Saki 70:
The Prima Luna P2 can use: KT88, 6550, EL-34, 6CA7, 6L6GC, KT66, and 7581 tubes. I have used both KT 88's and EL 34's with the P2, as well as with the P5. I prefer the EL 34's with my P2, mostly because the speakers in use only go down so low in the bass (Omega Super 3's; single driver monitors) and because I do nearfield listening.
I have the P5 paired with Acoustic Research 302 (10 inch woofer; 3 way) speakers that can go down to 35hz. Here the EL 34 are just not giving me all the bass that the KT 88's can offer (Newbee ... thanks for the tip about the 6550). I have a Musical Fidelity CD PRE 24 (solid state preamp/CD combo) in front of the P5. I like this take on a solid state/tube combination a lot ... it does most things pretty well. As for differences in sound between the P2 and P5 ... to my ears the P5 is a bit more elegant sounding, but I find that to be a trait of the Musical Fidelity components that I have used.
Newbee is correct in that low volume dynamics are more likely to depend on your speakers. I listen to my music pretty low (NYC apartment building) and the monitors that I have used (Omega Super 3's; NHT SB2's; Rega Ara's) have all sounded good when played low.
Hope this helps.
Regards, Rich
The Prima Luna P2 can use: KT88, 6550, EL-34, 6CA7, 6L6GC, KT66, and 7581 tubes. I have used both KT 88's and EL 34's with the P2, as well as with the P5. I prefer the EL 34's with my P2, mostly because the speakers in use only go down so low in the bass (Omega Super 3's; single driver monitors) and because I do nearfield listening.
I have the P5 paired with Acoustic Research 302 (10 inch woofer; 3 way) speakers that can go down to 35hz. Here the EL 34 are just not giving me all the bass that the KT 88's can offer (Newbee ... thanks for the tip about the 6550). I have a Musical Fidelity CD PRE 24 (solid state preamp/CD combo) in front of the P5. I like this take on a solid state/tube combination a lot ... it does most things pretty well. As for differences in sound between the P2 and P5 ... to my ears the P5 is a bit more elegant sounding, but I find that to be a trait of the Musical Fidelity components that I have used.
Newbee is correct in that low volume dynamics are more likely to depend on your speakers. I listen to my music pretty low (NYC apartment building) and the monitors that I have used (Omega Super 3's; NHT SB2's; Rega Ara's) have all sounded good when played low.
Hope this helps.
Regards, Rich