2. amps-preamps
  3. 133381-106097

Picking a Tube integrated amp

Hey all. Trying to figure out my amp situation and am looking at a few integrated to upgrade to. 

I currently have a McIntosh integrated and want to move to tubes. I have the vivid v1.5speakers and a Clearaudio Concept. Looking at the following:

—Primaluna Dialogue premium or HP.
—Audio Research VSi60
—Octave v40SE

Question...does the AR still hold up? It’s likely it will be a used model, but curious if it’s still competing with the others I listed. Any others to consider?  

Thanks!


 
rubytuesday

Showing 2 responses by jond

jond's avatar
jond
6,042 posts
 
I've never heard any of the amps you mention but I just read this review today that's germane:

http://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/analog-reviews/amplifier-reviews/primaluna-dialogue-premium/

I'm a fan of Christian Punter and Hifi Advice he seems to be a pretty straight shooter and really comprehensively tests gear in different combinations. In the above review he even tests the Primaluna with a pair of the larger Vivid speakers. Good luck!
jond's avatar
jond
6,042 posts
 
@crwindy I've heard the Synthesis integrated with the built in DAC twice its a fantastic sounding integrated and a very good value for what you get. My local dealer Deja Vu Audio imports Synthesis I heard it in one of their rooms driving a pair of Audio Note AN-K's. The sound was so good it convinced me to get AN speakers, I have an amp I love already. I also heard it in November at Capitol Audio Fest driving the brand new Harbeth 30.2, the sound was so good I stayed for the entire second side of Dark Side of the Moon.
More to discover