2. amps-preamps
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Primaluna or Octave to drive Dynaudio X34s

I love my Dyn X34s. Have been happily driving them last couple of years with a Musical Fidelity M5si. Getting upgrade itch and if I do upgrade I want to make sure I get ROI on investment and get a different sound. I have always enjoyed tube demos when I have heard them and liked the sound. My understanding of my speakers is they need heavy current to be driven properly.  Current room is 10 x 12. I'd be interested to hear informed opinions from Dynaudio users or dealers on ideal tube pairings. Based on initial research im looking at Primaluna EVO line (200, 300 or 400) or Octave v40/v70. Which Primaluna would be best? Which Octave? What about the Octave vs. Primaluna debate to pair with Dyns? Any options I should be considering? I know there are a few Raven fans on here but I'd prefer to support a local dealer here in Atlanta. 


Current System:

Dyn X34

Musical Fidelity M5si

Rega Planar 2 with Bias 2 cart

Bluesound Node 2

uncrocco
uncrocco OP
9 posts
 

Sounds like alot of folks are discouraging the tube route with these speakers. What would be a significant amplification upgrade that would get me closer to that sound. I know class A would be too underpowered. Should I look at Luxman/Accuphase? Others?

tuberist
951 posts
 

I have never heard solid State amplification of any kind that made me think I was getting a tube type presentation. That being said, I have hardly heard more than a smattering of solid-state amps in my life and maybe someone in our forum has more experience and could make some suggestions. My initial thought when I read your post was to change out your speakers for something with a tube friendly impedance and fairly high efficiency, at least in the low 90s.

uncrocco OP
9 posts
 

Thanks again, I like the sound of my speakers and am not interested in changing them out to accommodate tubes if a tube amp isn't a match. I know may say Dynaudio need alot of current but the X34s are atypical as they are 8 ohm vs. previous lines being 4 ohm or 6 ohm. I know many drive Special 40s with Tubes many use Octave and many Octave dealers demo Dynaudio with Octave. However, if tubes are not going to drive my speakers so be it. I am still wanting advise on upgrade from my Musical Fidelity M5si. What would give me that more engaging sound that begs me to open my wallet. Of course, eye of the beholder but the tube sound I have heard is the direction I would want to go. Even if I can't get the full tube sound. 

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

I am currently running a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP into Vandy 2Cs.
(Similar sensitivity)
However the subwoofer removing a lot of the low notes likely helps a lot.

I would suggest that using a sub would likely be a benefit to freeing up the amplifier.

it sounds pretty good, but the volume knob seems like it is cranked up. Maybe it has less gain than the VTLs?

mesch
3,480 posts
 

One thing you have going for you regarding the 86dB sensitivity rating is that your room is 10'x12'. (I am assuming feet)  Would your dealer let you try the Octave v70/black box in your home? Possible to take your speakers to the dealer?

 

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