2. amps-preamps
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PrimaLuna amp good match for Thiel CS 2.3?

Thinking about pairing PrimaLuna with Thiel CS 2.3s, with these speakers assume I’d benefit greatly from amps on the high end of PL’s wpc range, and looking to purchase on the used market in the $2000-3000 range, so considering ProLogue 7s up to DiaLogue Premium HP.  Any watch-outs or recommendations?  Rogue or CJ also possibilities.....
thosb

Showing 7 responses by thosb

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thosb OP
204 posts
 
Thanks good technical watch out for me!
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
Yes indeed, have done some reading and you are right Al, it looks like other tube amps would be a better match, particularly Rogue or CJ.  To me it looks like the Rogue Stereo 100 would be a great match, one positive review was done using CS 2.4s, so that makes me optimistic, although I have yet to find the output impedance for this particular amp. 
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
Found a set of CS 2.3s in the Audio Solutions store in Indy, they were nice enough to hook them up to a PrimaLuna Dailogue Premium HP Integrated and the sound was great, very much what I am looking for.  Based on this listen, I think the Dialogue Premium HP amp would be a good match, but still not sure about how well other products in the PrimaLuna line-up would work.  Surprisingly, a Rogue Atlas Magnum II was not in the same ballpark.  Next step is to call Kevin at Upscale....
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 

Here's what I am using right now -

https://www.stereophile.com/content/krell-kav-400xi-integrated-amplifier-measurements

I am not using the preamp, to my ear, using the HTR bypass and the volume control on my DAC sounds better.  Like I mentioned, I love the sound of tubes and am trying to figure out the best way to integrate them into my system at a reasonable price point ($2-3000, used is fine).  Ultimately, the goal is to reduce harshness in the highs and give more body to the mids.  If there's a ss amp out there that would help achieve this I am all ears.  Suggestions?

thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 

In terms of an amp, assume this would perform much better with the Thiels?

https://www.stereophile.com/content/class233-ca-200-stereo-power-amplifier-measurements


thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
Assume the CAV-150 would be even better, as it is 6 x 150 with bridging ability? 
thosb's avatar
thosb OP
204 posts
 
JohnnyR - i believe you are correct re the 4 vs 8 ohm tap on the Rogue.  Shame on me for not asking, I went into the shop 45 min before closing on a Saturday, no excuse for the sales guy but I get it.  Guess I need to go back for another listen, or not, as advice and research has me leaning back toward solid state.  Sticking with the Thiels for now, trying to get them to sound their best before I think about moving on to other speakers.  Thanks for the advice!
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