PrimaLuna ProLogue One versus Two

Jval17, congrats on your win! I am using a Hydra 2 with nice results. I'm sure there is room for improvement, but the Hydra 2 seems to be in line with ny system in terms of cost. I would love to hear a product like the aps700 in my system, but then I would be left with - how do I pay for it??? ;)

Mikemarv, the audiophile aps did not improve the sound anywhere near what a component change would do. It improved the bass more than I thought possible, other than that the improvements were subtle. Overall it did make my system more satisfying to listen to however if I spent $2200 on this I think I would feel disappointed. But that is a personal call. The money could be spent on more music or a major upgrade for a primary component. I have both the PL and Arcam plugged into it. The folks at audiophile aps said there is no need for separation of digital and analog components with their product. From the little bit of testing I did I would say they were correct.

Well, here are my short comments on tube rolling so far. I have tried the Mullard CV4004 and the Amperex 7316. Both very expensive tubes. I'll probably keep them but I figured I could sell them if I don't like them (but, I do like them, oh yes). Finally, one doesn't really need to tube roll this amp as it sounds great with the stock tubes.

Mullard CV4004/12AX7: If you could draw a picture of the sound, then the Primaluna prior to this tube would have fuzzy edges. The edges are now clear and precise. Sexy? Yep. Kevin Deal's recommendation on this tube is right on point. I love the tonality of this tube. Most noticeable was what it did to the bass...so much more to hear from the bass.

Amperex 7316/12AU7: Still way to early for comments but I do notice that pairing this tube with the Mullards leads to a tighter sound with more punch. The bass sounds lower and fuller to me but with the same amount of definition I gained from the Mullard (good!). Soundstage seems moved back a little bit. Both tubes made the soundstage less forward. I definitely hear a lot more 'energy' in the music than with the stock Chinese tubes (also good!). I need to play this tube a bit more to get a real impression, however.

Next up will be some less expensive current production tubes.

I listened to Tim Buckley - 'Happy/Sad', Joni Mitchell - 'Blue', Air - 'Talkie Walkie', Echo & the Bunnymen - 'Crocodiles', Bill Evans 'Explorations' SACD, Sarah Vaughn - 'Sarah Vaughn', and many others.

Plinko, for a tube rookie, what is the cost on the tubes you mentioned?

About $180 for each pair. I got the Platinum Grade from Upscale on the Mullards - that jacks up the price quite a bit. Amperex 7316s seem hard to find. Good thing is both these tubes are supposed to last forever.