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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
pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
271 posts
 

Before I bought the Primaluna EVO 100 integrated I compared it at the showroom on $4,500 / pair Paradigm speakers with a Hegel H390. I picked the EVO 100 integrated Hands down. Then I took it home and compared it against a Shitt audio Freya, Vidar combo. My 45 year old crown pre / power amp combo also for fun was compared. The EVO 100 not only sounded better on my speakers, but had larger dynamic swings, clearer mids highs and the push was better and faster. Lows were comparable.  All compared systems sounded great, but in my side by sides you could clearly hear more string vibration from violins , no matter the instrument. Sax reeds were tighter, bass was more clear and precise.  The cheaper primaluna, in my comparisons surpassed systems costing twice the price.

I am sure there are better tube amps out there, but for the price point Primaluna both in quality of build and sound it is difficult to match or beat. I recently upgraded the sound with JJ KT77s it was remarkable!

coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
715 posts
 

All of these swaps and comparisons. This hobby is endless. But I’m done purchasing tube amps. And that’s a blessing. One is enough. 

avanti1960
1,458 posts
 

I have heard PL amps several times and never warmed up to their sound.  They have good bass but the midrange has always sounded flat and shouty.

tube rectifiers are good but have their disadvantages too.  

i really enjoyed the sound of my rogue audio cronus magnum ii, can become very tube warm with the right small signal NOS tubes.  the KT120 are powerful and dynamic.  

the CM amps are great values and have huge sound stage and a clear, refined sound as good as anything.  

ghdprentice
6,848 posts
 

@moto_man 

 

+1Very true.

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