文武雙全藝術品級數的頂級製作 Vinnie Rossi Brama 前級 + 單聲道後級

Jan 15
30 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

文｜大草

相信為不少發燒友來講，會對Vinnie Rossi這個音響品牌的名字感到陌生，如果單憑器材的外觀設計和製作工藝，甚至是以重播的音效和特性來考量，就算是我以在「音響技術」工作這麼多年，見識過為數眾多Hi-End放大器的經驗來估算，也猜不到Vinnie Rossi的Brama系列放大器，竟然是在美國麻薩諸塞州伍斯特市（Worcester, Massachusetts）的廠房以人手精心製作的高端產品。

媲美瑞士工藝的美國精品

我這樣講當然有我的理由…… 我第一次認識Vinnie Rossi（VR）這個品牌，是在2022香港高級視聽展聲望音響的展房裡，當時展出的器材是輸出功率600W x 2（4Ω）的Brama身歷聲後級，這台後級擁有一個外型非常優雅，四個角都修圓的扎實機箱，以實芯AL6063航天級鋁合金坯以CNC銑床車製6個機身的平面再以精密手工併合，外層先以玻璃珠噴砂打磨後再作陽極氧化處理，製作工藝精緻細密，觸手處有如緞般幼滑，而且外表看不見任何一顆螺絲。面板外觀非常簡潔漂亮，中央鑲有一隻圓形音量針錶，純白底色襯以藍寶石玻璃面和光身不銹鋼圓框，對下還有一顆平面圓形電源開關按鍵，厚達19mm的鋁合金底座伸出四個弧形角位，用來裝上四個金屬腳錐。整台後級的典雅外型設計和製作的精密光滑程度，絕對會令人聯想起來自瑞士或者德國設計和生產的音響精品器材。到我們後來分別實試了這台Brama身歷聲後級和另一台Brama合併式放大器之後，我和一眾寫手兄弟都對Brama放大器那種極為清晰通透，聲音密度極高而且非常細緻，高低兩極伸延優異，能量感非常充沛，同時亦擁有別具吸引力的音樂感讚嘆不已。講真，音效是如此出色，設計與製作是同樣優雅的放大器，實在很難和我們固有印象中的美國放大器扯上什麼關係。

更勝一籌

在剛完結的2025香港高級視聽展，VR的老闆兼總設計師Vinnie Rossi（他的名字就是廠牌的名字）和新上任的環球銷售總監兼品牌大使Gabi Rijnveld，親身前來香港為聲望音響站展，並且帶來Brama系列的第二代產品 —— 前級放大器和單聲道後級，雖然在展會期間只是初試啼聲，以黑膠作為訊源來推動德國Zellaton旗艦喇叭Reference Ultra，但我發覺新一代的Brama放大器雖然驟眼看外觀和上代沒有什麼大分別，但如果仔細一點觀察，便會發覺原來製作工藝竟然比舊型號更勝一籌，同時音效的表現更加精煉，更加幼細，聲音的密度更高…… 既然設計VR的本尊近在眼前，當然要找著他問個究竟，順便打聽一下他背景的一些點滴。

脫胎換骨的Vinnie Rossi

像很多音響品牌的設計師一樣，Vinnie Rossi自幼已經對音響與電子器材產生極大興趣，同時也喜歡把收音機、卡式帶錄音機、擴音機和喇叭等器材拆開來研究，到年長一些便嘗試為器材進行摩改和自行設計擴音機的套件。到他在大學取得電子工程學位之後，日間便在高速通訊行業工作，晚上則繼續和音響打交道與聆聽音樂，過不了多久，他便已經清楚明白到音響行業才是他發展終身事業的大方向。在2005年，Vinnie創立了以生產高質靚聲而又價錢合理，並且主要是以鋰鐵磷酸（LFP）電池供電的音響器材打響名堂的Red Wine Audio，當品牌在直銷市場上取得成功之後，Vinnie在2015年便投入更多資源，以自己的名字創立了定位更高，製作規模更大的音響品牌，並且由直銷的模式，逐漸轉為市場營運的模式，由於有Red Wine Audio成功光環的加持，所以Vinnie設計VR的新機種很快便在發燒友的圈子裡贏得堅實的口碑與及相當不俗的銷售數字，不過這些產品的外觀仍然有著強烈美國製造器材的格調。到了2021年年底，VR宣佈進入一個全新高度的Hi-End品牌年代 —— 推出Vinnie嶄新設計，製作不惜工本的Brama系列器材，產品包括合併機、前級和身歷聲後級，他特別聘請有份參與保時捷和平治名車設計的加拿大工業設計師Olivier Raymond，負責整個Brama器材機箱的設計，並且在英國找來極具規模的金屬加工廠負責生產，令到VR的Brama系列器材在世界各地的音響展大放異彩，有如平地一聲雷般震驚Hi-End音響圈。經過三年時間的沉澱，Vinnie全面審視Brama系列的設計和製作，並且作出相當大程度的優化，結果在今年推出第二代的Brama系列器材，產品包括合併機、前級和單聲道後級。我們在香港高級視聽展過後，也成功迎來這套新一代的Brama前級和單聲道後級（不論是VR的網站還是器材的機箱，都沒有為Brama系列器材寫上G2的字樣，不過外觀上會很容易分辨開來）作為本刊今期的封面主角。

