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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 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

ebm
9,311 posts
 
Get something made in the USA!!!
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
@millercarbon I had the Raven Nighthawk MKIII in home for audition two weeks ago. I was not impressed. VERY noisy, high noise floor, lots of humm and hissing out of tweeters and in midrange drivers. I’m guessing the tubes were not tested or listened to before shipment. Very anemic and thin sounding.
My Hegel has much more weight and body. Much tighter and faster bass. Much more coherent sound top to bottom.

The manufacturer claims the Nighthawk’s 20 watts sound like 100 solid state. Umm... No.

Needless to say, I returned the Raven.
facten
2,850 posts
 
Just another recommendation for taking a look at Line Magnetic. I have had the 518 IA (845 based 22wpc) for 4 years, zero service issues, well built, very good sounding especially with some tube rolling. Also, Jonathan Halpern of Tone Imports is very easy to interact with.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 

Hi devilboy,

As you
I suspect if could be a case of poor quality tubes in your particular Raven amplifier. On the other hand it’s certainly possible the amplifier just is not a good match with your Nola speakers (it happens). The Hegel seems to be a very good fit for your speakers. I would not be surprised if the Line Magnetic 805ia (48 watts of pure class A SET)  (or their 845 tubed amps) paired very well with your NOLAs. I can understand your happiness with the Hegel.

Terrific sound with your speakers.

You can leave it on 24/7

No tube expense/replacement concerns.

I do get the feeling you’d hear an exceptionally natural and involving sound with the LM 805ia driving the NOLA. I know you are in a good place sonically with your current system set up, congratulations.

Charles

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