Primaluna and Rogue

Thanks for your responses. While I'm not ignoring the issues brought up about where products are being built, my bigger concern is great sound and quality build, and that's the end of my thoughts on that topic.

Back to the original topic. Saki, the problem is I'm not necessarily looking for a particular sound. The reason for this is quite simple, the sound of the music I listen to varies greatly. For example, while listening to Fusion, the sound has to have impact; attack and immediacy with timing and pace, and full and impactful, but accurate bass. On the other hand, I like my vocals and highs to have a lot of air, sweetness and expression. I like to feel the soul and emotion of a singer through their voice. I want to be able to feel that. Bottom line, my gear has to be able to portray what's on the recording. I understand this is very difficult to acheive as various gear is voiced quite differently to achieve a particular sound. But that's why I got the Nolas, I like their airy presentation.

I just need a pre/power combo that will give me the slam I need when its called for, as well as the delicacy that I need when a recording calls for it.

Is this too much to ask? Maybe, but isn't this hobby about trying to attain that sound YOU seek? That's the fun part, I believe.

Hawk28.

May I ask why you want a pre/power combi. Is there a reason that integrated amps are out of the question. Also do you really want tubes? Can the amps also be a combo say tube pre ss power.
The my last remark, what is you budget?

A few weeks ago me and a friend compared some amps. Integrated "budget" amps. A prima luna proglogue 2, Sugden A21a and a LUA 4040C. For me it was
1 Sugden
2 Prima Luna

3 LUA

I think with a nice class A amp you can get the musicality that some people miss with SS amps and the power/reliabilty of SS amps. My friend didn't agree and bougth the Prima Luna. To me the Prima Luna's bass was less tight but it is a musical amp.

I hope you can make any sence of my post.

Ok , if you do not have a particular type of sound in mind then you should address what amps work well with your speakers . In this instance , some will be better than others .

What amp does the manufacturer use to design their speakers ? And again , what do other owners of your speaker have success with ?

I would also recommend that you start with an integrated amp . They are cheaper and easier to move in and out .

I seem to remember one review for the Viper II , the manufacturer stating that he liked the ASL Hurricane . I am not sure how reliable they are but it could be a starting place . Or if you like the Rogue then try their integrated .

Start some place and then make moves from there . Just watch out for that merry-go-round ride !

Good luck .

Mordante, integrateds are not out of the question. If I can get a a quality integrated with the power to suit my speakers, I would have no problem with that. My only concern with tube integrateds is that I really don't know how much tube power would be enough to properly drive the Nolas, and many of them in my price range seem to have a rating of 60 watts or less. So I can use some feedback in that area if you have some suggestions. However, I have read some positive reviews on the Cronus, Primaluna integrated, Vincent, Primare and Musical Fidelity, but I'm still researching.

Regarding tubes, one of the primary reasons that I am considering them is just about everything I read about Nola/Alon speakers, from owners and reviewers alike, the overwhelming sentiment has been that these speakers prefer or sound best, or have been voiced with tube amplication. I've read that the owner of Nola personally uses the ASL Hurricane. So that is my reason for looking into tubes, and I believe that going with separates, a tube preamp and ss poweramp, may give me the best of both worlds.

Saki, I hope the above addressed some of your questions. Regarding budget, it really depends what I can get on the used market. If I can get a quality power amp for a $1,000 or less, I would strongly consider buying a new Rogue Perseus or some other tube pre with a phono stage. That said, a pair of Rogue M150's at the right price would find a new home in my system, and I would just have to wait and save for the preamp at that point.

I have a Rogue Eight-Eight Magnum power amp. My other basic components are Manley Shrimp preamp and Rogue Stealth phono preamp. My Rogue components are quality gear and sound nice.
Though I haven't heard the Primaluna, I'm sure you can't go wrong with the M150s or something in the equivalent price range by Primaluna. If your speakers retail for over $10,000 you should be able to budget $1000-$2000 for your preamp and then again the same for the amp (look for used!) and you'll be happy.
If I were you I'd select a couple different options and await whichever becomes available and pull the trigger.
You might also consider the Manley Preamp, by the way. I've been very happy with it.
I also listen to lots of different styles of music myself, including poorly recorded music. I can't emphasize enough how much speaker placement can help adjust the sound from your listening position. If you can find one of the very rare tube pre-amps available with tone control (treble, bass) you can tune things even more to your liking.