Riviera Labs
Italian Hybrid Design and Sonic Purity
Explore Riviera Labs hybrid amplification at In Living Stereo in New York City. The Italian manufacturer combines valve and solid-state circuit designs across its integrated amplifiers, line preamplifiers, and power amplifiers. Compare the Levante, APL preamplifiers, and Riviera power-amplifier options to find components suited to your loudspeakers, sources, and system configuration.
The Riviera Labs Philosophy: Uniting Tube Warmth and Solid-State Control
Riviera Labs is an exclusive Italian manufacturer renowned for its uncompromising approach to high-end audio amplification. Their philosophy centers on a unique hybrid topology, expertly combining the tonal richness and emotional depth of vacuum tube preamplifiers with the power, control, and dynamics of high-current solid-state amplification. Each component is hand-built with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a sound that is both musically engaging and technically precise, capable of driving the most demanding loudspeakers.
Riviera Labs Amplifiers
Riviera Labs Levante
$24,995
The Levante offers you both class A and class A/B amplification. Don’t think because it’s an integrated amplifier that this can’t compete with separates, it does! A wonderful phono card is available to make this unit full function.
Features:
Hybrid, Zero Feedback, designed to drive any kind of loudspeakers systems.
The LEVANTE integrated amplifier has all the elements that distinguish the Riviera amplifiers (Hybrid Circuit and Zero Feedback). It has also an extra feature that makes it unique: the option to choose between pure Class A and Class AB operation. A switch on the front panel allows to select the operating class according to your preferences or needs.
In Class A mode it offers 2x30W into 8 ohms (2x60W into 4 ohms); in Class AB it offers 2x120W into 8 ohms (2x200W into 4 ohms). Note that, even in AB Class, the first 6 Watts are in Class A.
Specifications
Class A / Class AB switch
Pure Class A power 2x30W into 8 ohms
Class AB power 2x120W into 8 ohm (2x200W into 4 ohm)
Zero Feedback
Hybrid circuit
1 balanced line input (XLR)
4 unbalanced line inputs (RCA)
Speaker and headphone outputs
Optional phono card MM
Remote control
Dimensions: 44x49x19.5h cm. Weight: 30 Kg.
Riviera Labs APL-1
$28,995
The APL1 tube line preamplifier has been designed for those who demand the best possible sound quality. Indeed, it is second only to our Reference APL01SE Preamplifier. The APL1 is the mid-priced device in the Riviera preamplifier range. Therefore, like all of our preamplifiers, it shares the same basic design choices: all-valve, Zero Feedback, and Class A audio circuitry. It is equipped with a refined double pigreco and stabilised anode power supply. In fact, there are a total of five stabilized supplies in this preamp. It also employs several design elements adopted from the Reference APL01SE preamplifier including output balance control and the use of custom output transformers that operate on both balanced and unbalanced outputs ensuring consistent and superior sound quality. The mechanical construction of this unit has been meticulously crafted, as Riviera believes it significantly impacts sound quality.
Specifications
All-valve audio circuit
Zero Feedback
Class A
Stabilized power supply with double pigreco filter
2 balanced inputs (transformer-coupled)
3 unbalanced inputs
Tape input/output
Transformer-coupled outputs
1 balanced and 2 unbalanced outputs
Gain: 8dB
Input impedance: 47k
Valves used: 2x ECC82/12AU7
Dimensions: 44×50.5×16.4h cm.
Weight: 21 Kg.
Riviera Labs APL-10
$19,995
The APL10 Tube Line Preamplifier is a line preamplifier that delivers high-performance sound in a compact design. Furthermore, it features all of the essential components of Riviera preamplifiers: all-valve, Zero Feedback, and Class A audio circuitry. It is equipped with a sophisticated double pigreco and stabilised power supply. The APL10 employs several design solutions also adopted from the reference APL01SE preamplifier, including balanced output control. Despite its compact size, the APL10 has been designed for users who demand uncompromising performance and top-tier results delivered in compact chassis.
Specifications
All-valve audio circuit
Zero Feedback
Class A
Stabilized solid-state power supply with double pigreco filter
3 unbalanced line inputs
1 balanced line input
2 unbalanced line outputs (suitable for multi-amping)
Gain: 8dB
Input impedance: 47k
Valves used: 2x ECC82/12AU7
Remote Control
Dimensions: 26×43.5×14.5(h) cm
Weight: 12kg
Riviera Labs AFS 32
$29,995
This hybrid stereo power amplifier represents a synthesis of the key points of Riviera amplification: Zero Overall Feedback, a Hybrid design (valves for voltage amplification, solid-state devices for power), and Pure Class A operation. The AFS32 offers 2 x 32W into 8 ohms in Class A (2 x 64W into 4 ohms) and is able to drive loudspeakers with the utmost naturalness.
The voltage amplification of each channel is provided by a pure triode operating in Class A.