頂級工藝

單從外表上觀察，新Brama器材比上一代在闊度和深度上都略為收窄，特別是闊度由520mm（20.47吋）改為475mm（18.7吋），Vinnie表示收到一些Brama用家的反映，說520mm闊的機身放不進標準19吋闊的音響架裡，所以他從善如流收窄Brama新機種的闊度。其次是再也看不見機箱面板、背板、頂蓋和兩邊側板的夾縫，原來這一個外觀上的改變才是機箱設計的重大改良 —— 由上一代以CNC銑床車製6個平面機板再精心裝嵌而成的機箱，改為以一塊大型的實芯AL6063航天級鋁合金坯，以5軸CNC銑牀車製出前、後、左、右和頂板五個平面一體成型的機箱，機頂用激光刻上VR的商標，所有機內元件都是以倒掛的形式安裝，配上同樣由AL6063鋁坯以CNC銑牀車製而成厚達19mm的實芯鋁合金底板連4粒金屬腳錐，便足以組構成超級穩固扎實，既不會產生諧振，亦具有高度散熱效能和導震功能，同時也能夠完美隔絕手機、路由器、藍牙和WiFi產生的EMI電磁波干擾的機箱。此外，機箱的車製、玻璃珠噴砂打磨和陽極氧化處理的工藝明顯比上一代更勝一籌，摸上去滑不留手，也見不到任何一顆螺絲，絕對可以媲美瑞士最佳的製作工藝。

簡潔典雅

新款Brama前級只是在面板中央裝有一個輸入選擇、音量和即時電平顯示三用圓形白底針錶，同樣襯以藍寶石玻璃面和光身不銹鋼圓框，左、右各有一隻用實芯鋁合金車製的旋鈕，左邊是瑞士製ELMA 24級磁力感應的無斷式選擇掣，按動是電源開關，旋轉是5個訊源選入的選擇。右邊是瑞士製ELMA 48級磁力感應的無斷式音量掣，用來準確調校用電阻梯階組成的100級音量控制，按動是啞音、音量和即時電平顯示功能的選擇，旋轉是音量大小的調節。除此之外，面板再沒有任何裝置，也沒有任何文字或圖案顯示，簡潔得來非常典雅。背板同樣簡單，5組平衡輸入XLR端子，3組各自獨立的平衡輸出XLR端子，1組用來控制Brama單聲道後級連動開關電源的Brama Link，與及1組電源輸入IEC插座。

精品級開關式電源供應

打開實芯鋁合金底板，便會看見兩隻西電300B真空管橫臥在機身後半部分的左右位置，中央部分是兩代Brama前級內涵最大分野之處：全新Brama前級是採用精心設計開關式電源供應（SMPS Switch-Mode Power Supply），來取代舊款採用的傳統線性電源供應（選用1750W大環牛）。Vinnie認為傳統環牛供電會有在負載的情況下產生噪音，窒礙音樂的動態，與及在大功率需索的情況輸出電壓會出現不穩定等缺點。Brama新前級採用全新設計的超低噪音開關式電源供應，設有主動功率因數修正（active power factor correction）功能，與及註冊專利的Belleson超級穩壓器（super-regulator），能夠在100-264V的市電範圍穩定輸出工作電壓，為整個音響頻段提供極低噪音地台。整份開關式電源供應線路安裝在以CNC銑牀車製一體成形鋁合金機箱內的密封間隔之內，能夠提供最大程度的屏蔽功能，而且這份電源供應線路的安裝位置非常接近放大器的線路板，所以能夠提供最短的供電路徑和大幅減低噪音干擾的機會。

前級的靈魂 —— 西電300B

Brama前級每聲道採用一支新版的西電300B直熱式真空管作前級放大，Vinnie認為西電300B那種清純而又充滿音樂韻味的特性是其他前級線路難以超越的。這兩支西電300B的安裝方式是出乎意料地橫臥在機箱之內，而頂級的鐵氟龍膽座是直接焊在位於背板的線路板之上，所以不論是訊號還是供電路徑都是最短和最乾淨利落的，而且兩支真空管都是密封於厚身鋁合金機箱之內，所以起著完美屏蔽電磁波干擾的作用。此外，由於這兩支西電300B只是提供電壓增益的功能，並不會輸出任何功率，所以只會散發極輕微的熱量（每支約6.25W）。Brama前級採用6層的線路板，有幾層是用作接地，所以對噪音干擾敏感的線路板，可以像三文治般夾在兩塊接地板之間來進一步隔離噪音的干擾。由於左、右聲道的兩塊前級線路板是安裝在背板的位置，所以那5組輸入XLR端子，3組輸出XLR端子和兩支西電300B的膽座都是直接焊在線路板之上，絕對是最短的訊號路徑了。

Brama前級在面板只有兩隻旋鈕負責電源開關，訊源輸入選擇，音量調校，啞音和針錶的功能調校這些基本功能，其他進階一點的調校功能和操作，便要使用同樣以CNC銑牀車製實芯6063鋁合金機殼，並且配上2.4吋藍寶石玻璃LCD顯示屏的藍牙遙控器來控制。

精心設計的單聲道後級

Brama的單聲道後級是VR的新設計（上一代是身歷聲後級），和前級一樣，前、後、左、右和頂板五個平面一體成型的機箱與及厚達19mm的底板，同樣是以大型的實芯AL6063航天級鋁合金坯以5軸CNC銑牀車製，音響元件全部都是以倒掛的形式安裝。中央部分同樣車製了一個密封間隔，用來安置特別設計給大功率輸出級的2400W開關式電源供應，間隔對落是看似面積並不太大的功率放大線路板，但其實這裡是由兩塊底面都裝滿零件的線路板疊起組成，上層是全平衡輸入級與驅動級，下層是AB類MOSFET（金屬氧化物半導體場效電晶體）輸出級，而三組（3N與3P）由電腦精密配對的頂級MOSFET，則在下層線路板之下直接安裝在機殼上面以取得最佳的散熱效果。如此疊起線路板的密集設計，令到訊號與供電路徑都可以縮到最短，而整份放大線路亦非常接近XLR輸入端子和喇叭輸出端子，所以機內接線同樣大幅縮短。這台單聲道後級的輸出功率為300W RMS（8Ω）、600W RMS（4Ω）、1200W RMS（2Ω），在輸入級由伺服控制的直流偏移（DC offset），在喇叭輸出端子維持0V，精密的保護線路不停監測後級的溫度變化和輸出電流，出現任何異樣便會自動關機。

