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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.

simna
rinaldoberra's avatar
rinaldoberra
25 posts
 

Hi. I have a PL dialogue amplifier. I changed the four EL34 with four KT150.

I had the Quad Z1 86 dB efficiency without. no problem of driving also at high volume. Now I have two elettrostaic panels ( Final 300) 86 dB efficiency and 2 Ohm impedence over 10000 Hz. The listening is a dream, no problem of driving the panels also at high volume.  

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grover30
21 posts
 

I would check out Ayon audio tube amps. Retail they are a little out of your budget but they are the baddest tube amps I've come across and you can find them used for what you're looking to pay. They are pure class A, sound fantastic and are built like a tank. I think they look better than any other tube amps i've ever seen also. Good luck! 

 

juanmanuelfangioii
958 posts
 

Wow not on your list.

Audio Hungary (any of their integrated's) $$

Lab12 

Octave $$

Ayon $$

 Unison Research 

Should I keep going? 

 

 

tablejockey
3,888 posts
 

"Embrace communism?"

OH BROTHER....

How does a reminder of reality (as you read it on YOUR MIC computer display) imply supporting communism?

fpomposo-Silly rebuttal.

It is probably safe to say most Americans would willingly support a 100% American economy, but most know that’s impossible.

You are enveloped in MIC, from the minute you wake up to the time you go to bed and set your alarm clock.

This ISN’T a political/ethics post- just stating fact, which includes hi-fi gear.

100% MIC free isn’t reality.

 

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