Looking to move to a Tube Integrated setup


I'm moving from solid state class D to a Tube Integrated amplifier and have narrowed it down to (2). The Ayon Scorpio II w/KT150's and the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP w/KT120's. Does anyone have any experience with either or both of these they can share. Recommendations? Others I should consider in the $3K to $6K range? My speakers are relatively efficient at 98dB.

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There is MUCH more variability in the sound of tube gear than there is between high end solid state gear.  For my particular taste, there are many high-powered tube amps that I don't like--many sound hard and brittle and less "pleasant" than most solid state amps.  But, this variability means that, with a diligent search, one can find a suitable amp; it just takes a bit of effort.  I tend to like lower powered tube amps, but the concern being voiced here is with how difficult a load the Moab might be despite being relatively efficient.  I've only heard the Moab being driven by solid state amps, so I don't know how significant are the concerns raised above (I liked the speaker, by the way).

Still, it is probably worth your while to look at some low to medium powered tube amps.  I agree with the poster above who suggested the Audio Note Oto.  I really like the sound of that amp and it seems to work well with a wide variety of speakers.  The only big downside for my purposes is the lack of remote control of volume.  Audio Note also makes another very good sounding integrated in the Soro (6L6 tubes).

My favorite brand of integrated amps are models from Synthesis Audio (Italian).  In particular, I like their 40 watt A40 amp (pushpull KT 66 tubes) which includes a very good built in DAC and has remote control.  The bigger, and more expensive A100 (a quad of KT 66 per channel) is also very good and perhaps more suited for a demanding load.

I have a PL Dialogue Premium with new KT-120’s and a set of EL34. I prefer the warmer EL 34 sound.  It has been a great amp.  I’m considering selling due to developing tinnitus.  if you’re interested, let me know and we can discuss.

I ran a SLI-80 as well.  Nice unit, built very well, great customer support, very customizable with different tube types/ brands, Triode/ Ultralinear switch, manual biasing and a remote.

The Rogue uses circuit boards where as the Cary is point-to-point wiring, if that matters.  Both are well-made units with great customer support and are American made.

I ended up selling the SLI-80 since it was just overkill for my home office.  I just run a little Decware Taboo (6wpc) and it does just about everything I need it to.

You can also look at the Conrad Johnson CAV45 S2 or a used McIntosh MA2275 for other options.

The best part about tube amps is the ability to customize the sound with different tube combinations.  Have fun!

I had a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP with KT150 and choice NOS 12AU7 and it is one unit I'm sorry I let go.

Now using LTA Z40+ and there is no comparison IMO.

Guttenberg called it the best integrated he ever reviewed and uses it as his reference. I would highly recommend if you can find a used unit in your price range.