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Cary, Cayin or Primaluna EL34 for Merlin VSM-MME

I'm looking for an amp or my Merlin VSM-MME speakers. I know it's been asked many times before, and I've read most of the threads out there. The consensus seems to be that an EL34 based tube integrated is the best choice. Unfortunately the Ars-Sonum is out of my price range. I’ve got three amps that seem very similar on my radar and I’m looking for any opinions, comparisons, or/and criticisms.

1) Cary SLI50
2) Primaluna Prologue One
3) Cayin A50T

All are around $1000 used and have enough power.
mailman199

Showing 1 response by maxmad

maxmad
182 posts
 
Bit out of topic, but...

I own PrimaLuna Prologue Two and that's a very good amp, especially when you tune the sound with valves to your liking, which are endless to choose from. I would go for Two instead of One, cos, jumping from EL34 to KT88 is not the same as from KT88 to EL34, however I will know this for sure when my EL34 arrives.
At the moment I wait for some NOS EL34 Telsa's, not JJ, but the real one from 1970-80's, and I expect some nice changes from already brilliant NOS GEC KT88.
I run it with Sonus Faber monitors, great match, but my surround Canton CD100 speakers become a huge surprise as well, just don't believe they sound that good.
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