PrimaLuna EVO 400 v Cary SLI-100


I've never owned anything other than solid state but I am increasingly intrigued with tubes.  Thinking of "investing" $5K or so in an all-tube integrated to (at least initially) drive my Klipsch Heresys.  Any thoughts on these two choices?  Is there another choice in this range?

128x128mattsca

A great idea. I slowly moved into tubes over the decades as I upgraded my systems. I wish that I had done it faster.

 

Primaluna will be more neutral and the Cary warmer, more tubelike and musical.

I would recommend listening to an Audio Research I-50 before you buy. Incredibly musical and natural sounding with much more rhythm and pace than the two you are considering or other recommendations. This amp produces music. 

If you could hear a Raven Audio Osprey with best tubes setup

you would be amazed at what you hear..

Good Luck in your Tube Amp Search..

Hear essentially the same performance as the PL EVO 400 and save a considerable amount off cash by looking at the Dialogue HP- previous generation.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbb2ga-primaluna-dialogue-premium-hp-integrated-tube

The money saved can be used for an upgraded power cord and replacing the 2 innermost preamp tubes with NOS, which are the "money" slots.

Without the 2 upgrades you get 90% of the EVO400.

Plenty of  positive user reviews and it will drive your Heresys as intended.

PL build/features and value win over the Cary. Sure Cary SLI is a nice piece, made in USA. That's about it.

Longtime PL user.

 

 

 

Fantastic, thank you for the views and suggestions, super helpful. What I see so far as worth checking out, and I will seek them out at AXPONA in April (Chicago):

PrimaLuna EVO 300/400, or consider the previous gen, Dialogue
Cary SLI-100
Line Magnetic (LM-150ia?)
Rogue Audio Cronus Dark
Decware ZMA
Audio Research I/50
Raven Audio Osprey

More suggestions, and cautions, welcome!