The VIVANT is here - super linear MC/MM phono stage

[CageyH]

After a little chat with Alan, I am trying to plan a little road trip to pay him a visit before this disappears off to MIBO.

[mikeyb]

After a little chat with Alan, I am trying to plan a little road trip to pay him a visit before this disappears off to MIBO.

Be good to know what you think when you get a change to hear it 😉

[Spider]

What are the improvements sonically over the Firebottle plus which in my opinion is a very fine phono stage?

[alcarmichael]

I really want to try this, alas an ever nearing house purchase means I'm not going to have any free money for at least three years.

[Firebottle]

Tim, it's always difficult to describe but here goes:
A more expansive and deeper sound stage. Lower intermodulation distortion giving better clarity and focus on the minutiae of the music. You will hear things you haven't before.

Zero degradation of EQ with aging valves.

[CageyH]

A visit chez Firebottle is planned for this weekend. I will be taking my SL1200 up with a few different cartridges to try through the Vivant.

I will post my feedback when I get back to Toulouse. If I think about it, I may even take a few pictures.
I have been told by the wife that she is keeping hold of the cheque book to avoid me being tempted by mono block amps etc.

[Gordon Steadman]

I suspect I will beat you to a listen, I'll need the headphones to really hear it properly but I'll take mine so I know the sound. I'm seeing Alan and Shirley on Thursday.

Take cash, that way the chequebook can stay at home

[smangus]

Hi looks good , what are the dimensions please? Thanks

[Firebottle]

24 x 9 x 32cm excluding sockets on the back.

[smangus]

Cool was hard to tell from the photo, sort of looks bigger.