Viola Audiolabs

socfan12 said:
One of the dealers I work with wants me to try some Viola amps. I heard them with TAD Ref1s and they sounded awesome!:audiophile:
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Same for except I have not heard them. I think I need to hear them on the TADs.
 
Ohhhh, I'm sorry... now I understand!!!:eyebrow:

I didn't compare Wyred with Violas, I compared the MC402, MC501 and Violas. I have a MC 402 in my HT, but in my stereo setup I prefer Viola.
 
Ricardo Nonato said:
Which the model do you listen?
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Concerto's driving the midrange/tweeter and the Symphony driving the bass. Different cables were used (Zensati for speed on the bass and something else for sweet, smooth mid/highs). It was quite a sophisticated setup and I thought it worked extremely well!:audiophile:
 
socfan12 said:
Concerto's driving the midrange/tweeter and the Symphony driving the bass. Different cables were used (Zensati for speed on the bass and something else for sweet, smooth mid/highs). It was quite a sophisticated setup and I thought it worked extremely well!:audiophile:
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I would like to do an A x B between Symphony and Forte in my setup. My friend is selling his Symphony, suddenly I can do this test. The Symphony is very refined and also fairly neutral, neutrality is indeed one of the main features of Viola.
 
wyred vs. Viola labs is like comparing a Ferrari to a Yugo. The symphony is a musical beast, 125 pounds, high current and does not run very warm classAB. The concerto & symphony was demoed with TAD ref. speaker at NYC show and got highly praised. The first 12 concerto amps r new design and due to b released over the next 2 weeks. The solid billet construction uses the chassis as a heat sink with a sort of a builtin chimney design on top release warm air. It is half as powerful as Symphony and probably a third the weight. Both retail for about 22k. The power ratings on concerto by Viola have been revised from 125 to 100wts at 8 ohms but they always r conservative in their ratings. I think your choice should b how much power do you need for your speakers, aesthetically does one have greater appeal to you, and lastly a used symphony(no warranty) vs. a new concerto(5 year warranty) will surely have a huge price difference. Good luck

Nick
 
Nick - The Viola Lab amps are quite impressive and I like the looks of them too. Have you decided on a final amp for the TAD's yet? Also - what DAC are you considering? I'm quite enjoying the new Marantz NA11S1 and until a tube DAC with native DSD capabilities is available - I will probably sit tight with this one. It does everything and sounds great. Have you considered it?
 
I have a network player already. Dacs still undecided. Luxman or new dsd ayre perhaps. Lector should have a dsd capable tube dac already out. Italian company with good rep. May replace my xp-20 and go with tube preamp and therefore tube based dac may not b as critical to balance needs of my cr-1. Today Vitus rs-100 arrives. Tube preamps under consideration r Veloce ls-1, Zanden new 3100 and Nagra jazz. Amp finalists r viola labs symphony or concerto, vitus or zanden 8120. will make my final auditions in july and aug. as many products will not b available until later this summer I am attending California audio show beginning of aug. if my final choices r onsite maybe I can swing a deal. I am very excited that a tube front end might b perfect balance for my speakers.
Nick
 
veindoc said:
I have a network player already. Dacs still undecided. Luxman or new dsd ayre perhaps. Lector should have a dsd capable tube dac already out. Italian company with good rep. May replace my xp-20 and go with tube preamp and therefore tube based dac may not b as critical to balance needs of my cr-1. Today Vitus rs-100 arrives. Tube preamps under consideration r Veloce ls-1, Zanden new 3100 and Nagra jazz. Amp finalists r viola labs symphony or concerto, vitus or zanden 8120. will make my final auditions in july and aug. as many products will not b available until later this summer I am attending California audio show beginning of aug. if my final choices r onsite maybe I can swing a deal. I am very excited that a tube front end might b perfect balance for my speakers.
Nick
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Unfortunately Nick, the Lector DSD DAC has not been released - despite being announced 8 months ago. I'm hoping to see something from AMR, ARC, etc. one day soon.

I've had tube DAC's before and they are my preference.
 
socfan12 said:
One of the dealers I work with wants me to try some Viola amps. I heard them with TAD Ref1s and they sounded awesome!:audiophile:
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Was that the Bravo amp? Seems like Viola and Constellation are getting a lot of good press lately.

John
 
veindoc said:
I have a network player already. Dacs still undecided. Luxman or new dsd ayre perhaps. Lector should have a dsd capable tube dac already out. Italian company with good rep. May replace my xp-20 and go with tube preamp and therefore tube based dac may not b as critical to balance needs of my cr-1. Today Vitus rs-100 arrives. Tube preamps under consideration r Veloce ls-1, Zanden new 3100 and Nagra jazz. Amp finalists r viola labs symphony or concerto, vitus or zanden 8120. will make my final auditions in july and aug. as many products will not b available until later this summer I am attending California audio show beginning of aug. if my final choices r onsite maybe I can swing a deal. I am very excited that a tube front end might b perfect balance for my speakers.
Nick
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Nick,

I am definitely interested in your impression of the Vitus. I read on Agon forums that the Vitus and the Salon 2s (my incoming speakers) is a magical combination!
 
socfan12 said:
Nick,

I am definitely interested in your impression of the Vitus. I read on Agon forums that the Vitus and the Salon 2s (my incoming speakers) is a magical combination!
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Wow! That could be really great.
 
johnthomas said:
Was that the Bravo amp? Seems like Viola and Constellation are getting a lot of good press lately.

John
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Hi John,

It was the Symphony stereo amp at a conservative 200wpc driving just the bass. I'm sure the Symphony could drive the entire speaker if it had to, though. Considering them?
 
joeinid said:
Wow! That could be really great.
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Agreed! There's a dealer near me but he doesn't have any Vitus gear in the showroom as it's all out for review!:(. The line I keep hearing about VA gear is that while they are not the fastest amp around, they are extremely powerful for their size, great control of the bass, and analog smooth and warm!:audiophile:
 
Will wait 24 hours before more formal commentary. However first 3 hours were non fatiguing and pretty musical. Decent air on cal Tjader and MJQ. Bass just ok but it is early. I can tell u amp is not a heat sink. Sides get only mildly warm-85-88 range
Till tomorrow
Nick
 
Thx for the early post, Nick. Look forward to your commentary as the amp warms up over time.

Cheers
 
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