Brama後級的面板只是裝有一個4Ω/8Ω RMS功率顯示的圓形白底針錶，同樣襯有藍寶石玻璃面和光身不銹鋼圓框，與前級面板的簡潔典雅互相呼應。背板只設有一組平衡輸入XLR端子，1組用來控制後級開關電源的Brama Link，1組WBT Nextgen 0710-Ag喇叭輸出端子，與及1組電源輸入IEC插座。後級的體積和重量都與前級相若：475闊 x 406深 x 140高（mm），重量20.5kg。

鐵劃銀鈎

試聽VR這套Brama前級和單聲道後級，配搭器材是CH Precision D1.5 + C10 + T1 + X1五件頭數碼訊源，推動丹拿鉑金證據揚聲器，音響線是以Nordost Odin 2為主。這一次試聽絕對是一個開心滿足的愉快體驗，因為整個聆聽過程都令我和一眾寫手兄弟有著嘆音樂那種放鬆和享受的感覺。首先，這套前、後級的聲音非常清晰、純和，所有細節都重現得一清二楚，而且不帶任何半點沙石，樂器的線條有著鐵劃銀鈎般的利落，但卻沒有絲毫粗糙感，音像的聚焦鮮明立體，玲瓏浮凸而毫不臃腫，音場的深度和闊度完全超出視覺的限制，而且聲音的密度足夠，兼且層次分明。聽「2025原音精選」內Gabi Rijnveld彈奏李斯特的〈安慰曲第3號〉（Consolations No.3），錄音場地是荷蘭奈梅亨的De Vereeniging音樂廳，Gabi精煉嫻熟的指法彈奏一台Steinway D大三角鋼琴，琴音鏗鏘瑰麗，堂音豐滿，Brama放大器不但把Gabi演繹時肢體語言的細微動靜，感情表達的彈奏神髓都細緻重現，琴鎚時而輕撫，時而重擊鋼弦的弱音和動感都播得栩栩如生，令人聽得感動。聽蔡國權的〈順流逆流〉，蔡國權以自己獨特的嗓音，唱出自己創作和填詞的精彩作品，那種人聲的細緻，唱功演繹的技巧，貼題到肉的感情表達，加上他常用的中國小調式音樂伴奏，這套放大器把這首經典金曲重播得極高水準，令人聽起上來有種鼻酸的揪心感覺，絕對是高度傳真的最佳寫照。

綽綽有餘

這套Brama前、後級雖然是採用開關式電源供應，但如果是非一般的特別設計，重播大場面，大動態的爆棚樂曲，我認為完全不會比傳統的線性大火牛 + 大水塘電源供應遜色！重播「天下第一鼓」的〈龍騰虎躍〉，嘿！大大小小一共18個不同種類的中國鼓，包括小堂鼓、花盆鼓、排鼓、大鼓、定音鼓和1.2米直徑的倍大鼓，Brama放大器都播得一清二楚，大細分明，而且更可以按圖索驥，看著CD小冊子內的鑼鼓排位圖，清楚在音場裡明確認出這些不同尺碼鼓群的位置，真實得有如親眼目睹，至於鼓皮的振動，鼓腔的共鳴，鼓棍擊鼓的衝擊力，敲鼓邊的質感與及鼓手運勁的力道，都播得無比傳真，排山倒海般擊鼓的聲響都是對放大器的嚴峻考驗，不過Brama完全是氣定神閒，輕鬆應付之餘仍然是猶有餘裕，力水之充足與及鼓聲質感之佳實在是意料之外。

結語

論外型設計，論機箱的造工，論聲效的表現與及功率力水之充沛，我認為Vinnie Rossi Brama前、後級的表現完全臻達音響業界的頂級標準。當然，一套的售價高達HK$801,998，同樣是頂級的價錢，不過廠方提供長達十年的保用期，正是VR廠方對旗下產品充滿信心的真憑實據，物有所值是我的中肯結語。

Brama前級放大器規格

■電源輸入：100-264V AC（50/60Hz）■總諧波失真 + 噪音：少於0.1%（20Hz-20kHz）■頻應：5Hz-100kHz（±0.5dB）■訊噪比：大於100dB■輸入阻抗：20kΩ■增益調校：0dB, +6dB, +12dB■輸出電壓：高至10V RMS■輸出阻抗：少於100Ω■真空管：對裝西電300B■體積：475闊x 381深x 140高（mm）■重量：20.9kg■零售價：HK$321,999

Brama單聲道後級放大器規格

■電源輸入：100-264V AC（50/60Hz）■輸出功率：300W RMS（8Ω）, 600W RMS（4Ω）, 1200W RMS（2Ω）■總諧波失真 + 噪音：少於0.1%（20Hz-20kHz）■頻應：5Hz-100kHz（±0.5dB）■輸入阻抗：20kΩ■增益：22dB■喇叭輸出阻抗：少於0.01Ω■體積：475闊x 406深x 140高（mm）■重量：20.5kg■零售價：HK$479,999（一對）

■總代理：聲望音響．電話：(852) 2156 0789, (852) 2130 1928

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Brama Preamplifier + Monaural Power Amplifiers

- Lincoln Cheng

To many audiophiles, “Vinnie Rossi” is not a familiar audio brand name. Judging solely from the appearance and craftsmanship of the equipment, or from the sound effect and characteristics, even with my years of experience working in “Audiotechnique” and witnessing numerous Hi-End amplifiers, you wouldn’t have guessed that Vinnie Rossi’s Brama series amplifiers are high-end products meticulously handcrafted in a factory in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

American Top-Class Product Comparable to Swiss Craftsmanship

I have my reasons for saying this... The first time I encountered the Vinnie Rossi (VR) brand was in the show room of Avantgarde Hong Kong at the 2022 Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show. The equipment on display at the time was the Brama stereo power amplifier, with an output power of 600W x 2 (4Ω). This power amplifier had a very elegant appearance, a solid chassis with rounded corners. The six plates of the fuselage were CNC milled from solid AL6063 aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. And then they were precisely hand-stitched, the outer layer was first sandblasted with glass beads and then anodized. The manufacturing process was exquisite and meticulous, the touch was as smooth as satin, and no screws were visible on the surface. The panel appearance was very simple and beautiful, with a circular needle meter in the center to show the volume, a pure white background with a sapphire glass surface and a shiny stainless steel circular frame. There was also a flat circular power switch button below, a 19mm thick aluminum alloy base extended four arc corners to install four metal foot cones.

