Considering switching from Audio Research to PrimaLuna, troube with VS115 amp

jbhiller, if you are referring to me I have already given a couple of updates already. Check back in the thread. Summary, I finally got the amp back and hooked up over the last weekend. So far, it has worked flawlessly and sounds really good. Hoping no more tubes arc and cause resistors to break. Like many on this thread, waiting to see how the A/B comparison goes this Saturday at UpScaleAudio. Wish I could be there but the cost to travel there is too much. Hopefully, they will shoot some video and place on YouTube for us all. In the meantime, I will keep listening to my new setup and let you know how things go. Been considering getting a PL preamp to audition in my home to compare. I wonder how a PL preamp would go with an ARC VS115 amp?

upscaleaudio

...  play a track on amp A, move the source and speaker to amp B, and listen.  Simple.  Same cut.  Same volume. Don't even turn off the amps.  Instant.

I suspect that the difference will be quite noticeable, so double blind really isn't needed like you do with cables and tweaks. 

If you're seeking to conduct a valid test of this type - which isn't my preferred way of evaluating components, btw - then it has to be done double-blind.  Otherwise, your bias that "the difference will be quite noticeable" can influence the results of the test.

"I wonder how a PL preamp would go with an ARC VS115 amp?"

Pretty much any preamp or amp is universally compatible with other brands. Having said that, I am a big proponent for components synergy. When I was building my system, I tried couple of pre's with VT-80 amp and nothing came close to LS28. This combo allowed me to hear better imaging and bigger / wider soundstage.  

If possible, I would suggest you find a way to hear both PL and ARC pre in your system and decide for yourself.  

Should you choose to go with ARC pre, you can pretty much cherry pick LS17SE, LS27 or LS28 off Audiogon. 

I think that I maybe thought the test shootout would be last Saturday.  Sorry. 

I want to make points in my very limited humble opinion:

1. To the OP, as someone else seemed to say above, I wouldn't fret this too much.  You bought a quality piece of equipment.  I wonder if the differences between the ARC and Primaluna will be marginal.  We cannot forget to enjoy the music.  I'd ask myself, can I live with what I bought?   And the good news is you can always buy a Primaluna and sell the ARC--or keep the ARC.  I bet it's amazing. 

2.  On Kevin Deal being a used car salesman.  I own a Primaluna HP Integrated.  And, I have had some a need for customer service for two issues.  Kevin Deal was simply amazing.  He called me on nights and weekends.  He followed up immediately each time.  His staff gave him my detailed messages. He understood the messages BEFORE we talked.  He told me, "Dude, I will not leave you hanging here."  Yes, that language is casual and so Southern California--I'm in Chicago.  But it was cool because his casual language meant something more than formal language from other dealers--he stood by his product and was awesome in the process. 

I bought an open box item.  When I had an issue with the remote and mute function on the amp, Kevin worked through it.  When we couldn't get it easily resolved, Kevin shipped me a brand new unit by Fedex 2 day from Cali to Chicago.  He told me not to ship back the original product until I had the replacement up and running.  He said you don't want to be without a stereo during this process.

I was so happy and blown away (because of the service and how great the amp sounded) I offered to pay full price for the new unit, as Kevin had only really offered to sell me an open box one at a discount.  Kevin's response to my offer--"Just enjoy the amp man."  

I don't think Kevin would be as successful as he is if he were a used car salesman.  Kevin needs me to keep coming back to him.  Have we all seen his facility and stock?  He can't keep that facility up by selling snake oil or BS.  Customers are fickle and discriminating.  If Kevin sold me a tube and told me it was better than another tube--yet it was salesy garbage/puffery--he would either need to fool me with bias and BS or I can independently find him to be wrong.  

I don't want to come off like Kevin is the second coming of our savior.  I just want to say that he is a class act businessman.  I buy from him because of his service and fair dealing.

By the way...I do own a Primaluna HP integrated, Manley Chinook, a host of tubes and DH Labs cables, which I bought from Upscale. I am not related to Kevin in any way and have never met the man in person.   

Here's the deal..no pun intended.

This Saturday at 11. I told Bob Levi 10 so need to make sure that works or him. The VSI75 is broken in and near new so the tubes are fresh. It's the latest version with KT150's. I'm most happy to put the tubes on an Amplitrex if anybody asks so there is no question about validity.

The PrimaLuna is a demo $3399 Dialogue Premium with stock EL34's. I could use an HP but the Dialogue will be fine.

Level matched. Double blind too if you can figure a way to do that. I want the change from amp to amp to be instantaneous as the mind is not as sharp as people think. 

Its open to whoever wants to come. Please email me at kevin@upscaleaudio.com with a name and cell number just in case of an emergency. 

The spirit of of this is having fun. I am a fan of all tube gear including ARC and they are a fine company. Particularly the old stuff. I have a collection of tube gear throughout the years including the well regarded D150 and SP10 mkII and SP11mkII. I rebuilt the SP10 which was interesting. When I retire I plan to do nothing but dick around with all the stuff that's accumulated.