Kevin,
Any chance you might be able to record the event for your youtube
channel? I certainly would be
Any chance you might be able to record the event for your youtube
channel? I certainly would be
Considering switching from Audio Research to PrimaLuna, troube with VS115 amp
Hello everyone, I have question that I hope some of you either can answer or have an opinion on. Ever since I was 17, I have always wanted to own Audio Research equipment. I’m 56 now, and finally was able to fulfill my life long dream. My first acquisition was an ARC LS15 pre-amp bought here used in mint condition. I paired it with a Vincent 331MK hybrid amp also bought here used in mint condition. The resulting sound was impressive. After that, I started looking for an ARC amp I could afford. The resulting search found me an ARC VS115 amp also here in used, awesome condition. This is where my problems and my doubts started. Upon hooking up the amp to my system, a tube in the left channel arced and blew a resistor. I had to take the amp to an ARC dealer and he installed a new resistor and suggested I buy all new tubes from ARC for the amp. I did and when I got back home, I again hooked up the amp and immediately upon turning the amp on, I started to hear thumping sounds coming from my left speaker, then, two left channel output tubes started to glow a very bright orange, and then white smoke started to rise from one of the tube sockets. I immediately turned the amp off. I called the dealer and he suggested I mail the unit back to ARC. I did and I am now waiting to see what they say.
During this time, I started to search out other brands and came across one called PrimaLuna. I have watched their videos and seen them compared to ARC equipment. Their build quality seems to be superior to ARC and the reviews are over the top. I am looking at their Dialogue Premium HP amp and their Dialogue Premium pre-amp. For what they cost, considering how they are built and supposedly sound compared to units costing 3 to 4 times their price, they almost seem too good to be true. Anyway, my bubble has been burst, and in simple terms, I am considering jumping ship and going with another company instead of ARC, despite all those years of drooling and waiting.
My main question is this, is there anyone out there that either owns PrimaLuna or has had experience with the equipment and can give me their opinion on owning and using it. Then, my second question is how does PrimaLuna really compare to other high end equipment such as ARC. Kevin Deal in his videos on PrimaLuna makes a very compelling case for the equipment. In one video, he compares an ARC LS17SE to the PrimaLuna pre-amp.
My last question is in regards to my ARC VS115 amp problems. Anyone have an opinion on what is going on with my amp or a VS115 in general. For those of you who want to know what else is in my system, I am using KEF 104ab speakers, a Cambridge Azur 752BD Blu-ray player as my CD player, Morrow Audio Cables and I am considering getting the Sony HAP-Z1ES music player for my digital files.
I greatly appreciate all who take the time to comment and give their opinions. I will be glad to answer any questions you may ask or provide additional. Thanks for your help. Steve.
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- 242 posts total
"It's official. We will do an precise level-matched A/B comparison of the ARC VSI75 and the DiaLogue Premium integrated amps. I think thats a great choice for a shootout Kevin, count me in. Since I have the HP and have admired the VSI75 since it was introduced, I'm curious to hear the differences especially since I was considering a used piece without ever auditioning one. Should be interesting and surprising? |
I actually do like almost all ARC amps I have listened to, but have always found the pricy. That being said, when buying a new pre I went Mac 2500, itself not cheap, but tubed. I also have a PL Dialogue 5, in which I have had the pleasure of doing an awful lot, probably 8-10 different sets, of tube rolling.Great Play!! Rolling included but types and brands, mostly NOS and mostly NIB total cost far exceeding the amp price. I also have an Audispace, that was mentioned above as high quality ChiFi and I love it and concur with that assessment. However the PL has amazing breadth of sound variation, tube dependent, and all clear crisp and musical. I also like this amp a lot. I have the Mac also connected to solid state monoblock, and I can switch between amps via integrated switch, so easy to compare. With most tube combos the PL has an added sweetness than just the tubes in the MAC alone provides. However the MAC with solid state amp may be crisper, so I can easily understand people having a preference for either combo....tube pre solid state amp and tube pre tube amp. I like tubes and PL is a winner with the best tubes you can get, a a solid Pre. Just my 2 cents. |
upscaleaudio It's official. We will do an precise level-matched A/B comparison of the ARC VSI75 and the DiaLogue Premium integrated amps.This is interesting! Can you please tell us more about how the test will be conducted? Will it be double-blind? |
- 242 posts total