The elegant design and precise smoothness of the entire power amplifier would definitely make people think of audio boutique equipment designed and produced in Switzerland or Germany. Sometime later, we tested this Brama stereo power amplifier and another Brama integrated amplifier in our Hi Fi room, my colleages and I were amazed by the extremely clear, transparent, high-density and very detailed sound, excellent extension at both ends, full of energy, while also possessing a very attractive musicality. To be honest, the sound effects were so excellent, with equally elegant in the design and production, it was really difficult to associate them with the American products in our inherent impression.

Even better

At the recently concluded 2025 Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show, VR’s boss and chief designer Vinnie Rossi (his name is the brand’s name) and the newly appointed Global Sales Director and Brand Ambassador Gabi Rijnveld personally came to the Avantgarde Hong Kong showroom and brought the second generation of Brama series products – preamplifier and monaural power amplifiers. Although it was just a trial run during the exhibition, using vinyl as the signal source to drive the German Zellaton flagship speakers Reference Ultra, I found that the appearance of the new generation of Brama amplifiers did not have much difference at first glance with the previous one. But when I observed closely, I found that the manufacturing quality was even better than the old model, and the sound performance was more refined, more delicate, and the sound density was higher... Since the design Vinnie Rossi was right in front of us, we won’t miss the chance to ask him personally to find out more details about VR’s background.

The Metamorphosis of Vinnie Rossi

Like many audio brand designers, Vinnie Rossi was extremely interested in audio and electronic equipment since childhood. He liked to disassemble and studied the construction of radios, cassette tape recorders, amplifiers and speakers. When he got older, he tried to modify the equipment and design amplifier kits himself. After he obtained a degree in electronic engineering, he worked in the high-speed communications industry during the day, and at night he continued to deal with audio and listen to music. Before long, he had decided the audio industry was the main direction for his lifelong career development. In 2005, Vinnie founded the Red Wine Audio, a brand that became famous for producing high-quality and beautiful sound, reasonably priced, and mainly powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. After the brand had achieved success in the direct sales market, Vinnie invested more resources in 2015 to establish a higher-end audio brand with his own name and gradually shifted from the direct sales model to the market operation model. Because of the success of Red Wine Audio, Vinnie’s designed VR new models quickly won a solid reputation and considerable sales figures in the audiophile circles, but the appearance of these products still has a strong American manufacturing style. At the end of 2021, VR announced that it had entered a new level of Hi-End brand era – launching the Vinnie’s new design, the Brama series, which spared no expense in production, including integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and stereo power amplifiers.

He specially hired Canadian industrial designer Olivier Raymond, who participated in the design of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, to be responsible for the design of the entire Brama equipment chassis, and found a large-scale metal processing factory in the UK to be responsible for the production, making VR’s Brama series of equipment shine at audio shows around the world, and shocked the Hi-End audio circle. After three years of precipitation, Vinnie comprehensively reviewed the design and production of the Brama series and made considerable optimizations.

As a result, the second generation of Brama series equipment is launched this year, including integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and monaural power amplifiers. After the Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show, we successfully welcome this set of new generation Brama preamplifier and monaural power amplifier (neither VR’s website nor the equipment’s chassis has the G2 mark for Brama series equipment, but it iss easy to distinguish from the appearance) as the cover feature of this issue of our magazine.

Top-notch craftsmanship

Judging from the appearance alone, the new Brama equipment is slightly narrower in width and depth than the previous generation, especially the width had been changed from 520mm (20.47 inches) to 475mm (18.7 inches). Vinnie said that he had received feedback from some Brama users, saying that the 520mm wide chassis could not be placed in a standard 19-inch wide audio rack, so he followed the advice and narrowed the width of the new Brama models. The second was that the gaps between the chassis panel, back panel, top cover and both side panels could no longer be seen. This change in appearance is a major improvement in the chassis design - from the previous generation’s chassis made of CNC milled six-plane panels and carefully assembled, to a large solid AL6063 aerospace grade aluminum, with a 5-axis CNC milling machine to mill the front, back, left, right and top panels in one piece. The VR trademark is laser-engraved on the top of the machine, and all the internal components are installed in an inverted manner. Coupled with the 19mm thick solid aluminum alloy base plate made of AL6063 aluminum by CNC milling machine and 4 metal cones, it is enough to constitute a super stable and solid chassis which would not produce resonance, it also has high heat dissipation performance and shock absorption function, and can also perfectly isolate the EMI electromagnetic wave interference generated by mobile phones, routers, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. In addition, the craftsmanship of the chassis machining, glass bead sandblasting and anodizing is obviously superior to the previous generation, it feels smooth to the touch, and no screws could be seen, which is comparable to the best manufacturing craftsmanship in Switzerland.

Concise and elegant

The new Brama preamplifier only features a circular white-dial needle meter in the center of the panel, which combines display of input selection, volume, and real-time level. It is also complemented by a sapphire glass face and a polished stainless steel circular frame. On the left and right sides, there are solid aluminum alloy knobs. The left knob is a Swiss-made ELMA 24-step magnetic induction selector, which is a power switch when pressed and selects from 5 source inputs when rotated. The right knob is a Swiss-made ELMA 48-step magnetic induction volume control, used to accurately adjust the 100-step volume control composed of a resistor ladder. It is a mute, volume, and real-time level display function selection when pressed; when rotated, it adjusts the volume. Other than that, the panel has no other buttons, nor any text or pattern display, making it look very concise and elegant. The back panel is also simple, with 5 sets of balanced input XLR terminals, 3 sets of independent balanced output XLR terminals, 1 set to control the Brama Link for the power supply of the Brama monaural power amplifier, and 1 IEC power input sockets.

