Viva or Mastersound?

I used the Viva Solista Mk1 for 5 years, a very nice, if very large, heavy, inefficient, hot running amp. I liked it a lot, but also understand the Mk 2 is significantly better and more expensive.

Phaelon is correct about the tubes, the Solisata runs at a very high plate voltage, which burns out many 845 tubes rapidly.

I know you dod'nt qask for the comparison, but I know use a simiar output Ayon Spark. It's cheaper and I prefer it.

What reviews I have read of Mastersound amps, were OK, but not glowing, if you'll excuse the pun.

Viva Solista is now under mk3 from end of 2011.

It is so much better than mk1 and 2 which were better than Mastersound.

Mastersound is still has the maple syroup sound and slow bass.

The new Viva Solista mk3 shine with lifelike sound.

(Solista mk2 can be upgraded to mk3 if I am not wrong).

George

Perusing the title, I thought it was "Visa or Mastercard"....

To clarify I did upgraded from Solista mk2 to mk3 so I think it can be done for other users as well.

*David12 there is huge difference from Solista mk1 to mk3.
As for heating I also have Gryphon Antileon signature both run hot, only in the summer there is an issue.

I also have the same 845 tubes for 3 years.

Only changed 6sn6 for find different sound but not sure if it worth the change.
The only 6sn7 that was worth it is the black treasure from shuguang, but it does not fit to mk1 & mk2.

Hope I helped.

From everything I've read/heard, the Viva is really old school golden sound. Has that changed in the MK3