Amps under $5k that are resolving at low volumes?

Merrill Audio Thor monoblocks

Actually I have no problems with the 1.7's sounding shrill... every shrillness concern I had with them resolved to be caused by other components. But full disclaimer also... I replaced many of the "no name" original crossover capacitors in my 1.7's with Clarity CAP ESA's and Mundorf Supremes

The original reviewer criticisms of the PL Premium integrated were 2 fold (1) weak lower octave (2) a dissatisfaction with ability to resolve at lower volume levels. KT-150's have addressed the bass short comings but I fully agree that you can't get good enjoyment with the amp at less than "robust" volume... my old Hafler did better at low volumes.

"03-16-15: Davide256
Actually I have no problems with the 1.7's sounding shrill... every shrillness concern I had with them resolved to be caused by other components."

I've heard that one before, lol. In all seriousness, though, even to play at moderate volumes, your Prima Luna is probably working pretty hard. Generally speaking, tube amps are a bit more forgiving when pushed hard compared to SS. So while you may feel the need to turn the volume up to get everything sounding right, its possible that the amp is straining and you just don't realize it, tubes will sound different under a heavy load. I didn't really care for my 1.7's, but I didn't have any problems with them at low volumes. Do you have anyone that can lend you some components to do some testing with?

Maggies are about big soundstage , no more, no less.

You said it. The Modwright sounds very good at low volume, very detailed. I would seriously consider a used Modwright SWL 9.0 SE w/tubed power supply( used $1500). Or you could check out Manley labs I love there Jumbo Shrimp preamp. You could then use just about any SS amp you like. Tube pre with SS amp is a awesome way to go (best of both worlds) if your speakers are not TUBE friendly. If you want an all tube integrated, you might find a used 1st or 2nd gen AYON Triton integrated for $5000.00 I do not like the sound of all these cheap Asian made tube integrated amps that are flooding the market. I find that American audio company's really have it dialed in when it comes to great sounding designs and this comes from many years of experience working with circuts and electrical parts.