Charlottesville, VA, US
Charlottesville's turntable and analog audio specialist
50 years of experience in setting up turntables, phono cartridges, and stereo systems
About Us
Since 2012
Factory authorized dealer for these manufacturers.
Box Furniture. Hardwood audio component and TV stands. Made in the USA. http://boxfurnitureco.com
Daedalus Audio. Handmade hardwood loudspeakers and isolation devices. Made in the USA. https://www.daedalusaudio.com
Degritter. Ultrasonic record cleaner. Made in Estonia. https://degritter.com/
Gingko Audio. Dust covers, footers, and isolation devices. Made in the USA. https://www.ginkgoaudio.com
Hana. Phono cartridges. Made in Japan. http://www.musicalsurroundings.com/product/hana/
Iso Acoustics. Footers and isolation devices. Made in Canada. http://www.isoacoustics.com
Lehmannaudio. Phono preamps and headphone amps. Made in Germany. https://www.lehmannaudio.com/phono-stages.html
Merrill-Williams. Turntables. Made in the USA. https://www.realturntable.com
Ortofon. Phono cartridges, tonearms, preamps, and cables. Made in Denmark. https://www.ortofon.com/hifi/
PolyTable by GEM Dandy. Turntables and accessories. Made in the USA. http://www.hifigem.com/polytable.html
Skogrand Cables. Audio cables. Made in Norway. https://www.skograndcables.com
Sorane. Tonearms. Made in Japan. http://mockingbirddistribution.com/sorane/tonearms/
Soundsmith. Phono cartridges and preamps. Made in the USA. https://sound-smith.com
VPI. Turntables, preamps, and record cleaning machines. Made in the USA. https://www.vpiindustries.com/products
WyWires. Audio cables. Made in the USA. https://wywires.com
Experience Center for the demonstration of
Doshi Audio electronics. Made in the USA. https://doshiaudio.com
J. Sikora turntables. Made in Poland. https://notableaudio.com
In cooperation with Command Performance AV of Falls Church, Virginia
Expert setup and installation
Viva Hifi is the turntable setup and installation expert in central Virginia. Since installing my first cartridge in a turntable 50 years ago (!!!), I have set up hundreds more. I've learned the techniques for achieving the best sound quality for turntables from the most modest to the state of the art. I've also learned to avoid the multitude of ways to do it wrong and get subpar results.
Turntables, tonearms, and phono cartridges can open the door to magical musical experiences when done right. If set up amateurishly, the results are likely to be disappointing. Viva Hifi will help you get the most out of your investment in equipment and your valuable record collection.
Viva Hifi will set up your turntable, tonearm, and phono cartridge in your home using the Analog Magik computer program, Fozgometer, and Acoustical Systems Smartractor. This includes installation, setting important parameters including tracking force, antiskating, stylus overhang, and vertical tracking angle according to the manufacturers' specifications. Satisfaction guaranteed. This service is FREE for turntables and high end cartridges purchased from Viva Hifi. The same services are available for equipment you already own at prices commensurate with the quality and degree of difficulty.
Better than buying online
You can buy a turntable, cartridge, and cables online and hope they work right. OR, you can have an expert installer set up your turntable correctly IN YOUR HOME.
Installation and setup is FREE in the Charlottesville area when you buy from Viva Hifi. We match online prices!
