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
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.
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  
@maxboy00 Congrats on your new amp and best of luck with the brutal waiting period! I would imagine a Viva amp in addition to sounding good would have very high WAF as they say. Cheers!
Bump

I know this is an old thread but curious if the OP can offer any updates or anyone else add to their experience with Viva?
Well the Viva is still front and center in my system. I am still using the stock tubes that came with the amp, but I plan on replacing them early next year.

The Viva mates very well with my Daedalus speakers, in its ability to drive them. The speakers sound good at low level listing and when I turn it up, but ….the volume is rarely is past the 9 o clock position. I particular like the fine imaging and rich sound stage which is very evident when listing, so far I have not experienced any compression or lack of head room. I also upgraded my DAC which has not hurt anything, to me, all my core components have good synergy.

No fan of subs in two channel, but I added a pair a few months ago…..thanks to A-gon forum, and this is where… the only thing that I don’t like about Viva…their web site has no information on any spec with their products, and their OM is just as poor. Aside from four line inputs, there an input labeled ‘D’ and ‘S’ with the sub connected to either the line or ‘D’ the subs were okay but the speakers were flat and lifeless. I moved it to the ‘S’ port and bam, the main speakers came back to life. On the plus side my dealer has been great, I have contacted him several times post purchased, including, the rear inputs on the amp, and he has been very responsive and provided detail information and explained what the rear inputs are designed for.



More to discover