Why would you sell your Primaluna for a class D amp if you think Primaluna sounds good? They sound quite different, don't they?
My speakers are Tannoy Legacy Eaton.
Primaluna or not Primaluna
Hej
I have been hesitated some time now between buying new speakers or a new amplifier and have decided I will buy a new amplifier.
My list of demands:
It will take EL34, KT77, KT88 and 6550. Bonus if it takes KT120.
It will give at least 35 w with EL34 and 45 w with KT88.
It will have easy biasing using a screwdriver and with somekind of build in meter. In worst case autobiase will do.
It will use tube rectification and not solid state rectification (because I have heard solid state rectification takes away the tube sound).
It will not cost more than aprox $4000.
I have had a Line Magnetic LM-34IA once but had to much problems with the quality (bad solderings and bad balance between left and right).
First I thought it sounded quite good, but after have heard a Audion Audio Stirling EL34 SET amplifier I changed my mind. Now the LM-34AI sounded just OK.
I was told that Stirling EL34, with 12 w should be enough for listening at normal volumes with my 89dB speakers. But it was not. So here I am…
(And yes I know; a push-pull amp will never sound as a SET amp).
I have read about several amplifiers but none of them seems to fit my demands.
Here are my notes:
Line Magnetic LM-88IA - Just KT88. Bad experience with LM, both quality and sound.
Audio Research I/50 - Just 6550 tubes. Too much hassle when adjusting bias.
Rogue Cronus Magnum III - Very mixed opinions. Solid state rectification.
Raven Blackhawk Mk 3.1 - Just 6L6 tubes. Have to be imported from the US.
Tsakiridis Aelos Plus - Just KT88 tubes.
Fezz Silver Luna Prestige - Just EL34 tubes.
Fezz Titania - Just KT120 tubes (and maybe KT150 and KT170 too).
Cary SLI-80HS - Many bad opinions. Solid state rectification.
Jadis - Either too weak or too expencive.
Primaluna - ???
What makes me a little ”worried” is that Primaluna has so many build in features which are supposed to make my life as a tube amplifier owner easier.
I mean, doesn’t these fetures affect the sound? ”Less is more”?
If you have any thoughts or experience about this, please let me know.
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I agree with the "less is more" philosophy in a tube amp. I call Primaluna a swiss army knife. You don’t get the full "tube magic" experience with Primaluna. If you have efficient speakers look for a used Decware (18 month waitlist for new) you won’t be sorry. Jerry PS the SS amp that sounds as close to a tube amp as I've found it the Kinki Studios EX-M1+. I have one and highly recommend it. |
I'll second carlsbad. I had a Primaluna PL2 and it was good but wow the sound from my Decware with 4 watts is soooo much better. Used the same speakers, not a loud but much better sound. Yes you are limited with tube swapping but the Torii might do the trick for you. |
The PL will sound "quite good" as you heard with the Line Magnetic. The difference may be the overall build quality, features and support if needed. Other than that, the SQ is purely subjective, like EVERYTHING audio. You can hear any brand amp/topology that will sound great, only to be outdone by something encountered later. Some prefer low wattage SET over traditional amp setups. |
Wow...if that Zen TORII Mk 5 sounds half as good as it looks it must be heaven for a music lover. @grinnell |
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