Amplification question - PrimaLuna Tubes vs. McIntosh Solid State
Hello all,
First post here, was looking
for a little help on my new system set-up.
My sources for music will be
fully digital using Roon to manage those assets. I have a PS Audio DirectStream DAC with Bridge II network card which will also
be acting as the preamp. Speakers are Monitor Audio Platinum PL100 studio
monitors with a REL Storm subwoofer.
I
have never owned a tube system. My previous system was also a fully digital source
music set-up (CDs) with Martin-Logan reQuest speakers, REL subwoofer, and
Classe CA-300 amp. I have had to downsize those components due to physical
space restrictions.
I
honed down my purchase choices to either a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP tube
amplifier, or a McIntosh
MC152 solid state amplifier. These are the only two models I am willing to
consider at this time to keep things focused on this discussion thread. Links
are:
http://www.primaluna-usa.com/dialogue-premium-hp-power-amplifier
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=amplifiers&ProductId=MC1...
This system will
be going into my office, and will be run pretty much 8 hours a day, 5-6 days a
week. As far as the type of material I listen to, it is a very eclectic mix of
rock, classical, jazz, pop, etc. Very often I get to crank the system up to
seriously fun levels when I am doing graphic design, Photoshop, and other
creative tasks.
I would love
some feedback from the community here on which choice, tube or amp, they would
put into this system. Also, what kind of service life and realistic maintenance
would be required with the PrimaLuna tubes being my first tube component if I
go in that direction.
Thank you in
advance for your help!
Cheers,
Sam