Boutique-grade switching power supply

Opening the solid aluminum alloy base plate, you will see two Western Electric 300B vacuum tubes lying horizontally on the left and right sides of the rear half of the chassis. The central part is the biggest difference between the two generations of Brama preamplifiers: the new Brama preamplifier adopts a carefully designed switching power supply (SMPS Switch-Mode Power Supply) to replace the traditional linear power supply used in the old model (using a 1750W large toroidal transformer). Vinnie believes that the traditional toroidal transformer power supply will generate noise under load, hinder the dynamics of the music, and the output voltage will be unstable in the case of high-power demand. The new Brama preamplifier adopts a new ultra-low noise switching power supply, equipped with active power factor correction and a registered patented Belleson super-regulator, which can stably output working voltage in the range of 100-264V AC power supply, providing an extremely low noise floor for the entire audio frequency band. The entire switching power supply circuit is installed in a sealed compartment inside the CNC milled one-piece aluminum alloy chassis, which can provide maximum shielding function, and the installation position of this power supply circuit is very close to the amplifier circuit board, so it can provide the shortest power supply path and greatly reduce the chance of noise interference.

The soul of the preamp - Western Electric 300B

The Brama preamplifier uses a new version of the Western Electric 300B direct-heated vacuum tube for pre amplification for each channel. Vinnie believes that the pure and musical characteristics of the Western Electric 300B are difficult to surpass by other preamplifier circuits. The installation method of these two Western Electric 300Bs is unexpectedly lying horizontally inside the chassis, and the top-grade Teflon tube sockets are directly soldered on the circuit board located on the back panel, so both the signal and the power supply paths are the shortest and cleanest, and the two vacuum tubes are sealed in a thick aluminum alloy chassis, so they play the role of perfect shielding electromagnetic wave interference. In addition, since these two Western Electric 300Bs only provide the function of voltage gain and will not output any power, they will only emit a very slight amount of heat (about 6.25W per tube). The Brama preamplifier uses a 6-layer circuit board, several layers are used for grounding, so the circuit board, which is sensitive to noise interference, can be sandwiched between two ground plates to further isolate noise interference. Since the two preamplifier circuit boards of the left and right channels are installed at the back panel position, the 5 sets of input XLR terminals, 3 sets of output XLR terminals, and the tube sockets of the two Western Electric 300Bs are all directly soldered on the circuit board, which is absolutely the shortest signal path.

The Brama preamplifier has only two knobs on the panel to control basic functions such as power switch, source input selection, volume adjustment, mute, and needle meter function adjustment. Other more advanced adjustment functions and operations require the use of a Bluetooth remote control, which is also made of CNC milled solid 6063 aluminum alloy casing and equipped with a 2.4-inch sapphire glass LCD screen.

Meticulously Designed Monoblock Power Amplifier

Brama’s single-channel power amplifier is a new VR design (the previous generation was a stereo power amplifier). Like the preamplifier, the chassis is integrally formed from five planes: front, rear, left, right, and top. It has a 19mm thick bottom plate. It is also made from a large solid AL6063 aerospace-grade aluminum alloy milled with a 5-axis CNC milling machine. All audio components are installed in an inverted manner. A sealed compartment is also machined in the center to house a specially designed 2400W switching power supply for the high-power output stage. Below the compartment is a power amplifier circuit board that doesn’t look very large, but it’s actually composed of two stacked circuit boards, both of which are filled with components on the bottom. The upper layer is the fully balanced input stage and driver stage, and the lower layer is the Class AB MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) output stage. Three sets (3N and 3P) of top-grade MOSFETs, precisely matched by computer, are directly installed on the chassis below the lower circuit board to achieve the best heat dissipation effect. This densely packed design of stacked circuit boards allows the signal and power supply paths to be shortened to the minimum. The entire amplification circuit is also very close to the XLR input terminals and speaker output terminals, so the internal wiring is also greatly shortened. The output power of this monoblock power amplifier is 300W RMS (8Ω), 600W RMS (4Ω), and 1200W RMS (2Ω). The DC offset controlled by the servo at the input stage maintains 0V at the speaker output terminals. Precise protection circuits constantly monitor the temperature changes and output current of the power amplifier and will automatically shut down if any abnormality occurs.

The front panel of the Brama power amplifier only has a circular white-faced needle meter displaying 4Ω/8Ω RMS power. It also comes with a sapphire crystal glass face and a polished stainless steel round frame, matching the simplicity and elegance of the preamplifier panel. The back panel only has one set of balanced input XLR terminals, one Brama Link for controlling the power on/off of the power amplifier, one WBT Nextgen 0710-Ag speaker output terminal, and one IEC power input socket. The size and weight of the power amplifier are similar to the preamplifier: 475mm wide x 406mm deep x 140mm high, weighing 20.5kg.

Sharp and Precise

When auditioning this VR Brama preamplifier and monoblock power amplifiers, the accompanying equipment is a CH Precision D1.5 + C10 + T1 + X1 five-piece digital source, driving Dynaudio Platinum Evidence loudspeakers, with Nordost Odin 2 as the audio cables. This listening session is an enjoyable and satisfying experience because the entire listening process gives me and the other writers a feeling of relaxation and enjoyment of music. Firstly, the sound of this preamplifier and power amplifier is very clear and pure, and all the details are perfectly reproduced without any imperfections. The lines of the instruments are sharp and precise, without any roughness. The focus of the sound image is clear and three-dimensional, exquisite and not bloated. The depth and width of the soundstage completely exceed the visual limitations, and the density of the sound is sufficient, with clear layering. Listening to Gabi Rijnveld’s performance of Liszt’s “Consolations No.3” from “2025 The Perfect Sound” (the recording venue was the De Vereeniging concert hall in Nijmegen, Netherlands), Gabi played a Steinway D grand piano, her refined and skillful fingerings produce clear and beautiful piano sounds, the hall effect is full. The Brama amplifier not only perfectly reproduces the subtlety movements of Gabi’s fingers during the performance, but also the essence of her emotional expression and playing. The soft sounds and dynamics of the hammers striking the piano strings are vivid and touching. Listening to Cai Guoquan’s “Down and Up Stream”, Cai Guoquan uses his unique voice to sing his own creative and lyrical works. The details of the human voice, the skills of the performance, the emotional expression that fits the theme, plus his commonly used Chinese-style music accompaniment, the amplifiers reproduce this classic song at a very high level, making people feel heart-wrenching when listening, which is definitely the best portrayal of high-fidelity.

