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 2 responses by glennewdick

One thing to consider is mac's will hold thier value forever, the Prima luna not so much. The new mac's are quite good and are much more flexable then the prima luna. 

"I've always sworn off of Macintosh stuff because of the cachet (for right or wrong)."

I know what your are saying i felt tthe same untill i bought a C2700 tube preamp and now SS mono blocks. I'm really liking the new mac sound. Also made in NA not China like Prima Luna. 

Prima luna is designed in Europe and built in China not that this is an issue.  i believe the same factory as Willsenton, line magnetic, Cayin.