Viva or Mastersound?

I’ve heard the MK1 Solista many times. I can’t recall hearing the Mastersound integrated but others, who have heard my Italian integrated as well as those of interest to you, tell me that Mastersound shares many similarities with my New Audio Frontiers. If that’s true, I would say that the Viva has a much more modern tube sound, while the Mastersound would be more intimate. If there is an 845 tube that you favor, find out if it’s compatible with the Viva first. It seems to me that the Viva too often rejects tubes that my friends try. The Viva Mk2 is a very different amplifier from the MK1 and from what I’ve heard, much more than just marginally better.

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