Primaluna?

Amps I can understand much better. Preamps not so much. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard Kevin him self talk about how preamps aren’t amplifyIng the sound as much as they are reducing the signal. I think he duscusses this when talking about the amount of gai. The Primaluna preamps have. This makes me feel that while large current capabilities and large transformers may create a sound that some or a majority may prefer I am skeptically of its necessity.  I’ remember reading an article about PS Audio and that they were apparently one of the early designs to use what the described as an OVERSIZED transformer. This again makes me feel that undoubtedly large transformers may change the sound, but it’s also possible one might prefer the sound in there system in there house that comes from a smaller transformer.  I could be wrong for sure but I don’t think you NEED a large transformer to put out a couple volts.  

I've had a Primaluna HP 8 tube integrated amp for 5 years now and I love it. Its the best amp I've ever owned. The stock EL34 tubes are beautiful and the auto bias and safety features are world class. It's all point to point wiring and the attention to detail is 1st class. Yes there are other tube amps out there but with all aspects of the amp being monitored with offset killers and toroidal transformers for power and  speakers, each channel it's whisper quiet. It's plug and play and with auto bias, there is no crossover distortion and no bias checking every month. I can't fault this amp. The amount of people who use it as a reference amp is ridiculous.....it's that good. Cheers, Andrew Peter Collins, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

I just want to clarify that I’m not knocking Primaluna in any way, and plan to purchase one in the future. Was just sharing my experience with Kevin and what I thought about it.  I do think from my research that Primaluna makes a very well made, well thought out, and musical product.   

@brylandgoodman those are all fair points! It’s unfortunately quite human to assume people around you know and understand topics on a similar level. When you’re good at something it comes easy and natural and it’s hard to realize that others might not be on the same level. This can create conflicts in communication and can come off as arrogant or patronizing. It’s up to both parties of the communication channel to understand this and negotiate the right protocol.

on the PL site you can read this statement: “Output transformers are the most important part of any tube amp. They determine how low the bass will reach and how high the top end goes.” Of course this sounds like a marketing catch phrase, but it’s actually true.

 Here you can get deeper as to why this is.

I too was looking at PL's but decided to go with Rogers High Fidelity's Integrated AMPs.  Super happy with it, costs less than PL and are hand made in the USA.  Roger Gibboni is the owner and he is great to work with.  Complimentary lifetime upgrades and warranty included in every purchase !  Works very well with my high efficiency Klipsch speakers (99db) !