2. amps-preamps
  3. 152861-139134

Diving into the world of tubes...help needed!

Hi all,
I'm seriously considering diving into the world of vacuum tubes.  I currently have Focal Aria 906s which I adore...but may upgrade those in the future as well to a floor standing speaker.  For the beginning though, they will be my speakers.  Looking for opinions on the below amps/preamps, especially the pairing of the Emotiva pre with the EVO 100!

My choices have been narrowed down to:
  • PrimaLuna Prologue Classic Integrated Amp - would likely pair with a Schiit Loki to have tone control
  • PrimaLuna EVO 100 Power Amp - paired with EMOTIVA PT-100 preamp, would likely pair with Loki as well
  • Vincent SV-237MK Integrated Amp - needs nothing additional
Thanks in advance for your assistance :)
branden_8091
veerossi
174 posts
 
I believe Primaluma US distributor is right here in La Verne, CA 

upsacleaudio.com

i checked out the primaluna line there, but ended up going with Line Magnetic 805ia and I’m loving it. Both Chinese. Both have premium features like point to point wiring, and high quality attenuators etc.

I got the Line Magnetic at perfect pitch audio in palm desert, CA. Super service from them. 
celtic66
1,679 posts
 
veerossi

You did well with Line Magnetic.  Notice, I posted ‘cheap Chinese’ which excludes better quality such as your choice.....and not cheap.
branden_8091 OP
60 posts
 
@veerossi Great.  I'm In Canada, so honestly the only way for me to try PrimaLuna is to buy, and if I decide to go with something else, I'd have to pay 5% restock fee, which in my case is about $130.  I looked at Line Magnetic's stuff earlier today...not my cup of tea.
@celtic66 I understand what you're saying, but from nowhere I've heard that Vincent is a subpar build quality.  Sure it doesn't have point to point wiring, but it's also not a simple, straightforward tube amp.  It's a hybrid, with some extra toys
noodlyarm
106 posts
 
I own the PrimaLuna Dialogue HP Premium Integrated with the KT150 tubes.   I love this Integrated, particularly with the more powerful tubes.

It drives my XStatic full range electrostatic speakers really well and to loud levels.

May your ears enjoy the adventure!
branden_8091 OP
60 posts
 
Thanks noodlyarm!

Someone in another forum has basically convinced me to home audition both of my interests (which have now boiled down to the Vincent or the PL EVO 100 Integrated).  I've found a dealer for each, that are about an hour away...so if they'll let me take them both home I'd be very happy!  For one I may have to actually buy it and pay a restocking fee (5%) though.
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