Services
Testimonials
"I have three nice turntables in my home, but am a complete illiterate when it comes to setup. Some knowledgeable audio friends recommended Viva HiFi, and Scott came over to put a new cartridge in my old Linn table. He was incredibly meticulous in checking every aspect of the Linn's performance, and I've been in another sonic universe since that day. He also adjusted my other two turntables, and they have really come to life. My turntables love their new doctor, and I recommend him highly!" - Charlie P. Charlottesville, VA
"I’ve worked with Viva Hifi on multiple occasions. Most recently, Scott completed a full set up on my new turntable and cartridge. He did the work accurately and quickly using precision instruments. Scott sent me photos of the process and final results which helped me feel more engaged in the process. When I arrived to pick up my turntable, Scott graciously welcomed me into his home, walked me through the adjustments he had made, and let me listen to the results. Listening to some Keith Jarrett on Scott’s set-up, I found the results to be sonically arresting—far better than the sound I had achieved with my own novice adjustments. I left feeling GREAT about the potential of my new turntable. When I got it home and gave my reference albums a listen, I was hearing incredible detail, immediacy, and I felt much more engaged with the recordings. I’ve since been enjoying the fruits of Scott’s labor, and I’d recommend Viva Hifi without reservation. It’s certainly the place I’ll continue to go for any future needs." - Nate H., Crozet, VA
"Mr. Scott Dalzell of Viva Hifi here in Charlottesville came to my home and mounted a cartridge on my turntable arm and serviced the turntable and the arm. I have had my VPI turntable and Sumiko MDC800 arm for over ten years. My turntable sounded remarkably better after Scott serviced it. It imaged better, the dynamics improved, the bass was deeper, and the midrange sweeter. It was an astonishing difference." - Philip G., Charlottesville, VA
"I asked Scott to bring my turntable, tonearm, and cartridge up to its fullest potential, and his efforts exceeded my highest expectations. My Moerch unipivot tonearm can be difficult to dial in, but he took the time to get everything precisely right—the stylus overhang, azimuth, and vertical tracking angle. His patience and attention to detail are impressive. My turntable has never sounded better. Working with Scott was a pleasure and I look forward to doing business with him again." - John P., Charlottesville, VA
"The Soundsmith Zephyr III cartridge Scott suggested is a great match for our VPI-Dynavector rig, sending a balanced, natural and nuanced signal to our Rogue tubes and Quad speakers. Scott is meticulous and diligent in on-site setup, relying on proper tools and keen ears to supplement his deep experience in high-end audio. Highly recommended." - Sheldan C., Charlottesville, VA
"Scott of Viva Hifi came out today to my office to install my VPI Prime Scout. All you can expect is top notch and knowledgeable service from first e-mail to installation. He had me up and running in about an hour and I have been in sonic bliss since. Charlottesville is lucky to have you. Many thanks!" - Mike A., Staunton, VA
"It was a distinct pleasure dealing with Scott (aka Viva Hifi). He took the time to come to my house to determine what would best fit my setup, recommend something I hadn’t otherwise considered and am quite happy with and, perhaps most importantly, properly assemble the table with careful attention to detail. If you’re looking for high quality/performance of not only the equipment but also the person selling it, do yourself a favor and give Scott a call." - David S., Charlottesville, VA
"Scott knows turntable/tonearm/cartridge combos and how to get the most out of them regardless of the level of investment being made. Having been devoted myself to analog reproduction for nearly 50 years, I'm happy to recommend his services. He’s certainly helped me get the most out of my VPI Prime rig." - Marc P., Washington, DC
"The A95 that Scott installed is mine. He did a great job not only setting up the cartridge, but following up after the initial setup. He also provided helpful tips along the way to maximize my vinyl setup's performance." - Anthony S., Washington, DC
"Worth every penny. And they are reasonable pennies." - Jim R., Annapolis, MD
"As a loyal customer of 3 years, I would like to thank you for your expert advice in upgrading my vinyl audio experience, recommending turntable upgrades, speaker consultations, and amp recommendations. I have really benefited greatly from your personal service and dedication. From solving my record player emergencies on the weekend, through visiting my house to setup new equipment, you have always been there to guide me down the right path to Audio Nirvana. I'm gonna miss having you relatively close to my area, but I will be in touch and hope to see you at future Capital Audio Fests!" - Khalid N., Rockville, MD
Free delivery and installation
Delivery, installation, and setup are included in the purchase price when you buy from Viva Hifi.