Abundant Power

Although this set of Brama pre and power amplifiers uses a switching power supply, it is an extraordinary special design. When replaying large-scale, dynamic, and booming music, it is not inferior to any traditional linear large transformer + large water tank power supply! Replaying “Dragons Soaring and Tigers Leaping” in the CD “The Number One Chinese Drum”, Hey! A total of 18 different types of Chinese drums, including small temple drums, flowerpot drums, row drums, large drums, timpani, and a 1.2-meter diameter double-sized drum, the Brama amplifier played them all clearly, with clear distinctions between large and small sounds. Moreover, by looking at the drum arrangement diagram in the CD booklet, it is possible identify the positions of these different-sized drum groups in the sound field, as real as if you are witnessing it with your own eyes. As for the vibration of the drum skins, the resonance of the drum cavities, the impact force of the drumsticks hitting the drums, the texture of the drum edges, and the force of the drummers, they are all played incredibly faithful. The sound of the drums, like a tsunami, is a severe test for the amplifier, but the Brama handles it with ease. The abundance of power and the excellent quality of the drum sounds are truly unexpected.

Conclusion

In terms of exterior design, workmanship of the chassis, performance of the sound effects, and the abundance of power and strength, I believe that the performance of the Vinnie Rossi Brama pre and power amplifiers fully reaches the top standard of the audio industry. Of course, the price of a set is as high as HK$801,998, which is also top-level. However, the manufacturer provides a ten-year warranty, and that shows VR has full confidence in their products. Value for money is my fair conclusion.

Brama Preamp Specifications

■Power Input: 100-264V AC (50/60Hz) ■Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: <0.1% (20Hz-20kHz) ■Frequency Response: 5Hz-100kHz (±0.5dB) ■Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100dB ■Input Impedance: 20kΩ ■Gain Adjustment: 0dB, +6dB, +12dB ■Output Voltage: Up to 10V RMS ■Output Impedance: <100Ω ■Vacuum Tube: Matched Western Electric 300B ■Dimensions: 475W x 381D x 140H (mm) ■Weight: 20.9kg ■Retail Price: HK$321,999

Brama Mono Power Amplifier Specifications

■Power Input: 100-264V AC (50/60Hz) ■Output Power: 300W RMS (8Ω), 600W RMS (4Ω), 1200W RMS (2Ω) ■Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: <0.1% (20Hz-20kHz) ■Frequency Response: 5Hz-100kHz (±0.5dB) ■Input Impedance: 20kΩ ■Gain: 22dB ■Speaker Output Impedance: <0.01Ω ■Dimensions: 475W x 406D x 140H (mm) ■Weight: 20.5kg ■Retail Price: HK$479,999 (a pair)

■Sole Distributor: Avantgarde HK Phone: (852) 2156 0789, (852) 2130 1928

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上善若水剛柔並濟

Vinnie Rossi

Brama Preamplifier + Brama Monoblock Power Amplifier

文｜祖兒

在試聽 Brama 前級和 Brama Monoblock 後級之前我是從未接觸過 Vinnie Rossi 器材的，而當第一眼看到這套 Brama 前、後級之時，確被它的圓滑金工與優美線條所迷，暗猜它們的聲音會否都如外觀般傾向於圓潤、內斂？可是當真正開聲後才發現實際並非如此……

試聽時以駐場參考系統 CH Precision D1.5 SACD/CD 機、C10 解碼、T1 時鐘與X1獨立電源的五件頭配套作訊源，配合 Dynaudio 鉑金證據喇叭，Nordost Odin 2 線材一同開聲。先播《Bizet-Shchedrin: Carmen Suite》「卡門組曲」，〈Dance〉前奏一起其熱鬧氣氛已讓人即時投入音樂場景，搖鼓、響板、金屬鈴…等樂器都有著清澈的定位，弦樂線條乾淨銳利，敲擊樂推動著節奏下營造出強烈而鮮明的現場氣氛，細節通透活潑。然後是〈Bolero〉中強烈的韻律感和層層遞進的動態展現，Brama 前、後級將錄音中的弦樂群與空氣流動感覺細緻地保留，背後的敲擊樂則帶來明快的對比效果，聲音既立體又平衡。到〈Torero〉時敲擊樂的十足勁道卻又會讓你對 Brama 後級的驚人能量大感錯愕，它不強調厚重量感或搶耳的低頻音效，取而代之的卻是一種用之不竭的「內力」儲備，展現出音樂最真實的一面。

我會用「水」來形容 Vinnie Rossi Brama 前、後級的聲音特性，水雖輕柔卻絕不軟弱，甚至能沖破一切障礙。Brama 的驚人功率與精準控制讓音樂如巨浪翻湧，爆發力澎湃而不失控制，剛柔兼備。從安靜細語的低音暗湧，到快速激盪的高頻波浪，每一次動態轉換都游刃有餘，既保留水的柔軟韌性，也蘊含浪的強大氣勢。

再播何芸妮的《河雲泥》，Brama 前級的寧靜底噪真的嚇了我一跳，好幾回音樂未響起時都令我以為自己揀錯了“input”以致喇叭不響。一曲〈原諒〉，Winnie 的聲音溫潤婉約，情感透入內心深處。她的每聲呼吸以及聲音轉換都細膩得如在面前。鋼琴伴奏的泛音中散發出微妙的尾韻變化，提琴擦弦的強弱動態將整個琴體比例完美聚焦，人聲與樂器間有著充份的距離感，細緻呈現出樂器細節與歌者的情緒波動，令整體演繹充滿感染力。Brama 前、後級擁有如水般的清澈透明度，更有如靜水深流般的細膩柔和，營造出至純淨的聲音狀態，無多餘染色，傳遞出純淨的樂器音色與人聲質感。

除了溫柔情感之外，Brama 前、後級其實也有氣勢凌厲的一面，播《印象．麗江》中的〈動物〉，鼓聲雄渾結實聲震褲管，場面宏偉壯麗；低頻密集之下喇叭單元的往復動作依然從容流暢，由此可見 Brama 後級電流量之充裕，以至對 Dynaudio 鉑金證據亦能輕鬆駕馭。

總結：

Vinnie Rossi Brama 前、後級就如為聆聽者開啟了一道聲音之河，將水的柔軟與浪的澎湃完美結合，帶來純淨依然卻充滿力量的音樂體驗。這種剛柔兼備的音響表現，使它能靈活應對音樂的任何變化，做到既能兼顧細膩情感，又能適時提供磅礡氣勢，不禁令我想起李小龍的名言：Be water, my friend !

