mastersound SET amps from Italy

Hi, thank you Exlibris. Btw, I live in The Netherlands.

Chris

They seem quite expensive. If you want Italian design and flare, why not Viva, which are somewhat cheaper. To answer Chris's perfectly valid point, I use a 22watt Viva Solista int and 180 watt SS Karan K180, through my 89db sensitive Acoustic Zen Adagios. The Viva has more grip and drive, better base and control, of the speakers. The Volume is roughly equal too, I listen at about 8 to 9 with both. Not all Watts are created equal.

I owned the Viva 845 monoblocks a couple of years ago.

"Not all Watts are created equal."
I couldn't agree more with that statement!

>>why not Viva, which are somewhat cheaper<<

Bad information.

The Viva amps are not cheaper.

Even the integrated Solista at $17K is more than any Mastersound product including the 300B and 845 monoblocks.

Comparatively speaking, the Mastersound integrateds are "bargains" vis a vis the Solista ($17K) and Little Solista ($8K).

Dealer disclosure on both lines.

I had a chance to the hear the Mastersound Compact 845 amp in my system compared with the 300 PSE.
If I went through a checklist of twenty audiophile-approved criteria most checks would probably end up with the 845. I would then unplug the 845, put in its box, and enjoy the 300B.
One sounds like real people playing real instruments in my room and the other sounds like an incredibly good stereo.