2. amps-preamps
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I've decided to try Tubes

I have been going back and forth a while. I was thinking of the Yamaha AS2100 to replace my B&K amp (ZU audio Omen Def speakers). For some reason I now have a tube bug. I first thought about DECWARE and now thinking of Primaluna after reading great reviews. If tubes are not for me, both should be easy to resell. I have an opportunity on a Primaluna Prolouge 5 stereo power amp. It has autobias (which is a must for me) and is easy to roll tubes. It comes with KT88's which seem to have better lower end than el34's (from what I read). 35 watts per ch is more than enough to drive my Omen Defs loud if needed (101 db). 

Thought's on the PrimaLuna and ZU combo (Peachtree NOVA-PRE)? I listen to Classic Jazz, Classical and Classic - Prog Rock mostly. 


aberyclark
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Atmasphere…a GOOSE…well done. And, since I think everybody should feel the same as I do about everything (it's simply a mystery that they don’t), I wonder why everybody isn’t into great sounding audio and motorcycles. You get blank stares when talking to most people about either thing, along with the "my cousin Bob had his head crushed on his Harley" stuff regarding motorcycles…or "my uncle Clem had some McIntosh amps I think"…it’s a strange world.
2a3nut
4 posts
 
Never heard Primaluna driving Zu's, but I drove my Zu Definition Mkiii's with 5 watt Cary Audio 2a3 mono blocks for a couple of years before trying a $995 Decware Zen and falling in love with it.  I can say with 100% certainty that the current Zu full range drivers thrive on SET power.  The little Zen might be worth a shot, especially considering the incredible support system that comes with Decware gear.  I've owned tons of well respected tube gear over the past 35 years, but to my ears, the 2 watt Decware SE84CKC, at far less cost, is as good or better than all the rest.  

wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Kinda gives the "first watt" concept new meaning since after the first watt there's just the second watt and that's it.
soix
9,456 posts
 
Linear tube audio has some amps that might work nicely, and they offer a 15 day in-home trial that might be very good for perspective if nothing else.   Best of luck. 

truman
167 posts
 
Look for Triode Labs El-84 amps, used, for a stretch of your price. (See 6-Moons review.)  Or, Decware Mini Torri MkII El-84's \the best choice of a top speaker placement specialist I'm aware of (on Def IV's, in Atl.)  (Not me, though I do own Def IV's...Tannoy Churchills, lots of Living Voice, Opera, Totem & DeCappo). They're a good start, you'll might move to 2A3's or OTL's later for a little more extension or transparency but with a loss of bass solidity. - Don't think these smaller output tubes don't do bass.
El-84's were what some of the best amps "of the day/back in the day", Scott Amps, used. Don't count them short. -About 20 push/pull watts. "Good" is  still  Good.
(I too, think the Zu speakers are a bit less efficient than they claim to be.)

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