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Curious about the PrimaLuna

I've been reading all I can about the PrimaLuna, found a bunch of reviews by Dutch listeners here: www.hifi-notes.com. I currently am using a Heathkit AA-32 with Meadowlark Osprey speakers. I am surprised at how well the Heathkit drives the Ospreys with its low power(15wpc max). I really like the sound on jazz recordings, Prestige and Blue Note from the late 50's and early 60's. So I am hoping an amp such as the PrimaLuna would really open up the sound. I am using a Rotel RCD-1070 and a Project Perspective table with a Garrot Brothers cartridge. The phono channel on the Heathkit is definitely anemic, but the cd player has sufficient level to where the volume knob is about 1/3 to 1/2 up, where as lps require 2/3-3/4. The price on Asian gear is going up, low dollar, there has been one price hike already on the Prima Luna models in the last 2 months, $100. So I'm considering taking the leap.
ritmoman
newbee
4,767 posts
 
I'm in the process of breaking in a PrimaLuna - so far I'm quite impressed. I've had it up and running for about 2 weeks. I'm using 4 ohm taps to drive 4 ohm speakers with a 92dba effiency. It has plenty of power for these speakers. There is no shortage of power in the bass, in fact I was startled by the bass performance in the Reference Recordings CD of Coplands Fanfare for the Common man. I happen to also be breaking in the speakers, Tyler Linbrook Signature Systems which are flat in my room to 20hz. This little amp did not wimp out at all - in fact I'm amazed at the fullness of the presentation of this music! The mid range is smooth and liquid and the highs a not overdone. But much has to do with the tubes you use and your expectations. Contrary to the implication of the comments in the TAS review, this unit is very responsive to tube rolling (which I'm presently in the process of doing) and all of the tubes have an effect on the sound so you can pretty much tailor the sound to your desires. You really can't go wrong at the price. As I said, I'm impressed.
dsc
21 posts
 
Which PrimaLuna do you have?

Prologue One?
Prologue Two?

And what tubes are working best for you?
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Prologue One. I'm still playing with tubes - I'm using current production. I haven't settled on which I prefer yet. Today, I'm listening to Svet EL34's, EH 12AX7A's, and Tesla 12AU7's. The sound is very warm and rich, almost too warm and rich. The Tesla's 12AU7's are responsible for most of this. With EI's its much cooler. I tried NOS Tesla E34L's & the EH/Tesla small tubes. It reduced the richness a tad, increased the upper mid and high detail quite a bit, and I think it is a combo many would prefer. As I said this is a work in progress. Of one thing you can be sure, if you have a revealing speaker system you will easily hear any change you make and you get to take your pick. Your choice will probably depend on your speakers and room/set up.
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