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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


samster777

Showing 1 response by ms012873

ms012873
2 posts
 
I have used switchable SE/PP tube mono block amps for over 20 years.  I followed your link to the PrimaLuna site and note that they self bias.  That will reduce a lot of maintenance/time and hassle for you.  I did not see that they could be controlled by a trigger; if you want one button
"easy on" for all of your equipment via a single remote control (which I believe the Mac would offer), that is something you may want to consider.  Also, as a tube amp owner, I will mention that I completely turn off my amps--hard power off--after listening.  They do not have a "standby," as it would dramatically shorten tube life.  I did not observe a standby on the PrimaLuna (maybe it's there and I missed it).  That means that powering on a tube amp system requires repeatative bending to reach power switches and it means waiting at least 30 minutes for the amps to reach operating temperature and settle down.  If the system is going to be running all day, that once daily ritual and warm-up may be inconsequential, but you have asked, so I have shared what only a tube amp owner could know.
btw, I have the same DAC with the Bridge II.  I have A/B compared the volume control in the PS Audio DAC to two excellent pre-amps.  The volume control is a good one, but not the same as a high quality pre.
hope this helps...good luck....
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