2. amps-preamps
  3. 132619-1495

Viva Solistino Amp

Viva Solistino amp?

I am considering purchasing the above amp.

I have poured over previous Viva threads, which mostly cover its big brother. And so far all are positive regarding the performance of these amps. The dealer that I’m working with says the Solistino now share the same transformers as the Solista and has “…closed a fair gap between them…” The difference in price between these two amps is $ 4500.00 dollars and I cant justify this spread.

I would be interested in any comments from current owners and their experience with Viva would be appreciated.

My speakers are from Daedalus audio “Argos” which are rated 97dB efficient. There is nothing wrong with my current tube PA +SS amp by Modwright. But now I'm  curious about the tube experience. My system is listed on the system page.

I know that Viva does not encourage tube rolling, not sure that’s a big deal as of now. And that this amp does run hot.

 Other amps I have considered is the MasterSound Compact 845 and the Ayon Crossfire. Both are less than the price of admission of the Viva.

128x128maxboy00
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Maxboy00, 
Congratulations! I believe that the Viva will mate with your Daedalus Argos in a beautiful and compelling fashion.  If you don't mind let us know your initial listening impressions. 
Charles 
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,976 posts
 
By "pretty" do you mean aesthetically? Yes- but the master sound 300b amps I had are far from ugly just I prefer the look of VIVA. Both delivered wonderful 300b SET sound both reliable as stones and I run amps more than most users. Differences between are to slight to define even though I had master sound in office and VIVA in main system at same time. I would say both are very similar and I am pretty sure master sound sourced transformers from VIVA.

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@johnk  Thank you very much. That's quite helpful and good to know.
maxboy00's avatar
maxboy00 OP
279 posts
 
Thanks all for the very kind replies.

It will take a couple of months to get the amp in - house, due to the build time and where my order is in the que. 

@ Chayro, Both the Solista and Solistino have the same transformers that are standard and the volume control is also standard. The Solista is over 15k and I couldn't justify the difference in cost. But I get your point. 

@ Charles 1dad...Thanks for your comments, I appreciate reading your posts on tube gear...very helpful.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Maxboy00, 
Thanks for your comments. I just believe that you've made a very fine choice and won't have the slightest regret.  Note Johnk's comments on the Mastersound and Viva amplifiers he owns.

These high caliber well executed type of SETs  have an organic foundation that yields a very natural sound quality and realism that's difficult to match in my humble opinion. You are going to have superb sound. 
Charles  
More to discover