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

@holmz : The AR preamps are very good !! De poweramp.is “colder”. Neutral , but minus accoustical … Jadis is nice, but à warm and flowery sound. I do like Ear (specially the 509): very neutral, beautiful placement , natural sound. The Vac , and special the Mal Valve 2 and the Audio Aero Prestige are amazing and very 3D.: Perseptibility , clearly and placement of the instruments are great.

Wait...you still have the Audion?

If that is the case, just get the Zu Audio Omens....$600 or a bit more to ship to Sweden.

If you wanted towers, they have them as well....$1200 U.S.

It will make you sell your present speakers and you will not have to spend anywhere near $4000 or $5500

@arro222 ​​​​​​

Yes,  I still have the Audion and I have bden looking at Zu DW6 but I'm afraid the leap from Tannoy will be to big for me. I like the laidback sound but Yes,  sometimes it is a little too much and they are a bit too rolled off. But they works with everything from classical music to progressive rock. At least to my ears.

@ coltrane1

I actually have a quad EL34 Winged C.

And it is the PL EVO 300 I am considering. 

Congrats on the Quicksilver mid-monos simna they out to be great w/your Tannoys.  Yes, there are a good many Tannoy fans here.  I've been thru a lot of tube amps and am smitten with new class D monos from Atma-Sphere paired with Stirlings.