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Primaluna Dialog Two Integrated Amp vs Cayin A-88T

I am going to put together a tube system around one of these integrated amps. I'm wondering if anyone here has compared the two amps. They are about the same price, the Primaluna is rated at 38 watts per channel, the Cayin is at 45 watts. They both use KT-88 tubes. I haven't selected speakers yet, but I am leaning towards Harbeth 7es-3. Any comments/opinions would be appreciated.
ericsch
meiwan
399 posts
 
I tried Harbeth C7's with kt-88 tubes and didn't like the sound at all. Harbeth's work much better with el34's - they are leaner and more musical. The fuller/more powerful kt-88's don't blend well with the warm Harbeth midband.

You might look at Mastersound dueventi, Primaluna dialogue 1, AudioSpace el34s. Any of these would sound very good with Harbeths.

20wpc is fine for a smaller room, 30wpc for a bigger one.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I find it interesting that there is a stigma regarding Japanese stereo products, but the crap coming out of China is ok. Did you know you can by a used amplifier made in USA for the same price?
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Check out a Jolida...often more watts for your money, and they sound great.
grinnell
1,094 posts
 
The Primaluna can take a range of power tubes from KT88 to EL 34. Don't worry about the power if you get decent speakers.

At 86db are the Harbeths that easy to drive? Maybe look for a speaker in the 90db+ range.
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