Primaluna or not Primaluna


Hej

I have been hesitated some time now between buying new speakers or a new amplifier and have decided I will buy a new amplifier.

My list of demands:
It will take EL34, KT77, KT88 and 6550. Bonus if it takes KT120.
It will give at least 35 w with EL34 and 45 w with KT88.
It will have easy biasing using a screwdriver and with somekind of build in meter. In worst case autobiase will do.
It will use tube rectification and not solid state rectification (because I have heard solid state rectification takes away the tube sound).
It will not cost more than aprox $4000.


I have had a Line Magnetic LM-34IA once but had to much problems with the quality (bad solderings and bad balance between left and right).
First I thought it sounded quite good, but after have heard a Audion Audio Stirling EL34 SET amplifier I changed my mind. Now the LM-34AI sounded just OK.
I was told that Stirling EL34, with 12 w should be enough for listening at normal volumes with my 89dB speakers. But it was not. So here I am…
(And yes I know; a push-pull amp will never sound as a SET amp).


I have read about several amplifiers but none of them seems to fit my demands.

Here are my notes:
Line Magnetic LM-88IA   -   Just KT88. Bad experience with LM, both quality and sound.
Audio Research I/50   -   Just 6550 tubes. Too much hassle when adjusting bias.
Rogue Cronus Magnum III   -   Very mixed opinions. Solid state rectification.
Raven Blackhawk Mk 3.1   -   Just 6L6 tubes. Have to be imported from the US.
Tsakiridis Aelos Plus   -  Just KT88 tubes.
Fezz Silver Luna Prestige   -   Just EL34 tubes.
Fezz Titania   -   Just KT120 tubes (and maybe KT150 and KT170 too).
Cary SLI-80HS   -   Many bad opinions. Solid state rectification.
Jadis   -   Either too weak or too expencive.
Primaluna   -   ???

What makes me a little ”worried” is that Primaluna has so many build in features which are supposed to make my life as a tube amplifier owner easier.
I mean, doesn’t these fetures affect the sound? ”Less is more”?

 

If you have any thoughts or experience about this, please let me know.

simna

KT series Quicksilver’s…built for life ….sound great….look good and made in the USA….like WEATHER-TECH

…AND STIHL ……

Perfection….no Chinese garbage

QUICKSILVER never advertises so you pay for your product not for advertising 

BEST OF ALL POINT TO POINT NO CIRCUIT BOARDS💪💪💪💕💕💕

I wouldn't advise tube rectification in a power amp unless you listen at very low volume or have very sensitive/efficient speakers.  Unless you don't value dynamics. PLs amps are SS rectified but their preamps are tube rectified and IME they sound great.

Prima Luna is nice, but it’s still made in China.. personally I try to keep Chinese stuff out of my Golf bag, out of my HiFi, and definitely not on my wrist...

I was at the Long Beach audio show and one of the best amps and most beautiful I heard was from a company called Margules and it’s exactly what you were asking for, 50 watts/ch pure class A with KT88’s... And get this Margules is made in Mexico City, the company is like 80 years old making pro audio. Not only were these one of the best sounding amps at the show IMO, they are beautiful, awesome self biasing servo system, beautiful wood side panels and mirror polished copper plate, just gorgeous and in the same price range as Prima Luna about $5k, just so cool and unique. I never knew Mexico made any HiFi, the designer was there and was a really cool smart guy who spoke perfect English with almost no accent... I plan on getting one of those amps maybe the preamp too, it’s just beautiful and sounds excellent

These "China not for me" posts are the most comical.

The post was made by a MIC computer setup, while sitting on a MIC chair. The poster lives in a home with a MINIMUM of 75% MIC products.

Wouldn't be surprised if the Margules amp promoted is at least 75% MIC origin components simply assembled in Mexico.

NO ONE is MIC free...live with it.

Hi. I have a PL dialogue amplifier. I changed the four EL34 with four KT150.

I had the Quad Z1 86 dB efficiency without. no problem of driving also at high volume. Now I have two elettrostaic panels ( Final 300) 86 dB efficiency and 2 Ohm impedence over 10000 Hz. The listening is a dream, no problem of driving the panels also at high volume.