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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
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.
chayro
2,984 posts
 
I’ve owned the Little Solista since 2008 and had no desire to upgrade. Are you telling me the big Solista is only $4500 more? It used to be more than double the price. Mine cost about $7500 back in 2008, but I had it upgraded with the new transformers about a year later, so that was like an additional 2k or so.  But I am very pleased with the sound.  Personally, if I had the money and the room, I would go for the big Solista, but that sucker is BIG and heavy.  The only think I will tell you is that, IMO, it takes about an hour to reach its full sonic potential after power up.  Enjoy.  
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@maxboy00   Congratulations and looking forward to your impressions.

@johnk  

I have also owned master sound 300b amps and they to are well made and good sounding but not as pretty as VIVA.
By "pretty" do you mean aesthetically?

Can you also provide your take on the differences between Mastersound and VIVA? Thanks.
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
1,975 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.

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