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VIVA Tubes?

75.191.81.63
Posted on March 28, 2023 at 23:08:48
Simon Templar
Audiophile

Posts: 605
Location: Infinite Rider On The Big Dogma
Joined: November 9, 1999
 Has anyone had any problems dealing with VIVA in Mass.?

Recently purchased two 'matched quads' LinLai 6SN7's What I got was eight tubes with tests that put them all over the map. One in particular tests with a GM of 1720/2350. Few were even close to any of the others.

Really expected better.


....sT

 

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Send 'em back! ~nt~, posted on March 29, 2023 at 05:51:57
Byrd69
Audiophile

Posts: 2881
Location: East Syracuse, New York
Joined: August 23, 2004
 .


Your interest may vary but the results will be same. (Byrd 2020)

I can't compete with the dead. (Buck W. 2010)

Cowards can't be heroes. (Byrd 2017)

Why don't catfish have kittens? (Moe Howard 1937)

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on March 29, 2023 at 07:14:34
mraudio
Audiophile

Posts: 459
Location: Northern Colorado
Joined: November 4, 2006
 I've bought from them twice.

Excellent service and the tubes were perfect. I didn't buy more than a couple of tubes though.

I'll buy from them again for sure.

Have you talked to VIVA about it?

 

Have you contacted VIVA?, posted on March 29, 2023 at 09:21:45
Cougar
Audiophile

Posts: 4574
Location: SoCal
Joined: June 25, 2001
 They should make it right.

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on March 29, 2023 at 11:22:01
opalize
Audiophile

Posts: 108
Location: NorCal
Joined: March 18, 2021
 VIVA has routinely sold "NOS" tubes that clearly have had a history of heavy use, as evidenced by brown-transparent getter and pin wear. When called out on this on repeated occasions, they have chosen to persist in the practice.

Personally, that behavior evaporates my trust in a tube seller. I will never do business with a seller who knowingly mis-represents their product. My recommendation would therefore be to avoid this particular seller.

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on April 1, 2023 at 07:32:51
sony6060
Audiophile

Posts: 1465
Location: USA
Joined: August 8, 2014
 I consider Vifa Tubes a second tier supplier. I bought two new listed tubes and they were definitely used. When I questioned them, they were very apprehensive. I did not bother to pursue further.

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on April 1, 2023 at 17:53:02
Simon Templar
Audiophile

Posts: 605
Location: Infinite Rider On The Big Dogma
Joined: November 9, 1999
 Kind of got that feeling. These dont show obvious wear.....but they don't test where they should, either.

A nearly $500 lesson learned, I guess.

Hope they were in dire need of the funds...it's a mistake I won't be making again.




.....sT

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on April 9, 2023 at 09:38:24
MP62
Dealer

Posts: 85
Location: CA
Joined: November 15, 2020
 Give them a chance to make good on it.

I have not heard alot of bad about Viva, but then again, I have not heard alot of good either.

See what tester they are using and compare that to the tester you are using - when calibrated etc.

Cheers,

Paul

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on June 20, 2023 at 00:33:53
Mr_macgee
Audiophile

Posts: 8
Joined: July 9, 2009
 Simon Templar:
I know it's been a couple of months but wondering if any progress or update's speaking to Viva Tubes and if they made it right with you?
Paying $500 for matched pairs and receiving very badly matched tubes is not nice to hear nor encouraging.

I would expect they would take them back or exchange them?

Looking at their website, they're showing many shiny new looking tubes described as NOS at low prices. Is it too good to be true or they actually delivering as stated?

As stated in their descriptions

"Testing & Matching: Fully tested and/or matched by Gain & Gm on a modern Maxi Matcher Preamp tube tester. Checked for common faults like shorts. This is the best and only way to truly test a tube."

They have some tubes I'm interested in but looking for more assurances and feedback from others who've recently bought from them. thnx

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on June 21, 2023 at 07:55:02
sony6060
Audiophile

Posts: 1465
Location: USA
Joined: August 8, 2014
 I will not buy from VIFA now. I bought two NOS tubes and they were definitely used. When I contacted them they were defensive and of course no refund. Same as dealing with a person off the street. Once they have your money that is it.

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on June 27, 2023 at 20:47:02
immatthewj
 In the waning days of 2017 I bought a dozen EL34s from Viva. I had them in for less than 2 years before I had to replace them (the bias was doing weird things on one side) but I don't know for sure that this was not my fault, and I don't have a tube tester so I have no idea what they actually tested at when they were delivered.

 

Yes, actual I have..., posted on July 17, 2023 at 14:33:59
Simon Templar
Audiophile

Posts: 605
Location: Infinite Rider On The Big Dogma
Joined: November 9, 1999
 Emailed them and made note of the non-matched 'matched pairs'....and about the several showing heater/cathode leakage. I asked that, were I to purchase more, could I reliably depend on the above not happening again in the future?

They never responded.

Don't think I'm going to be doing any further business with them.

.....sT

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on July 17, 2023 at 14:42:26
Simon Templar
Audiophile

Posts: 605
Location: Infinite Rider On The Big Dogma
Joined: November 9, 1999
 Somehow, I missed this when you initially posted it. Mea culpa


I emailed VIVA and made note of the non-matched 'matched pairs'....and about the several tubes which showed significant heater/cathode leakage.

I asked if, were I to purchase more, could I reliably depend on the above not happening again in the future?

They never responded.

My advice? Proceed with VIVA at your own extreme risk. I know that I don't intend to do any further business with them.

.....sT

 

RE: VIVA Tubes?, posted on July 17, 2023 at 20:47:32
Mr_macgee
Audiophile

Posts: 8
Joined: July 9, 2009
 Thanks Simon,

Sounds best to stay very clear of them; sadly there's too many scammers selling tubes online but there's still some good guys like the Pletka's @ Euro Tubes, or ARS in LA and others who are straight forward, honest, know their tubes and provide what your looking for,

 

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