2. amps-preamps
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Viva, no longer a fan

Viva as a company has decided to abandon the audiophiles who engage in the used market.  I heard that the had implemented new transformers in there amps.  I emailed them directly 3 times over a 2 week period with no reply.  Finally I called and the knew who I was by name, surprised I was then told that the US importer would be contacting me.  Here is the mail exchange:

From: John Krupa
Date: September 21, 2016 at 7:04:52 PM EDT
To: support@vivaaudio
Subject: Fwd: Viva Audio

Totally what I did not expect!!! I was primarily looking to upgrade them to the new Quattro status as I understand there was an big transformer upgrade that I was willing do in addition to the voltage change. After the Bob Clarke email I was taken back and responded how I felt. I really am no longer interested in Viva as a company to do business with if that is the case and will blog the copy of this email to the various sites.


From: John Krupa 
Date: September 21, 2016 at 2:08:37 AM EDT
To: Bob Clarke
Subject: Re: Viva Audio

The Verona's are at my Girlfriends house in Manchester. I heard there was a new Transformer upgrade in the Quattro series, hence my interest. I have over $300k invested in my system and I have Sola CVS transformers providing both voltages hence it was only for convenience sake. Upgrades are and have been part of this industry that I have been a part of for over 40 years since I started in this hobby. Name the manufacturer and it hasn't been a problem. Upgrading from. Mk1 to a Mk2 or an SE upgrade. Weather it be BAT, YG, Plinius, Ayre, the list goes on and on, It's a shame that a manufacturer acts in such a petty way. I will make sure that I share this email on all the sites that I am a part of! It's funny but this I believe reduces the brands appeal and will drive down its resale valve hence the initial desire to purchase in the first place. This is an email I would have expected from a "name deleted" type. Now I guess Viva! No longer a fan!


On Sep 20, 2016, at 12:02 PM, Bob Clarke wrote:

Dear Mr. Krupa,

Viva Audio has asked me to respond to your request regarding voltage changes and upgrades for Viva Verona amplifiers and Linea linestage. Viva no longer services equipment purchased on the used market from anyone that is not an authorized Viva dealer. They do not make voltage changes, in order to discourage grey-market international sales. I would recommend using a high-quality, high-current step-down transformer, which, besides allowing the use of a European voltage product, will also have the beneficial effects that isolation transformers provide.

Best regards,
Bob Clarke
Profundo


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knghifi
1,668 posts
 
charles1dad,
He already bought the amp, dac and speakers from Goodwin High End.  He was interested in a VAC pre and just happens I have one and a Hegel H30.   A local dealer introduced him to me and after a year+ demoing different pre, he finally bought a new VAC last month.

He rolled his 1st tube last week and enjoying himself.   It's been fun helping him.
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
A company is really shooting itself in the foot by not supporting it's used products. If someone can't sell his or her old model they will probably not upgrade to the new model.
jasperteddy
1 posts
 
Agree completely with Daveyf. Good business policy requires good long term vision based on good will. I'd bet between the 2 policy options of servicing their products no matter who owns them vs servicing products bought only from a dealer; the "service anybody" policy is the healthiest choice for customer relations and therefore long term business. I believe a company's prosperity is directly related to their customer relations policies and the friendlier the better! 
agear
1,362 posts
 
I owned the Solista and it was a fabulous piece. Bob Clark (distro) was always helpful even though I bought it used. I also contacted Viva about an upgrade to the transformers and they were also cordial. I would talk to Bob for clarification.
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,895 posts
 
Thanks for sharing this and calling Viva Audio out -- this hobby needs a LOT more call-outs like this.

There is a long list of companies that produce fine quality gear AND show their pride in workmanship by offering exemplary, reasonable cost service on 2nd hand gear.

Viva Audio clearly considers their own products as garbage carrying NO intrinsic value once they leave the ordained distribution chain. Therefore I see no reason to classify them high-end components. 
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