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.

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Have owned 2 VIVA amps still running one and I have tube rolled never heard that VIVA said not to? VIVA amps are built like tanks and I tend to run amps about 10-12 hours a days and VIVA have never let me down. I have also owned master sound 300b amps and they to are well made and good sounding but not as pretty as VIVA. Any 845 will run hot if heats a issue consider a VIVA with different tube compliments mine uses 4x 300B and doesn't produce much heat but has ability to drive most any loudspeaker I tossed at it from 110db horns with no noise to maggies.
I have heard, and liked, the Viva amp running 845 output tubes.  I have also heard their headphone amp. 

I own a Viva fono phono-stage.  The Fono has been completely reliable over the eight years (I am guessing here) that I've owned it.  I don't know about any discouragement to roll tubes, so, I've tried several different tubes in it.  

Viva gear is quite nice sounding and well built.  The look is a bit funky, and the gear takes up a lot of room, but, for me, the phono-stage is a keeper.
I can't speak to the Viva amps, but since you are possibly considering Mastersound and Ayon, I'll pass this onto you - I have the Argos V2s and aside from driving them with Modwright LS100 & KWA100SE , I also alternate driving them with a Line Magnetic 518IA (22wpc 845 SET integrated) , or a Finale Audio 7189 MK2 (EL84 22wpc integrated). I like both with the Argos (did swap in some NOS tubes in both), but will also offer that several Agon members have indicated that the Line Magnetic 508IA (48 wpc  300B/805 integrated) has a somewhat more refined presentation  than the 518.  Again just mentioning for what it is worth. 


No comment on Viva sound quality but I saw one in person for the first time at Cap Audio Fest. A preamp I think, it wasn't being used but dear lord was it gorgeous! Dark purple faceplate and yellow chassis, I stood over it drooling for a few minutes. Whatever you decide good luck and happy listening!
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