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The Highest Goodness is like Water

Coupling Strength and Gentleness

Vinnie Rossi

Brama Preamplifier + Brama Monoblock Power Amplifier

-Joey Ho

Before listening to the Brama preamplifier and Brama Monoblock power amplifier, I had never come across Vinnie Rossi equipment. When I first saw this set of Brama pre and power amplifiers, I was fascinated by its smooth metalwork and beautiful lines. I secretly guessed whether their sound would be as round and restrained as their appearance. But when they were actually turned on, I found that it was not really the case...

In the audition, the on-site reference system CH Precision D1.5 SACD/CD player, C10 decoder, T1 clock and X1 independent power supply were used as the signal source, along with Dynaudio Platinum Evidence speakers and Nordost Odin 2 cables. First, I played “Bizet-Shchedrin: Carmen Suite”. As soon as the prelude of “Dance” started, the lively atmosphere immediately immersed people in the music scene. The drums, castanets, metal bells, and other instruments all had clear positioning, the string lines were clean and sharp, and the percussion instruments lead the rhythm, creating a strong and vivid live atmosphere with clear and lively details. Then came the strong rhythm and progressive dynamic display in “Bolero”. The Brama pre and power amplifiers meticulously retained the feeling of string groups and air flow in the recording, while the percussion in the back brought a clear contrast effect. The sound was both three-dimensional and balanced. In “Torero”, the full power of the percussion would shock listeners by the amazing energy from the Brama power amplifiers. It did not emphasize the sense of weight or the ear-catching low-frequency sound effects. Instead, it was an inexhaustible “internal force” reserve, showing the most real side of music.

I would use “water” to describe the sound characteristics of the Vinnie Rossi Brama pre and power amplifiers. Although water was gentle, it was by no means weak and could even break through all obstacles. The amazing power and precise control of Brama made the music surge like a huge wave, with explosive power without losing control, both strong and gentle. From the quiet, low-pitched undercurrent to the rapid, high-frequency waves, every dynamic transition was smooth and comfortable, retaining the softness and toughness of water, also containing the powerful momentum of the waves.

Playing Winnie Ho’s album, the silent noise floor of the Brama preamplifier really startled me. Several times before the music started, I thought I had selected the wrong “input” so that the speakers gave no sound. In the song “Forgive”, Winnie’s voice was gentle and tactful, and her emotions penetrated deep into her heart. Every breath and voice change of hers was delicate as if she was right in front of us. The overtones of the piano accompaniment exuded subtle reverberations, and the dynamics of the violin’s sound of rubbing on the strings perfectly focus the entire body proportion of instrument. There was sufficient sense of distance between the vocal and instruments, delicately presenting the details of the instruments and the emotional fluctuations of the singer, making the overall performance full of infectious power. The Brama pre and power amplifiers had the clarity and transparency of delicate and gentle nature of deep water flow, creating a pure and clean sound state, without any extra coloration, conveying the pure instrumental timbre and vocal texture.

In addition to gentle emotions, the Brama pre and power amplifiers also had its fierce side. Playing “Animals” from “Impression Lijiang”, the drum sound was strong and solid, shaking my trouser legs, and the scene was magnificent; under the dense low frequency, the reciprocating movement of the speaker units was still calm and smooth, which showed the ample current of the Brama power amplifiers, so that it could easily control the Dynaudio Platinum Evidence.

Conclusion:

The Vinnie Rossi Brama pre and power amplifiers were like opening a river of sound for the listener, perfectly combining the softness of water and the surging waves, bringing a pure yet powerful musical experience. This audio performance, which was both tough and gentle, made it flexible in response to any change in music, able to take into account delicate emotions and provide a magnificent momentum from time to time. I couldn’t help but think of Bruce Lee’s famous quote: Be water, my friend.

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發揮迷人西電300B音色

Vinnie Rossi

Brama前級 + 單聲道功放

文︱梁錦暉

“Vinnie Rossi”這個名字過去有兩次為我留下深刻的印象。

第一次是兩年多前初次在「音響技術」試音室聽一台Vinnie Rossi立體聲功放，時尚簡潔的外型，瑞士級造工及打磨，配以甜美怡人及高密度的音色，令我十分難忘。

第二次是剛過去的高級視聽展完結後翌日，我被邀請到同文鄧肯兄的發燒窩，Vinnie Rossi的創辦人Vinnie Rossi及其環球銷售及品牌總監Gabi Rijnveld也是座上客，我與Vinnie Rossi聊天時，深深感受到他是一個對音樂充滿熱誠的音響設計師，聽他講有關放大器線路及電源供應的設計理念，覺得他甚為「有料」！我問他為何用上自己的名字當音響品牌，如果失敗又怎麼算，他說：「把自己的名字額在音響品牌上，表明我對自己的產品有絕對的信心。」

今次這一台前級放大器加兩台單聲道功率放大器，總價高達70多萬港元，不是一般打工仔負擔得起的價錢，如此價位的前後級光靠分析力及全頻平衡是不夠的，因為市場上有很多價位不到一半的產品已經能夠做出超高分析力的音像，音色平衡亦難不到它們，那Vinnie Rossi Brama憑什麼可以定價得那麼進取呢？

