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Amplification question - PrimaLuna Tubes vs. McIntosh Solid State

Hello all,

First post here, was looking for a little help on my new system set-up.

My sources for music will be fully digital using Roon to manage those assets. I have a PS Audio DirectStream DAC with Bridge II network card which will also be acting as the preamp. Speakers are Monitor Audio Platinum PL100 studio monitors with a REL Storm subwoofer.

I have never owned a tube system. My previous system was also a fully digital source music set-up (CDs) with Martin-Logan reQuest speakers, REL subwoofer, and Classe CA-300 amp. I have had to downsize those components due to physical space restrictions.

I honed down my purchase choices to either a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP tube amplifier, or a McIntosh MC152 solid state amplifier. These are the only two models I am willing to consider at this time to keep things focused on this discussion thread. Links are:

http://www.primaluna-usa.com/dialogue-premium-hp-power-amplifier

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=amplifiers&ProductId=MC1...

This system will be going into my office, and will be run pretty much 8 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. As far as the type of material I listen to, it is a very eclectic mix of rock, classical, jazz, pop, etc. Very often I get to crank the system up to seriously fun levels when I am doing graphic design, Photoshop, and other creative tasks.

I would love some feedback from the community here on which choice, tube or amp, they would put into this system. Also, what kind of service life and realistic maintenance would be required with the PrimaLuna tubes being my first tube component if I go in that direction.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Cheers,

Sam


128x128samster777

Showing 1 response by mcrabbitman

mcrabbitman
1 posts
 
Hello beyondarkness,  I experienced the same noises as you when I received my PrimaLuna Prologue Premium Integrated amplifier.  I ended up running an extension cord (from an isolated circuit) to the PL unit and the noise disappeared.  I re-connected the PL to the mains in my HT room and the noise resurfaced. After further investigation I was able to determine the noise would only show up when I powered on my HTPC (with an SSD.)  I ended up installing a ground drop on the HTPC power connector and the issue was solved. Beautiful silence from the PL!

It seems that something was feeding back from the ground of the HTPC to the PL and manifesting as the annoying high pitched noise you describe. Dropping the ground from my HTPC took care of the problem.
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