Macintosh MA352 vs PrimaLuna 300 EVO Hybrid


I know the 352 has been discussed previously.  I was about to pull the trigger on the PrimaLuna when the MAC came to my attention.  I think there's not much price differential here.  Obviously what I'm looking for is a tube front end driving solid state amplification.  I've always sworn off of Macintosh stuff because of the cachet (for right or wrong).  Both will drive my KEP R7 Metas with the Mac more than I require.  However, all I care about here is that it also has a couple balanced inputs and, of all things, a balance control.  I have a small hearing loss in one ear.  All these things become less significant in regard to the sound.  PrimaLuna is a tube outfit, and the front end is likely most important here. I don't care about the phono as I'm fixed there. As far as service, I've got a PrimaLuna dealer right next to me and I figure the Mac dealers are all over.  Reliability does matter, however, as dragging these weighty items about is not an attractive option.  Any ideas would be appreciated. 

howardlee

Showing 1 response by bassdude

It depends on how much you like to "fiddle" with your stuff and how much flexibility you want to drive various speakers.  

If you're a "tube guy" then get the tube amp.  You don't mind (even like) fiddling with your stuff.  

But - if you just want a bit of tube sound and don't want the hassle of messing with tubes, and want the flexibility to drive less efficient speakers (say you want to try Harbeths - which are great) - then you will want the MA352!  Which would be my choice...