Rivera Amps - Still in Business?

**k2kv** · 10-11-2016, 09:35 AM

Hi All,

I recently purchased a pre-owned Rivera Venus 6, a lovely amp in nearly new condition. Sounds (and looks) great with my Tal, but I noticed that, in Channel 2, when I turn the treble control past 12 o'clock, the volume gets lower until there is NO volume at all! Doesn't happen in Ch 1.

So, I've called Rivera to ask about this, but they don't answer their phones and have not returned any of my three voicemails, nor have they responded to any of my emails.

Are they still in business? Was considering purchasing a new Jazz Suprema, but will take another route, since it appears there is no support for their products.

Any ideas much appreciated, thanks!

Jeff

**DRS** · 10-11-2016, 09:49 AM

As far as I know Rivera is in business. Did you call them during business hours?

**plectrum99x** · 10-11-2016, 10:17 AM

Hello k2kv,
I have been in contact with Rivera on multiple occasions—recently—both via telephone and email. It is a small company and you may have called at inopportune times. I would try sending an email ... they've always answered mine. I love my Rivera 55/15 Jazz Suprema.

**Cavalier** · 10-11-2016, 10:53 AM

Maybe they took Columbus Day off?

**artdecade** · 10-11-2016, 11:00 AM

Rivera is still up and running. They make excellent amps.

**k2kv** · 10-11-2016, 11:37 AM

Thank you all!

I've called Rivera on three separate occasions over the last month or so, always during PST business hours, to no avail. But if they're still in business, perhaps I've just been "unlucky!" I'll keep trying.

Any thoughts on why the treble control would reduce volume when advanced??

Thanks again...

Jeff
k2kv

**plectrum99x** · 10-11-2016, 11:50 AM

Not sure if this is germane, but all of their amp's controls are interactive. For example, cutting bass to zero will significantly lower the volume on my Jazz Suprema. But cutting volume out entirely with the treble beyond 12 o'clock seems a bit excessive and strange. That said, I have found that the EQ controls are quite sensitive to minor adjustments.
In the event you do not have one, here is a link to the Venus user manual:

http://video.musik-schmidt.de/conten...112-Manual.pdf

Good luck.

**k2kv** · 10-11-2016, 01:13 PM

Thanks Plectrum,

Appreciate the link, but I do have it. Interesting about the bass control on your Jazz Suprema.

It's not unplayable at all, just irksome; would be nice to know if it's normal, or if something needs fixing. I'll have to experiment more, see if I can figure something out.

Thanks again,

Jeff
k2kv

**MaxTwang** · 10-11-2016, 03:53 PM

Does the amp get bright on channel 2 like a Fender amp does? I haven't used that specific Rivera but I'm pretty sure channel 2's tone controls should behave like a Fender amp with treble, mid & bass.

With an American style tone circuit (Fender) the treble control often serves as a balance control between the bass & mid controls on one side and a high-pass filter on the other: The further you go below 12 o'clock the more you're hearing only bass & mid, the further you go above 12 o'clock the more you're only hearing the high-pass. The situation you're describing sounds like there's nothing coming through the high-pass side of the treble control.

It could be a bad potentiometer, a bad capacitor, or a bad/broken wire or trace on the circuit board. If you don't live near Rivera then most competent techs should be able to address this. Maybe try contacting a Rivera dealer in your area?

**k2kv** · 10-11-2016, 04:38 PM

Hi Max,

The condition you describe is pretty much what I'm experiencing! However, as I increase treble, volume decreases respectively until completely gone, so I doubt it's the potentiometer. I'm on Long Island, and I don't believe any Rivera dealer is closer than NJ. Guess I'll have to look around.

Much appreciated,

Jeff
k2kv

**k2kv** · 10-20-2016, 04:31 PM

ISSUE RESOLVED!

Hi all, I was able to resolve the treble control issue, and thought I should post the fix for anyone who might experience a similar problem.

A little history...

