Riviera Levante Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Class A / AB

The LEVANTE amplifier incorporates all the elements that set Riviera amplifiers apart, including Zero Overall Feedback, a Hybrid design (valves for voltage amplification, solid-state devices for power), and Pure Class A operation. A unique feature of the LEVANTE is the option to select between Pure Class A and Class AB operation for the output stage. A switch on the front of the unit allows the user to select their preferred operating class, with the option to make this switch while the unit is on (hot swap). A microprocessor manages the smooth transition from one operating class to the other by switching the output section off and on again in the chosen mode. In Class A mode, the LEVANTE delivers 2x30W into 8 ohms (2x60W into 4 ohms); in Class AB, the power is 2x120W into 8 ohms (2x200W into 4 ohms). It should be noted that even in Class AB, the first 6 watts of each channel are in pure Class A. The voltage amplification is entrusted to triodes operating in Class A. The power section of each channel employs 12 devices capable of dissipating 150W each (24 power devices in total). The power supply of the power section is based on an oversized transformer of over 500VA, employing a refined pigreco filter and distributed capacitance; the total capacitance is over 130,000uF. LEVANTE Phono (PH1). The LEVANTE model can be equipped with an optional phono stage (PH1), that comes with its own dedicated power supply. This solid-state MM phono stage utilizes refined solutions that deliver Riviera’s trademark musicality. These solutions include passive RIAA equalisation, a dedicated power supply, and a discrete, single-ended, class A output stage.