Low Watt Tube Amps

[Analog21]

I'm looking at upgrading my Primaluna HP Integrated and looking at some other tube integrated amps. One of them possible upgrades down the road is the Viva Audio integrated. They're cheapest model is the Solistino model, which is Class A 14 watts (at least reported). The next model is the Solista model which is 18 watts Class A. Some have told me that they will not have any trouble driving my Sonus Faber Olympica 3 speakers, 90-91db sensitivity/efficiency. What is really going on with these lower wattage tube amps that can drive speakers with wattage recommendations far higher, or is this still not recommended even though people are doing it? Not sure if some of you would not recommend the Viva for the Sonus Faber. Just looking for some input. Thanks.

[Rob]

One thing to consider re Viva, and I came *this close* to acquiring a used set of mono blocks is the support is non existent unless you buy brand spanking new from the current dist. even Viva in Italy will not lift a finger.

[Analog21]

that is awful to here. There is not much about them here in the US. That's why I'm reaching out on the forum. Wondering if I can get by and will be ok with the lower wattage Solistino model and seems Viva's construction of its transformers and other triode delivery is different from other tube amp manufacturers. I have no idea what I'm getting into. A friend was using the Solista 18 watt model to drive Wilson Alexia's and they easily handled them.

[Rob]

I don't blame you for circling around Viva their stuff sounds like music itself. It would probably marry just fine with your Olympicas provided your room isn't too voluminous.

[Analog21]

Room size is 24 x 14, 8 foot ceilings. Standard medium sized living room. I'm wondering if I'll be ok with the 14 watt Viva amp. The difference in price for those extra 4 watts to their next model is almost double the price. My average listening level on my Primaluna amp is 9:00 to 11:00 at the most.

[david k]

You're better off with something around the 50 watt range with your speakers, 18-20 watts not going to cut it.
david

[Analog21]

Then I guess my questions is how does it cut for Wilson Alexias, or Opera Loudspeakers which have the same efficiency and impedance as my speakers? It sounds wonderful on this setup, so obviously something is going on with the Viva Class A amps. I don't think it is that cut and dry. I used triode mode with EL34s from my Primaluna, and I see no problem with my Sonus faber speakers.

[david k]

It doesn't, IME Alexia also needs a lot more power to come to life than 20 watts.

[Dr.Ears]

18 watts would be borderline and an expensive mistake, if you were not happy with the performance.

[Steve Lefkowicz]

Where are you located? Is their a Viva dealer nearby?

[Steve Lefkowicz]

You might call Dan Muzquiz at Blackbird Audio. He the SoCal Viva dealer (in Santee, CA). I believe he can ship as long as long as there are no authorized dealers in the area. More importantly, he's one of the most knowledgeable and and honest dealers you'll ever meet. He'll be able to give you an honest opinion regarding the matchup of the Viva amps with your speakers.

http://blackbirdaudio.com/Blackbird_Audio_Gallery/Welcome.html

[Analog21]

Thanks Steve. Yes, I spoke with Dan. And he runs the low watts Solistino in his listening room. He thinks the 14 watt amp will drive my Sonus Faber's fine, which is why I posted this thread. Others obviously disagree that I will be fine. So not sure.

[Rob]

What SL said. Dan is one of the good guys in this biz, I've known him for ages. Gary Koh should weigh in as I believe he used a Viva headphone amp (3 watts) to drive his speakers at Newport just to demonstrate that he could and he more than pulled it off.

[david k]

There's Quicksikver not so fashionable these days but always musical!
david

[MylesBAstor]

Don't know about fashionable. Mike has always flown under the radar and never sought out magazine reviews. Reviewers bought a Quicksilver product in order to review it.

[Steve Lefkowicz]

I talked to Mike about reviewing an amp some years ago, and he simply said he sold all he could make, so didn't feel a review was worthwhile. He didn't want to increase demand that would delay delivery times.
Still want to try one of his preamps someday.

[mep]

One of my favorite all time tube amps is the mighty Quicksilver MS-190 with the triode input boards.

[MylesBAstor]

Another integrated I recently heard worth checking out is Rogers Hi-Fi.

[david k]

Any SET integrateds among this great group?

david

[JackD201]

Lots! Question remains will wattage in the teens of of 211 or 845s and others be enough for this application. Voxativ, KR, Melody, Viva, Mastersound, Ayon, it's a loooooong list.

[david k]

Something with bass, don't need more than 10-12 watts. Frankly the few I've heard (not on your list) didn't do anything for me.

david

[jcmusic]

I use a flea powered SET amp but, I have the right speakers for it! My amp is a Korneff 45 type and I absolutely love how it sounds again the right speakers for it.

[Beaur]

I have SET monoblocks and an integrated that between them can push a total of 6 watts (4.5 and 1.5 respectively). My Tannoys are somewhere around 95db and both drive my speakers to as loud as I play them, which is nowhere near what some people do. Yes, I may be missing some of that control, and effortless that I could get with either a more efficient speaker or more power but either provides me the experience I enjoy.

I will throw in another plug for Dan!

[Rob]

my good friend has Tannoy Churchills and used an Art Audio PX-25 (6 watts) to real good effect. He now uses Air Tight ATM211s and the extra juice really isn't needed in his system.

[Alrainbow]

What ever amp you pic demo it. Being on the boarder line of power is not a sure thing. Also even if someone says it's fine try the same speakers with a more power amp as well you may be surprised. In headphones having enough to drive headphones matters greatly even if you don't use it. I had tried smaller amps on my rs1b and IRS v too
not counting woofer towers. Just the mid tweeters take on different tones and dynamics
I am not a pro audio guy but I have had many setups
underpower sounds nice until you try one that's got more
a very different view
hope this helps.

[david k]

+1

underpower sounds nice until you try one that's got more a very different view hope this helps.

david

[jcmusic]

Agreed! You absolutely must control the low end (woofer) if not you are wasting your time. SET amps with speakers that are efficient enough for the low power thay have are a match made in heaven! My amp puts out a whopping 2 wpc on it's best day but, my speakers are 118db efficient at 1 watt at 1 meter! Of course I have them padded down to 108db so all 3 drivers match!!! It is simple and stunning in sound quality, I can also run you right out of the house with this setup...

[Alrainbow]

I have read that Efficient speakers have better dynamics and speed too. I like two basic types of speakers ribbons all my life and horns. Horns if done well have speed , aglility and dynamics. One of my favorite headphones is Hifi man he6. You need 15 watts at 8 ohms for them to have a full body
less sounds fine till you hear them right. They are 35 ohms varying a bit. It when you get them right they sing a song like a top end speaker system.

[jcmusic]

Sorry I should have mentioned my speakers are big horns, I wouldn't have anything else!!! Very fast and dynamic as you said!!!

[Beaur]

Love to come and hear your horns next time I am in NO.

[jcmusic]

Let me know when you are gonna be in town...

[Analog21]

Has anyone here tried or own a VAC integrated amp? Trying to find a worthy tube integrated upgrade from my Primaluna and less of a lateral movement. Trying to find a tremendous value performer. Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Joe Pittman]

Check out the Triode TRV-845SE