在試音室裡聽這套前後級時，我以「原音精選2010」這張我沿用了15年的試音工具碟作熱身，Brama播放《祝我幸福》給我耳目一新的感覺，蔡琴的聲線給我一種溫馨、柔和的味道，它不是我平時聽到那種厚暖那麼簡單，而是甜暖在心頭，讓人聽上癮，或許這就是西電300B的魔力，在同一張試音碟，我亦選播了夏韶聲《追憶》及Sissel“Shenandoah”，讓我體會到Brama那延綿甜暖及密度超高的聲底。

我本想用第3軌Accardo演奏巴赫Partita III BMV 1006作小提琴獨奏的參考，但此曲的場地回音過於豐富，難以讓我細心體味小提琴聲音的質感，於是我轉用發燒小提琴天碟《Heartbreak》，播放蕭邦夜曲（作品27-2），這錄音屬於近距離錄音，Elissa Lee Koljonew的運弓擦弦清晰自然不在話下，Brama重現的小提琴音色通透、甜暖及充滿感情，它是用提琴連綿不絕的聲音來抓緊你的注意力，完全不需要用音效來吸引你。

由於今次是我首次在試音室聽一對Vinnie Rossi的Brama單聲道後級，我當然不放過這個機會試一下這兩台功放駕馭一對Dynaudio鉑金證據喇叭的能力，我那時想起用Neo Fung炮製的《見龍卸甲》LECD II這張電影原聲大碟，不要看Brama在寧靜時柔情似水，當播此碟時，它的性格截然不同，大鼓聲音有如濁浪排空般震撼，中樂樂器撥奏時鐵劃銀鈎，高頻更不用說了，可以用刀光劍影來形容！此外，Brama每邊2Ω輸出1200瓦（RMS）絕不是省油的燈，即使鉑金證據不容易推的低音單元，這款功放在處理動態及低頻都表現得從容不迫。

Brama這套膽前後石的組合，集合300B一聽讓人上癮的音色及大功率原子粒功放強大控制力兩者的優點於一身，再加上時尚優雅的外形設計，以及媲美瑞士音響器材的造工，使Vinnie Rossi這套放大器能夠躋身於世界級頂班音響之列。

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Bringing out the Charming Sound of Western Electric 300B

Vinnie Rossi

Brama Preamp + Monoblock Power Amplifiers

-Paul Leung

The name “Vinnie Rossi” had left a deep impression on me twice in the past.

The first time was more than two years ago when I first listened to a Vinnie Rossi stereo power amplifier in the “Audiophile Technique” audition room. Its stylish and simple appearance, Swiss-grade craftsmanship and polishing, coupled with its sweet, pleasant, and high-density sound, left a lasting impression on me.

The second time was the day after the recent 2025 HK High-End Audio Visual Show ended. I was invited to the audiophile den of Duncan, a fellow enthusiast. Vinnie Rossi’s founder, Vinnie Rossi, and his Global Sales and Brand Director, Gabi Rijnveld, were also invited as Duncan’s guests. When I chatted with Vinnie Rossi, I deeply felt that he was an audio designer full of passion for music. When he talked about amplifier circuitry and power supply design concepts, I felt he was quite “knowledgeable”! I asked him why he used his own name as the audio brand. What if it failed? He said: “Putting my own name on the audio brand shows that I have absolute confidence in my products.”

This time, the gears in demonstration was a set of preamplifier plus two monoblock power amplifiers, with a total price of over HK$700,000, not an affordable price for the average wage earners. Amplifiers at this price level could not rely solely on analytical power and full-frequency balance, because there were products on the market that cost less than half the price and they could produce super high-resolution images and a balanced sound. So, why can Vinnie Rossi Brama be priced so aggressively?

When listening to this set of pre and power amplifiers in the audition room, I used “The Perfect Sound 2010”, a test disc that I have used for 15 years, as a warm-up. The Brama’s playback of “Wish Me Happiness” gave me a fresh feeling. Cai Qin’s voice gave me a warm and gentle feeling. It’s not just the thick warmth that I usually heard, but a sweet warmth in my heart, making it addictive to listen to. Perhaps this was the magic of the Western Electric 300B. On the same test disc, I also selected and played Anthony Wong’s “Remembrance” and Sissel “Shenandoah,” allowing me to experience the Brama’s lingering sweetness and high-density sound.

I originally wanted to use the 3rd track, Accardo’s performance of Bach’s Partita III BMV 1006, as a reference for the violin solo, but the venue’s reverberation of this piece was too rich, making it difficult for me to appreciate the texture of the violin sound, so I switched to the audiophile violin disc “Heartbreak” and played Chopin’s Nocturne (Opus 27-2). This was a close-range recording CD. Elissa Lee Koljonew’s bowing and string rubbing were clear and natural, not to mention. The violin sound reproduced by Brama was transparent, sweet, and full of emotion. It used the continuous sound of the violin to grab your attention, no need to use sound effects to attract you at all.

Since this was the first time I listened to a pair of Vinnie Rossi’s Brama monoblock power amplifiers in our audition room, I won’t miss the opportunity to test the ability of these two amplifiers to drive a pair of Dynaudio Platinum Evidence speakers. At that time, I thought of using Leo Fung’s original soundtrack album “Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon” LECD II. Although Brama was very gentle at quiet passages, when playing this disc, its character was completely different. The sound of the bass drum was as shocking as a turbulent wave, and the plucking of Chinese instruments was very precise, not to mention the high frequencies, it could be described as a flash of swords! In addition, Brama’s 2Ω output of 1200 watts (RMS) per side was definitely not just a figure of specification, it could drive the woofers of the Platinum Evidence with ease. These woofers were famous for hard to drive!

The Brama’s combination of tube pre- and solid-state power stages combines the advantages of the addictive sound of the 300B and the powerful control of a high-power solid-state amplifier. In addition, the stylish and elegant appearance design and the craftsmanship comparable to Swiss audio equipment make the Vinnie Rossi amplifiers able to be listed among the world-class top-tier audio equipment.