2. amps-preamps
  3. 128469-10803

I've decided to try Tubes

I have been going back and forth a while. I was thinking of the Yamaha AS2100 to replace my B&K amp (ZU audio Omen Def speakers). For some reason I now have a tube bug. I first thought about DECWARE and now thinking of Primaluna after reading great reviews. If tubes are not for me, both should be easy to resell. I have an opportunity on a Primaluna Prolouge 5 stereo power amp. It has autobias (which is a must for me) and is easy to roll tubes. It comes with KT88's which seem to have better lower end than el34's (from what I read). 35 watts per ch is more than enough to drive my Omen Defs loud if needed (101 db). 

Thought's on the PrimaLuna and ZU combo (Peachtree NOVA-PRE)? I listen to Classic Jazz, Classical and Classic - Prog Rock mostly. 


aberyclark
59 responses Add your response
mani-2
42 posts
 
With those speakers you should be looking at SET amps. If you want a little more bass, as your post suggests, go with an 845. Here's a beauty, given top marks by TAS:
http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649217914-mint-line-magnetic-518ia-set-tube-amp-845-one-owner-gol...
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,661 posts
 
+3 Quicksilver
It’s too bad that Mike discontinued the Mini-Mite. They were a real bargain!
http://www.quicksilveraudio.com/products/index.html
seikosha
218 posts
 
Another recommendation for Quicksilver.  Point to point wiring, no circuit boards, big transformers.
Post removed 
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
I paired Zu Unions with Atma-Sphere amp and pre and can say they are a winning combination. A used M-60 or  S-30 would be more than enough power and still be in your price range.
Bob
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
integrated or pre-amp

pre-amp uses little power; the tubes last a long time and will give a tubey "musicality" (or a big phat sound, depending) even with a good SS amp

I have 2 tubed pre-amps and a SS amp
Post removed 
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
I've heard the Zu pair nicely w/Yamamoto amp. You need little power, maybe a SET amp would be the way to go. Most seek KT88s when driving tougher speakers. They aren't as refined as 845s, 211s, EL84s, let alone the tiny <10w Fi type amps. 
No reason to drop the motor from a school bus into a Prius. Cheers,
Spencer
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,981 posts
 
I think that you'd find more color and interest if you went with a tube integrated, especially with those speakers. There are so many good ones for reasonable prices from companies like Cayin. You'll also get more dimensionality.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Luxman MQ88uC
80x80
Ayon Audio Epsilon EVO Mono Amps Pure Class A
BEST OF SHOW 8 YEARS
80x80
Rega Aria MK3