Riviera
Amplifiers
Preamplifiers
Best Known For
Amplifiers
/
Used Products
3
 Available
Average Price
$20,001-$40,000
Brand Popularity
343
 of 900+
Products Listed
9
Review Count
15
Founding Year
2017
Headquarters
Italy
Riviera
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What's unique about the brand

Riviera Labs designs amplifiers that match the human ear's natural distortion patterns, focusing on subjective listening experiences rather than technical specifications. Their products use a hybrid design combining tubes for signal processing and solid-state components for power stages, with the unique ability to switch between pure Class A and Class AB operation in their LEVANTE integrated amplifier.

What reviewers are saying

We read all the reviews. Here's what reviewers feel most strongly about:

  • They are engineered as hybrid designs, combining the sonic characteristics of tubes in the preamp stage with the power and control of solid-state components in the output stage, providing a unique balance of warmth and precision.
  • Riviera's Class A amplifiers are noted for their uncanny ability to create a dimensional and physical sound image, bringing a lifelike presence and immersive quality to reproduced music.
  • Tube rolling provides a customizable sonic palette, enabling users to fine-tune the amplifier's character through subtle but noticeable changes in the sound signature with different tubes.

Our favorite reviewer quotes:

  • "One difference between the Levante and every other integrated amplifier that's come through the barn announces itself by making those Vangelis crescendos feel like physical travel through time and space. Music is presented with a fullness, clarity, and force that made me feel like I was being moved, physically, by the sound of music in a near cinematic way." (https://twitteringmachines.com/review-riviera-audio-laboratories-levante-measured-riches)
  • "Listening through the Riviera Labs separates was like that recurring dream—music reproduced by the APL10 Preamplifier and AFM25 Monoblock Amplifiers had qualities I've not heard before, as if the Riviera electronics opened an undiscovered room of sound, expanding my enjoyment of and connection to music beyond what I thought were its limits." (https://twitteringmachines.com/review-riviera-labs-apl10-preamplifier-afm25-monoblock-amplifiers)
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

Riviera, as many other producer have a network of service centers directly connected with our local distributor. In Europe, we mostly take care of possible issues directly, because it is cheaper and faster than shipping the products to a service, than shipping part to the service and the unit back to the customer. So the customer only have to return the unit to the dealer where they bought the unit.

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From Julian's interview with
Silvio Delfino
.

Lineup comparison

We think it's helpful to understand how their products compare. To learn more about each, scroll to the section above to click through to individual product pages.

APL01SE

  • Positioning: The entry-level unit aimed at balanced performance with essential features.
  • Description: Offers straightforward sound purity aided by a simplified preamplification design that suits small room applications. Compared to other models in the lineup, its connectivity and feature set are more basic, making it a good choice for those with modest budgets and straightforward functionality needs.

LEVANTE

  • Positioning: A compact and affordable option designed for casual listening and tight spaces.
  • Description: Provides reliable performance with a focus on intuitive operation and efficient circuit design for clear audio reproduction. In contrast to the APL series, it presents fewer connectivity options and less advanced processing.

APL10

  • Positioning: A mid-range integrated solution that offers enhanced features balanced with solid sound quality.
  • Description: Includes advanced digital processing techniques and refined circuit architecture that result in improved clarity and a wider range of functions. When compared to the entry-level APL01SE and LEVANTE, it offers increased connectivity and output power.

AFM25

  • Positioning: A standard amplifier designed for users looking for more power and refined sound in regular setups.
  • Description: Uses innovative power management and signal processing methods that elevate sound dynamics beyond basic models. Relative to the lower-priced products, it delivers enhanced output and connectivity, while still being less feature-dense than the flagship unit.

AFM100SE

  • Positioning: The flagship model built for enthusiasts demanding top-tier performance and comprehensive functionality.
  • Description: Features state-of-the-art amplifier technology with precision engineering that achieves superior sound quality and a detailed soundstage. Compared with models like the AFM25 and APL10, it offers the most extensive connectivity options and dynamic control.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer

Used

Riviera

Every month, we find the brand's used items for sale across the web and offline hifi stores.  We have the largest database of used hifi products. Search it here.

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What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
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