2. amps-preamps
  3. 179068-1413

I’ve got the upgrade itch

Thinking about going back to separates.  My current setup is a Primaluna Dialogue Premium Integrated amp.  Since the Primaluna has an HT input, I can do the upgrade in two steps, upgrading the preamp first. I am thinking about a 6SN7 based preamp, such as Sachs, Supratek, or, an Atma-Sphere MP-3 (if I can stretch the budget).

Question, will the preamp switch make a big difference over the preamp stage in the Primaluna??

mabonn
soix
9,417 posts
 

I’m a huge fan of Atmasphere too, but you really need to commit to going fully balanced to get what their gear is capable of.  Also, I’m not sure you should limit yourself to a certain tube type.  Rather, it might be better to just identify what sound characteristics are most important to you and what improvements you’re looking for and just let that be your guide.  That said, what are you looking for?

ghdprentice
6,864 posts
 

@soix 

+1

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,734 posts
 

Stretch the budget a little and spend on the preamp.  It is a crucial component.  The amp is too, of course but a bad system match where the preamp is the weak point can make the rest of your system sound , dull, bright, recessed, too forward..... whatever bad nasties you can think of can be due to the preamp.  It is as important as your speaker choice, it influences the overall character of a system 

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,652 posts
 

I recently posted a similar thread and got some really good advice. You can check out my threads to see the details. 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,734 posts
 

If you can demo separates in home that is a huge plus....  About 10 years ago I demo'd a preamp in stor e but in a $50k system (it was a $3000 pre) .  It sounded so good in that set up that I was fairly confident it was a good bang for the buck performance wise.  Turned out to be a great unit, I had it almost 10 years .

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