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PrimaLuna Prologue 5 and tube upgrades

Coming from the pro audio world and sitting most of my career in front of extremely flat loudspeakers in acoustically treated rooms, I'm a bit concerned that my brand new Prima Luna Prologue 5 tube amp is quite rolled off from 10k on upward.
I'm sure most would call this "warm" and the typical tube sound, but I would just call this in need of a pink noise generator and a eq adjustment. I am in love with the 3D dimensionality and the incredible soundstage from this amp, but am left craving the pings of cymbals and the air of vocals on playback.
So far, I've only just replaced the 12ax7's with some 70's phillips that I had around. It helped just a small bit with the extention of the highs. Should I chase this down with some great Telefunkens etc? or go back to a solid state amp? Yes, I'm calling Kevin from Upscale later today!
jmacinnis
davide256's avatar
davide256
399 posts
 
"left craving the pings of cymbals and the air of vocals on playback"

what you are describing is sluggish, compressed high frequency transients...try some NOS Ei or NOS Telefunken 12AX7s. I have a pair of worn out JAN Phillips 12AX7WA's that sound exactly as you described and the highs do seem to be where I first hear pre tubes aging.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
FWIW I agree with David re EI 12AX7A's. These tube have a bit more gain than others, excellent clarity and extended highs. If you buy NOS make sure they are tested, and buy an extra in case you have a failure.

I don't know what small tubes Primaluna is currently using. Last I knew it was EH's - not the best IMHO. But if this amp is new do give it a couple of hundred hours to break in before you start switching everything around.
jmacinnis OP
16 posts
 
Thanks gents.

Wescoman...your advice to speak with Andy at Vintage Tube Services was priceless and Brad, He pointed me to the Bugleboys like you have in your PL5. Also, very curious about your "supertweeters"?
Their website was truly interesting.
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
Replacing 12AX7s with "preferred" 7025s from the tubestore added some sparkle to my amp at an amazingly low cost. Same with some JAN Philps 12AT7s. I like it when a company recommends LESS expensive options that may lack the collector buzz (and prices) but still sound great.
jmacinnis OP
16 posts
 
I ended up with Bugle Boy's NOS from mid 1960's from Vintage Tube services. It really did add a bit of 12k upwards back to my setup. Also, the imaging and soundstage seems a bit more interesting and enveloping now too.
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