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Primaluna EVO 300 Integrated or Separates?

Hello,

I am looking for advice on an age old question: separates or integrated. I currently use an Audible Illusion 3A with a factory upgraded Audio Prism Debut II amplifier (4 - EL 34s @ 35 watts per channel) and home built versions of the Swan Allure speakers (93 dB efficient).

With speakers that efficient, should I expect to hear much loss in scale or dynamics going with the EV0 300 integrated or Dialogue Premium integrated, as opposed to separates? Should I expect a lost of resolution with an integrated amp? Has anyone specifically auditioned a Primaluna integrated against separates on efficient speakers? 

The choice for me is not strictly about cost. I would do the upgrade to an integrated now. With separates, I would upgrade the 3A to a 3B then eventually upgrade the Debut amplifier.

Thanks for any advice or suggestions,
Drew
drewharty
drewharty OP
5 posts
 
I have followed Herb Reichert's writing about the LM 845 amp with interest, but one of my buying criteria is a an amp with a good service record. Other than their 845 amp, LM just doesn't seem well established in the U.S.

I am also looking at the Ayon Scorpio or Spirit III integrated amps. Are three any Ayon owners out there that have had good or bad experiences with Ayon service?

nquery
103 posts
 
There are lots of long term LM owners in the USA. Check out the 63 page thread on the LM508/805IA on Steve Hoffman for example. I own an 805ia and can promise you that it's in another league compared to the PL's. Most integrated LM amps will easily drive your speakers.
tablejockey
3,915 posts
 
"I have followed Herb Reichert's writing"

You may know the Herb is also in the PL camp with the positive reviews of PL gear. 

It won't be a "bad" choice with either PL or Line Magnetics. Your ears will be the judge. Both great value choices.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
He's also a big fan of LTA, based in Baltimore, not to be confused with LM.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

I have no dispute with those who recommend Primaluna  as a good amplifier option. I do believe that n
query makes a strong point regarding the Line Magnetic (LM)  508a or 805a options. This is a pure class A SET using DHT 300b tube to drive the 805 DHT output tubes. This amplifier is in a different tier of performance/sound quality IMHO. 

The USA distributor is the highly regarded Tone Audio Imports. LM is a very viable choice to give some consideration to.

Charles

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