One thing I noticed is there is a big difference in sound when talking about Mcintosh amps. Their solid state amps sound much different from the tubes amps. when I took the MC402 for a weekend and then the MC 275 there was no competition. The MC275 stomped all over it and sounded totally different. That is my personal opinion. if you want a big sound, big headroom, MC402. The MC275 is a music lovers amp. MC 402 for home theater all day long. MC275 for listening to a stereo and some records.
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