Primaluna ProLogue Five VS. Classe CA-150


I've been using my Classe CA-150 for awhile now and like it quite a bit but I've always thought tube amps were cool, do you think I'd be happier with the ProLogue 5?

I have a small pair of bookshelf speakers which aren't exactly efficient, and I do listen to electronic music quite a bit. I'd be okay with giving up a little bit of overall volume for more quality.

I would like to change things up and go for more warmth, bloom, romance if you will, but I don't want to be disappointed if I make the switch and find that I can't turn it up very loud and the bass becomes bloated or sloppy...

What do you guys think??
128x128b_limo
Consider before you buy a tubed amp is how well it matches the needs of your speakers AND how well it interfaces with your pre-amp. Two items that are missing from your post and are rather essential bits of information if you expect any meaningful comments.

My experience with a Prologue 5 - I connected it to my ARC SP10 and the bass took a vacation driving my Paragon Jubilee/Gems. I inserted a PL 3 in place of the ARC and the bass returned, sorta. A bit dry and shy but OK.

While I endorse a change to tubes if possible, I wouldn't buy this PL amp without hearing it in my system first.
01-16-14: B_limo
Honestly though, you hit the nail on the head. Problem is, I have made deceisions in this audio game that were steps sideways, or even backwards, and it also cost me money to add insult to injury.

I know what you are saying B, we've all been there. The problem is that all of this is highly subjective, so what works great for one is a disappointment to another. Personally, I prefer tubes, but I know a lot of others who prefer solid state. Am I wrong? Are they wrong? Nope. Sometimes in life you just take your chances, sometimes things work out, sometimes things don't. However, just because something works for someone else doesn't mean it will work for you, and just because something works for you doesn't mean it will work for someone else.

My advice is that if you are concerned about the possibility of losing money that you cannot afford to lose, than don't take the risk and simply enjoy what you have. Do not gamble until you have the disposable income to do so.
If you can tell us what speakers you have and what the impedance and sensitivity of your speakers are we could probably help you more.

The PrimaLunas are good amps and can probably have enough power for you but likely at the cost of some control in the bass. The net is full of reviews of them you could get a good idea of whether it is worth giving them a try by reading what reviewers have to say about them with a variety of speakers.
Get the PrimaLuna you wont be sorry as the sound is very wide and big soundstage with plenty of warmth and detail.The classe sounds very clean and tight a very nice amp also. But If your set on trying tubes then get the PrimaLuna it is an amazing sounding amp and about as cheap as you can get for entry into tubes.
A 36 wpc amp with KT88 Output Tubes, bet it sounds nice but we're flying blind without knowing the speaker and it's specs.