Boy oh boy oh boy.
The CANTA Integrated Amplifier from VinnieRossi enlists a dual mono Class AB MOSFET-based output stage married to a Class A dual mono 6SN7-based linestage producing 180WPC into 8 Ohms and 250WPC into 4. If this kind of marriage sounds familiar, the VinnieRossi Brama Integrated Amplifier mixes in Western Electric WE300Bs in its linestage with a MOSFET output.
I reviewed the Brama integrated amp back in September of 2024 and concluded:
Chief among the Brama’s strengths are its graceful way with any music you send its way coupled with just-right richness, full range reach, and a kind of effortless purity that invites the listener in, as deeply as one’s time and attention allows. And Vinnie Rossi wrapped all of that sonic goodness in one of the most attractive, thoughtfully designed packages I’ve had the pleasure to live with. All told, the Vinnie Rossi Brama Integrated Amplifier comes with my highest recommendation. Bravo!
The idea behind the new CANTA series that will grow to include the CANTA Preamplifier and CANTA Stereo Power Amplifier and the already released CANTA Phono Preamplifier (more info) is to bring this VinnieRossi goodness in at a lower price point.
That being said, the CANTA Series components are also wrapped in lovely chassis CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum that gets fine bead blasted and anodized to complete the look. The company adds “Beyond its clean, seamless appearance, this substantial construction provides excellent shielding, resonance control, and thermal management. Its rigidity and mass further reinforce the design. The result is an enclosure where form and function are inseparable.”
Here’s a highlight of the CANTA Integrated Amp’s feature set from VinnieRossi:
Controls
- Volume Control: 100-step resistor ladder for smooth, precise volume adjustment.
- Input Selection: Select from four line-level inputs.
- Gain: Selectable LOW, MED, or HIGH gain setting for each input.
- Balance: 12-step left-to-right adjustment for precise stereo balance.
- Input Memory: Gain and balance settings are saved independently for each input.
- Home Theater Bypass: Provides direct integration with an AV processor or other external volume-controlled source.
Front Panel
- Left Knob: 24-position Swiss rotary encoder with integrated pushbutton.
- Right Knob: 48-position Swiss rotary encoder with integrated pushbutton.
- Display: High-resolution LCD.
Rear Panel
- Line-Level Inputs: Two pairs of balanced XLR inputs and two pairs of single-ended RCA inputs.
- Line-Level Outputs: Volume-controlled balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs.
- Speaker Outputs: Premium 5-way binding posts, gold-plated.
- USB-C: For firmware updates.
- AC Input: IEC 320-C14 inlet.
Remote Control
- Connectivity: Infrared (IR).
- Battery: CR2032 coin-cell battery.
- Construction: Precision machined from a solid block of aluminum.
Travel Case
The CANTA Integrated Amplifier ships in a rugged, airtight hard case featuring:
- Custom foam interior
- Heavy-duty latches
- Automatic pressure-release valve.
If you’re wondering, my review request went in months ago.
The VinnieRossi CANTA Integrated Amplifier is coming in late October. Pricing info is TBA.
Company Website: VinnieRossi
VinnieRossi CANTA Integrated Amplifier Specifications
AC Mains: 100–264V AC, 50–60Hz
Output Power into 8Ω: 125W RMS per channel
Output Power into 4Ω: 250W RMS per channel
THD+N: <0.1%, 20Hz–20kHz
Frequency Response: 5Hz–100kHz, ±0.5dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100dB, 20Hz–20kHz
Input Impedance: 20kΩ
Gain: Adjustable: LOW = 22dB, MED = 28dB, HIGH = 34dB
Line Output Impedance: <100Ω
Speaker Output Impedance: <0.05Ω
AC Mains Fuse: 8A, 250V, 5 x 20mm, fast-blow ceramic
Product Weight: 22 lb (10kg)
Product Dimensions (including knobs, jacks, and feet): 16.25 x 12.75 x 2.75 in (413 x 324 x 70mm)
Remote Dimensions: 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.55 in (100 x 50 x 15mm)
VinnieRossi® reserves the right to change product features and/or specifications without notice to improve reliability, function, design, or otherwise.