Best integrated for PSB Imagine T2's


I have an NAD C390DD all digital integrated amplifier. I am considering a big improvement in a DAC, as in a PS Audio Perfectwave DAC. This along with my Project Xtension 10 turntable/musical surroundings nova phenomena phono preamp, would give me quality analog signal inputs from all my sources. Considering an upgrade to an integrated that could better process analog to my PSB Imagine T2 speakers with a big improvement in SQ, any thoughts on an endgame amp for around 5 to 6,000?
easola01

Showing 4 responses by ekimg

I have PSB Imagine T2's hooked up to a Line Magnetic 518ia (22 wpc). This amp powers the T2's just fine...I am never past 11 o'clock on the volume control even listening at my "max."  LM has released the 508ia since I bought my 518 and is 45 wpc I believe if you think 22 wpc isn't enough. The 518ia is a beautiful sounding 845 SET amp in my opinion. That said.....I would love a pair of Vandersteen Quatros as recommended by m-db above :). The T2's are very nice but would probably be up for an upgrade if I were wanting to make a significant change. Good luck....let us know what you decide. 
easola01:

I responded earlier discussing my current integrated LM 518ia and T2's. Prior to this, and overlapping for about a year, I had a Primaluna Prologue Premium integrated amp. Primaluna is an excellent integrated. Sonically I preferred the EL34 tube sound but it didn't seem to have quite enough "oomph" for me. Rolling in the TungSol 150s added that oomph with more and tighter bass, but the creamy mids suffered. The LM seems to give me both and I would love to hear the new LM 508 integrated. I sold the Primaluna. 

But the Primaluna is a great amp. I would suggest if you go Primaluna that you should get the Dialogue Premium at a minimum (not the Premium) and if you can swing it the Dialogue HP would make the T2's sing as jbhiller says. 
Edit:  meant to say get the Dialogue level not the "Prologue" which is what I had. Sorry.......
Not sure if your response above was to me or jbhiller.

The Primaluna HP is his favorite. I had the Prologue Premium and while nice I much prefer my current LM 518.... that's why I sold the PL. I don't suggest the PL Prologue Premium with the T2's but sounds like you can swing the Dialogue HP and that is a better choice in the PL line for your speakers. I haven't listened to the HP but I've heard great things about it.  It has a ton of tubes so tube rolling could get expensive?  Maybe jbhiller can respond as to the stock tubes?  The stock tubes in my Prologue were good but I changed them all out over time which improved the overall sound. 

By the way along with my LM 518ia integrated I also have the Line Magnetic 505 CD player. It also has a great DAC inside and has a USB input so I use it for CDs as well as streaming Tidal from my laptop ... at 192KHz. 

I'm very happy with my digital sources but I listen 90% to albums and that is my priority. I agree with Inna too...at some point an upgrade of your phono preamp would be a good idea (IMHO).