Audio Aero Prima integrated Mk1. Just bought it

Hi, I am really interested on this amp since I am considering buying it. I really appreciate all your comes since I am pretty new myself to the hi-fi world.

One question, I have been told that this amp has a very low Signal Noise To Ration (70db) - whatever that is... - How important is this feature? I checked other amps (i.e. Kora or Krell) and they seem to deliver higher SNRs. any thoughts? Thanks!

Krell and Audio Aero are at the two opposite ends of the audio spectrum. The Audio Aero is a hybrid tube amp, and the Krell is pure solid state. It really depends what you're looking for.

The Audio Aero's SN ratio isn't that high. But it doesn't bother me, not for a second. There are some, though, for whom it might be a deal breaker. It really just depends on your taste and your setup.

Personally, I don't like most of what Krell has to offer. It's too clinical for me. Some don't like what Audio Aero has to offer, because it's too euphonic, or too whatever. I've never heard Kora.

The Audio Aero is very, very musical, and at the price I think it's hard to beat. Also, it benefits from tube rolling greatly.

Hi, thank you very much for your comments. Actually, I do agree that the Krell or the McIntosh sound really too "electric". I really like the sound of valve amps. (Never heard a hybrid...)

I just bought a pair of Triangle Antal XS and I think they would match well with a low powered hybrid. Forgive my ignorance but to be honest I wouldn't know how to connect the Antal with this, since each speaker has four speaker posts whereas the amp only has two per speaker. Can you please tell me how to hook them up? Any advice on which cables should I get?

Oh, and forgot. One last question. Is this amp well serviced in the US?

Thanks again for the patience! Josep

Joseph,
We bought my AA Prima hybrid after hearing it with a pair of Triangle speakers. Although I find that the Triangles can be somewhat bright, if you end up with a Prima Hybrid MKI, you will likely want to experiment with different 6922 tubes, as they will help 'tune' the sound to the balance that you desire. The MKII version of this amp has a hardwired miniature 6021W tube. It also has remote control, and is 50W (as opposed to the 40W of the MKI), but it does not have a preamp out like the MKI. In other words, you can use the MKI as a preamplifier with any type of amp/monoblocks that you like.

Your four binding posts mean that you can bi-wire your speakers. That is, you can buy a pair of speaker cables that has two terminations on the amp end, and four on the speaker side. Your binding posts should presently have a metal plate of some type between them, and if you run single wire speaker cable you will want to connect the cables to the binding posts on the bottom. You can also try using jumpers, which are short cables that replace those metal plates for better conductivity. Many options are available, and one will sound best to you. If I'm not mistaken, those speakers take some time to break in. If they are not yet broken in yet, you might want to let them do so before tweaking your cables, etc. too much. Copper cables tend to give you a warmer sound. While my preference is for silver, I think you might find silver to be too bright with the Triangles. If so, make sure your room is treated before making conclusions.

Finally, Globe Audio Marketing is the NA rep for Audio Aero, and they are a pleasure to work with. They have an authorized service center here in the US (Austin, TX), but I understand that they may be looking for a new US service center.

Is that enough info for you?
All the best to you in your search,
Howard

Oliver

Welcome to the Hybrid int amp world....!! My and many others favourite amps.

Pathos Logos owner.
Chris