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

Primaluna is meh. Great build quality, i liked primaluna best with kt150s. I found Line Magnetic to sound far better. I loved the LM 845 Premium. 

I had a PL HP integrated with KT150 and loved the build quality, tube rolling flexibility and looks.  I felt like it was lacking a bit of headroom which, at least to me, surfaced in bass, detail and decay.  I actually moved to AGD Audions and really love the class D sound.  I will admit I'm running a running everything through a Cary SLP05 which add a bit of tube sound back into the mix.  All in all im really happy with the SQ.

Buy the PL, and call it a day. I mean, we’re talking EIGHT EL 34’a  I’m in heaven with 4. I can’t imagine 8 of them! Winged C Soviets is all you need. Trust me. 

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Buy the PL, and call it a day. I mean, we’re talking EIGHT EL 34’a  I’m in heaven with 4. I can’t imagine 8 of them! Winged C Soviets is all you need. Trust me. 

@coltrane1  , I didn't know that Svetlanta Winged Cs could still be found?