Audio Aero Prima integrated Mk1. Just bought it

Congratulations, Oliver.

The MK I takes a single 6922 tube. I've experimented with several, and here are my impressions, FWIW:
1) Siemens--Smooth, detailed, tight and accurate bass. I tried a Siemens CCa (pricey little things), and in this application I would not spend the extra money. For around $55, we bought the tube that has remained in the amp for around six months thus far.
2) Amperex USA PQ--A little more bloomy in the bass, not quite as detailed. Seemed like it would be better in a bigger room, I don't know.
3) Mullard--Smooth, laid back, probably my favorite tube for jazz/classical/vocals.
You can easily remove the case screws with a number 2 allen key. Gently remove the tube, and replace it with an NOS of your choice. The difference will be quite noticeable. The tube should last around 10,000 hours, according to the manufacturer.
The amp also benefits from an upgraded power cord. I'm using a Van Den Hul Mainstream Hybrid, but there are numerous cords out there. In the case of this amp, our $125 VDH sounded just as good as an $800 cord we tried, which actually ended up on our all tube SET amp.
Finally, the amp needs about 30 minutes to warm up. Until then, it will sound a bit thin, especially in the bass response.
The MKI has a pre/sub out, so it's pretty versatile.
Enjoy, and please post your impressions afterwards. Or write me directly if you just can't stand the thing! I doubt that will be the case.
All the best,
Howard

Oliver,

I bought mine used, so I'm guessing that it was already broken in. If you are listening often enough, I'd just leave it on all the time. Great tube, and great power cord.

The most fun I've had in this hobby is being surprised. If your CD player allows for it, try running the Prima as an amp only (pre-out), and then as an integrated. We just discovered a big difference in the sound, and one way worked well when the system was in one room, and the opposite in another. Go figure.
Enjoy!

Howard

Joseph,
We bought my AA Prima hybrid after hearing it with a pair of Triangle speakers. Although I find that the Triangles can be somewhat bright, if you end up with a Prima Hybrid MKI, you will likely want to experiment with different 6922 tubes, as they will help 'tune' the sound to the balance that you desire. The MKII version of this amp has a hardwired miniature 6021W tube. It also has remote control, and is 50W (as opposed to the 40W of the MKI), but it does not have a preamp out like the MKI. In other words, you can use the MKI as a preamplifier with any type of amp/monoblocks that you like.

Your four binding posts mean that you can bi-wire your speakers. That is, you can buy a pair of speaker cables that has two terminations on the amp end, and four on the speaker side. Your binding posts should presently have a metal plate of some type between them, and if you run single wire speaker cable you will want to connect the cables to the binding posts on the bottom. You can also try using jumpers, which are short cables that replace those metal plates for better conductivity. Many options are available, and one will sound best to you. If I'm not mistaken, those speakers take some time to break in. If they are not yet broken in yet, you might want to let them do so before tweaking your cables, etc. too much. Copper cables tend to give you a warmer sound. While my preference is for silver, I think you might find silver to be too bright with the Triangles. If so, make sure your room is treated before making conclusions.

Finally, Globe Audio Marketing is the NA rep for Audio Aero, and they are a pleasure to work with. They have an authorized service center here in the US (Austin, TX), but I understand that they may be looking for a new US service center.

Is that enough info for you?
All the best to you in your search,
Howard

In my other amp, the Tesla had a slightly thinner, more analytical sound than the Siemens. Have not tried it in the Prima Hybrid, however. Try different tubes. The amp takes only one 6922 tube, so you don't have to buy them in pairs. You'll find one that suits you.

Josep,
Get yourself a number 2 allen key and take the 7 screws out of the case. Remove the cover by sliding it back a little. Carefully remove the tube so that it does not rock the circuit board to which the socket is attached. Then change that Tesla tube. You will notice a welcome improvement with either of your replacement tubes. Try them both to see which you prefer. Also, that amp doesn't really warm up for about 25 minutes, which you may have already noticed. Enjoy!