Why is there no love for Prima Luna?

@audiomerk, if you want more warmth, 2 things you can do.

1. insert Shuguang nature sound 6CA7 output tubes, and replace the first two input tubes with Shuguang 12AU7 - TG.2. reduce the Neg feedback a bit on the amp, the imaging will greatly improve, and the imaging will be much more 3-D

Audiomerk, I would not put any more money in trying to get the PL to fit your sound desire. Just unload it. Thru the years I have learned, If one cannot dial in an audio component to satisfying sound quickly (maybe change the first set of tubes), then its not ever going to work. I've read posts where people feel there's something missing on an expensive amp and then try to make it sound right with expensive power cables, etc. Sorry, especially for SS amps, if the general sound character you want is not there out of the box and after a day or two......its not going to happen. 

"there is something significant missing from my PrimaLuna Evo 300 integrated, which replaced my Cary amp and preamp."

I would hope ANY decent amp/preamp combo is "better" than a value integrated unit. It doesn't seem to be a reasonable expectation the PL integrated should outshine a Cary amp/preamp setup. 

"I would not put any more money in trying to get the PL to fit your sound desire. Just unload it."

Agreed. Any piece of equipment is going to have a fundamental "sound" to determine if it's a keeper. I have interest of possibly  tweaking my PL from a  curiosity/hobbyist perspective.  

Hybrids are the way to go. McIntosh or Pathos.

 

I've had my PL Dialogue HP Integrated for a few years now and love it.  It powers my Martin Logan Summit X speakers perfectly.  A while ago I replaced the front four preamp tubes with Mullard CV-4003s and the difference from the PL tunes was noticed.  I recently moved those four 4003 tubes to the last positions, and put new JJ Gold 12AU7s and I have to tell you, it opened up the system.  Happy I made that change!

I want to replace the EL-34 tubes just for tweaking's sake, but that's a lot of money and I like the sound.  If I do, I'll probably stay with EL-34s.  I don't need more power from new tubes, so perhaps I'll try the JJs or Tung-Sol EL-34Bs.  Lots of options to choose from, though.  Any opinions?

I also use the Home Theater input for HT, but we moved to a new home recently and now my old Pioneer Elite amp seems to be causing a hum in all speakers when it's turned on.  It's fed by an OPPO 105D, but I don't think the hum is from the OPPO.  The OPPO was modified by Ric Schultz and it sounds great when listening via the Spdif through the DAC or direct to the PL.  Frustrating, but I'll figure it out.  That's part of the fun. 

In our new house, my system sits in a sort of alcove that's 24 inches deep.  I just installed Aucousticmac corner bass traps on the inside verticle corners, which was another improvement.  I didn't know it when we bought the house, but all working is 12-gage and the panel is all 20-amp fuses.  Each side of the entertainment area is on a separate circuit, so lots of clean power.  I have a 20-amp Furman Elite power conditioner, so I'm able to take advantage of it too!

The house is hard wired with LAN too.

LAN signal:

1. Intel I7 NUC for Roon Core, built into an Alasa fanless case.
2. LAN signal is transferred to fiber optic to eliminate noise.
3. TRENDNet switch (Also used for all other components except for the main audio feed).
4. Main audio feed then moves to an ETHERregen from Uptone Audio (highly recommended!)
5. Bytston BDP-1 used as Roon endpoint.  I've thought about replacing this, but since it's used as a Roon endpoint, I don't see the need.  Let me know if you disagree).
6. Schiit Yggy DAC (very nice)
7. PL Dialogue HP Integrated
8. ML Summit X speakers.

Cables are:

1. Acoustic Zen Mc 2 digital
2. Kimber Kable D-60 digital
3. Acoustic Zen Absolute interconnects
4. Acoustic Zen Hologram speaker cables
5. All power cables are Pangea Audio

Just thought I'd share and seek opinions on EL-34 alternatives.  I love this hobby.  I get excited about every little addition.  My wife teases me by saying, "I'm sure it's going to sound better," but she indulges my addiction. 

Hope everyone is staying safe and has a wonderful Holiday season!

Steve