2. amps-preamps
  3. 1346290578

Optimizing the Prima Luna Premium Integrated amp

Having had the Prima Luna Premium Integrated for about 7 months now its been one of my goals to retire the CJ PV10A I had been using for pre amp. However from the start the preamp section of the Prima Luna never seemed to measure up to the CJ in deep bass. Recently however I decided it was time to retube the 12AU7's in the CJ, sticking with trusted NOS Mullard CV4003's. Now having 2 pairs of Mullards to play with I was able to do some comparison swapping in the Prima Luna. Lo and behold, putting the Mullards in the rear 12AU7 sockets of the Prima Luna brought the low bass up to where it should be and differences become trivial swapping a variety of 12AU7's between the CJ and the front sockets of the Prima Luna

Mullard NOS CV4003 highly recommended for the back 12AU7 sockets of the Prima Luna Premium integrated. Not so recommended for both socket pairs as the combination becomes too forward in the bass. Funkwerkes 12AU7 and Prima Luna 12AU7 are in use now while I seek a quicker more neutral tube than the Mullard for the front pair.
128x128davide256
meiwan
399 posts
 
You might try the Mazda/Cifte 12au7's. I swapped out Mullards for the Ciftes in my tube integrated (master sound). I found the Mullards muddy in comparison.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
You might want to try the Amperex Holland 12AU7s. Be careful though as they were sometimes "only" rebranded Mullards, you can tell by the etched code. My all time favorite in any position is the direct sub 7316 an Amperex product but now very expensive,
It really sounds like a German tube such as a Telefunken would do the trick. Also you can call Upscale for help since they import Prima Luna they will know what works to bring out the qualities you want.
mikirob
955 posts
 
I have swapped a number of NOS 12au7 in my Primaluna Dialogue One with great success. To my ears the Amperex Bugle Boys are the best. I have failed in my quest for a "reasonably" priced 7316 Amperex mentioned by Mechans above. I also like the RCA Clear Tops Side Getter, the Psvane Shuguang Black Treasure. Frankly, the Mullards were not as clear as the tubes above.

You should also try swapping out the 12ax7 for some Sylvania 5751 Triple Mica black plate and or/grey plate.

Another suggestion, try the NOS Russian Reflector 6n3ce output tube (6L6). This combo of tubes bring this integrated to a whole new level, much, much better.
More to discover