back to the market.

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2014/08/virtue-audio-return-with-one-3-integrated-tripath-amplifier/

Seth