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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
facten
2,878 posts
 
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. 


jond's avatar
jond
5,794 posts
 
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!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Maxboy00,
You have good taste. I’ve heard Viva amplifiers ( but not the Solistino) and they’re wonderful sounding amplifiers and should mate beautifully with your speakers. I can’t imagine how this wouldn’t be a successful long term pairing.

Facten mentioned the Line Magnetic 508ia and I believe that this is a very viable alternative match as well.
Best of luck,
Charles
maxboy00's avatar
maxboy00 OP
277 posts
 
Much thanks for your replies, as far as tube rolling goes this is from the dealer

"We Viva dealers and Viva discourage tube rolling because some of the "NOS" (new old stock) tubes can't take the voltages or current that these amplifiers require from them. Spending lots of money on exotic tubes would be fine if you were buying a Pentode/Triode mode amp because they generally use multiple output tubes so as not to over work them. They don't run "as hot" but they still throw heat... you're burning tubes here".

My take on this is that some NOS tubes can cause the amp to underperform and or damage the amp.

I'm sure the stock tubes are fine and are matched to perform well with Viva amp....Although I would like the option to roll if I wanted,   I don't know if I would or not. It was a few years before I changed the tubes in my PA. 

The LM amps are very fine amps, but my reason not moving to them are very petty....




maxboy00's avatar
maxboy00 OP
277 posts
 
Pulled the trigger on the Solistino amp, ordered thru Black Bird audio. Dan was a pleasure to deal with.
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