Munich 2025

This system, largely composed of Viva Audio components—including three world premieres—was supported by a mix of modest and high-end source components.

A humble Oppo CD player was joined by a Viva Audio Numerico DAC ($26,000), a CVS Vintage Revival Rek-O-Kut J34 turntable, an Innuos Zenith Mk.3 music server ($6299), and a PhoenixNET network switch ($4800).

The signal chain fed a trio of debuts: the Viva Cantabile phono preamplifier ($85,000), Armonico line preamplifier ($90,000), and Forte monoblock amplifiers ($290,000/pair), which drove Viva Audio's recently introduced Verticale speakers ($135,000/pair).

The Verticale is a three-way design that features a proprietary super tweeter, a 1.4" horn-loaded compression driver, a 6" horn-loaded midrange driver, and four 10" powered woofers. Claimed frequency response is 35Hz–23kHz, with a sensitivity of 98dB at 6ohms. Viva Audio cables tied it all together.