When I first acquired the amp, it was extremely noisy, so I opened it up and noticed that all 5 12AX7s were JJ. I quickly discovered that V1 was bad, so I replaced it with an old Mesa I had lying around. This quieted things down, and I was happy. But, after a few months, I felt my sound was a bit "dark" so I started playing with the tone controls and that's when I realized that CH 2 treble control would only kill the volume, rather than increase the treble response.

After placing numerous calls, voicemails and emails to Rivera over the last month or so without receiving any response at all, I decided (hoped) that the problem existed with the tubes, so I purchased a fresh set online. Based on what I interpreted from the manual, I chose: 1 Sovtek 12AX7/LPS for V1, and 4 Ruby 12AX7/AC5 for V2 thru V5. VOILA!! What a difference!!

The problem was V1, as the amp immediately opened up and treble started working fine through its full range as soon as I replaced it. I replaced the other 4 tubes simply because I wanted to start with a fresh set and, from the manual, it seemed obvious the JJ's had been replacements from the previous owner, not originals. I'll keep the 4 JJs as backups.

So, I'm a happy camper. Thanks to all who offered thoughts and advice.

Unfortunately, although I'm more than happy with the Venus 6, I've put any ideas of purchasing a new Jazz Suprema to bed, due to the surprising lack of support from Rivera. I'll look elsewhere...

Thanks again,

Jeff
k2kv

**vinnyv1k** · 10-20-2016, 06:01 PM

Disappointing the company is not customer focused.

**plectrum99x** · 10-20-2016, 06:32 PM

Hi K2kv,
I am very surprised by your experience with Rivera.

I have been in touch with them via email and telephone over the past few months and weeks without issue, not for problems, but to find a pair of backup power tubes that would not require amp re-biasing. I have since purchased and received same from Rivera. On occasions, however, it took several days for an email response, but it always arrived.

As for the Jazz Suprema, it is a great Jazz amp and works well with my entire collection, from Collings CLJ to Gibson L5 CES. And over the years I've owned a varied collection of tube powered amps, including boutiques, Roland Chorus, Ampegs and Fender Twins, etc. In the end, the 55/15 Jazz Suprema more than met my arch top tonal requirements, IMO, surpassing the tonality of those mentioned above.

**k2kv** · 10-20-2016, 08:58 PM

Hi Plec,

I agree about the tone. I've also owned many amps over the years, both tube and SS, and my Venus 6 really stands out as being harmonically rich and full-bodied. And, obviously very well-constructed. That's why I was so interested in trying the Suprema!

I have lots of experience communicating effectively with all kinds of businesses, from both a seller and buyer perspective, and I'm certain none of my emails nor any of my voicemails have been acknowledged or replied to by anyone at Rivera. I understand this is a small company and I wouldn't mind waiting a week (or more) for a reply. But I reached out on five different occasions, at various times of day, made my final attempt well after lunchtime after my post on 10/11, but again reached their voicemail; I chose not to leave yet another message.

Pretty frustrating, because they could have instantly solved the problem, and I surely would have preferred to order from them -- with confidence -- the exact set of 12AX7s they send their amps out with. Instead, I had to search Amazon and take my best guess at selecting what I thought appropriate.

For an obviously high-quality amp of this pedigree, I'm truly disappointed.

Be well,

Jeff
k2kv

**plectrum99x** · 10-20-2016, 10:23 PM

Hi,
I apologize if you interpreted my post to imply that I doubted your experience. Just meant to say that I have been in contact with them and that they have been very accommodating.

**plectrum99x** · 10-20-2016, 10:24 PM

Hi,
I apologize if you interpreted my post to imply that I doubted your experience. Just meant to say that I have been in contact with them and that they have been very accommodating.

**k2kv** · 10-21-2016, 12:25 AM

Hey Plec,

No, don't be silly -- I didn't take it that way at all, just wanted to clarify that I'd made an earnest effort over some period of time. You've had a good experience, and a casual observer might expect that I would have the same. I was as surprised as you!

Honestly, I sincerely appreciated your input...

Thanks again,

Jeff
k2kv