The amplifier is deliberately designed without current-limiting systems, making it suitable for the most complex loads.
The AFS32’s refinement and driving capabilities allow it to be used in both single-amplification and multi-amplification systems.
Specifications
Power 2x32W into 8 ohms | 2x64W into 4 ohms
Zero Feedback
Pure Class A
Hybrid circuitry (Triode, BJT, Mosfet)
2 RCA unbalanced inputs
2 XLR balanced inputs (true balanced)
Gain: 26.5dB
Input sensitivity: 130mVrms for 1W/8 ohm (2.83Vrms); 0.75Vrms for 32W/8 ohm (16Vrms)
Input impedance: 47k
Valves used: 2x ECC82/12AU7
Dimensions: 44×50.5×19.5h cm
Weight: 32 Kg
Riviera Labs AFM 50
$59,995
The AFM50 monophonic amplifier is a Class A hybrid monophonic power amplifier that incorporates all the core principles of Riviera amplifiers: Zero Overall Feedback, a Hybrid design (valves for voltage amplification, solid-state devices for power), and Pure Class A operation. The AFM50 delivers 50W into 8 ohms in Class A (100W into 4 ohms) and is capable of driving loudspeakers with exceptional naturalness. The deliberate absence of current-limiting systems ensures the amplifier’s stability even when dealing with complex loads. The AFM50’s refinement and driving capabilities make it suitable for use in both single and multi-amplified systems.
Specifications
Power 50W (into 8 ohms)
Zero Feedback
Pure Class A
Hybrid circuitry
1 line input (RCA)
1 balanced input (transformer)
Gain: 22dB
Input Sensitivity: 220mVrms for 1W/8 ohm (2.83Vrms); 1.6Vrms for 50W/8 ohm (20Vrms)
Input impedance: 47k
Valve used: 1x ECC82/12AU7
Dimensions: 26×43.5×27.5(h) cm
Weight: 22.5 kg
Compare Riviera Labs Components
Model | Component type | Operating design | Key specifications listed on the page |
|---|---|---|---|
Levante | Integrated amplifier | Hybrid; selectable Class A / Class AB | 30W × 2 into 8Ω in Class A; 120W × 2 into 8Ω in Class AB |
APL-1 | Line preamplifier | All-valve, Class A | 8dB gain; 2 balanced and 3 unbalanced inputs |
APL-10 | Line preamplifier | All-valve, Class A | 8dB gain; 1 balanced and 3 unbalanced inputs; 2 unbalanced outputs |
AFS 32 | Stereo power amplifier | Hybrid, Pure Class A | 32W × 2 into 8Ω; 64W × 2 into 4Ω |
AFM 50 | Monoblock power amplifier | Hybrid, Pure Class A | 50W into 8Ω |
Choosing Riviera Components for Your Stereo System
Riviera offers components for different system configurations. The Levante combines preamplification and power amplification in one integrated unit. The APL-1 and APL-10 are line preamplifiers and require a compatible power amplifier. The AFS 32 is a stereo power amplifier, while a monoblock amplifier such as the listed AFM 50 is intended for a single channel.
When choosing between these configurations, consider your existing equipment, the number of channels required, available connections, loudspeaker requirements, and whether you prefer an integrated amplifier or separate components.
Understanding the Riviera Levante’s Class A and Class AB Modes
The Riviera Levante allows listeners to select between Class A and Class AB operation. According to the specifications published on this page, it is rated at 30W per channel into 8Ω in Class A mode and 120W per channel into 8Ω in Class AB mode. The page also lists 60W and 200W per channel respectively into 4Ω.
These ratings describe different operating modes, not separate amplifier models. When evaluating the Levante for a particular system, consider the loudspeaker’s impedance and sensitivity, room, and typical listening levels.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say
Frequently Asked Questions About Riviera Amplification
Riviera amplifiers are known for their hybrid design and focus on musical realism. The following questions address key considerations when choosing Riviera amplification for a high-end stereo system.
Riviera amplifiers combine tube and solid-state technologies in a hybrid design, allowing them to deliver both warmth and control. Their use of zero global feedback and Class A operation helps create a natural and highly engaging sound.
Yes. Riviera amplifiers are designed for high-fidelity stereo systems and are often used in premium setups that prioritize musical realism and dynamic performance. Their hybrid design makes them compatible with a wide range of speakers.
Like most high-performance amplification systems, Riviera amplifiers benefit from proper system matching with speakers and source components. Careful pairing and setup can significantly improve sound quality, imaging, and overall system performance.
Get Started
Experience Riviera Labs in Our NoHo Showroom
Riviera Labs components are engineered for discerning audiophiles seeking to bridge the gap between classic tube sound and modern power. Our experts provide consultation on matching the right Riviera preamplifier and power amplifier combination to your loudspeakers and system goals.