Thanks for the responses guys
Tpsonic, do you prefer the Kt-88 for their midrange? Also, how do you find the 7's ability to handle marginally efficient speakers. I have my eye on some old Alons which usually require a good amount of power.
Sogood51, has the heat from the 120's been a problem? do you use a fan or any other cooling method. |
TPreaves, I know about the power difference, but the difference in sound quality, if any, is what interests me.
Viridian, I will take a look at Quicksilver. Is there a particular model that you like?
Thanks for the info, Sogood, I will keep that in mind. But if there is no real performance issues, I will keep the m120's on my short list. |
Yes I have heard the rogue sound numerous times and I like it. The bass is in line with my musical taste (jazz, fusion) and neither the M150 or the stereo 90 ever sounded bright to me. Granted, I've not heard the Primaluna gear which is why I started this thread to begin with.
Sogood, you make a great point about speaker matching. In the running are Focal 1027be or 1007be, (both of which sounded great with the Rogue gear) Sonus Faber Cremonas and the old Alon V. I understand that Alons like tubes so thats why I began my query about tube gear, but have since heard the Cremonas and the focal stuff, both very impressive. Decisions, decisions. |
Thanks Marty, based on yours and a lot of other responses, I will have to give the PL 7's strong consideration, even without hearing them. I think it will come down to what I can get used on Agon, while springing for a new PL pre-amp. But we will see where my head and pockets are at after Christmas! :) |
good Stuff here, guys. for the most part, the more I read, the more I like the Primaluna gear. Just wish I could hear it for myself before I take the plunge. However, I do have a mild concern that some of you feel that the pre and powers work well together, but no so much on their own. Was either component used with other tube gear, or solid state? |
Thanks, Tpsonic. Lamm Industries? Do you think the PL3 was out of its league? |
Newbee, Thanks. I will look for some of those reviews. Orpheus, are you using the Pl3 pre-amp with the 6's? |
Oh yeah, tried and true. I am very familiar with the 3A. Auditioned it a couple of times way back when. Great Choice! |
Stoutblock, Sorry for not responding sooner, but I haven't logged on in quite some time. I have yet to make a purchase, but I am still in between
rogue and Primaluna, and I am also still deciding whether to go all tube or tube pre/solid state power combo. Either way, the pre will be either Rogue or Primaluna. |
Reynolds: Thats good info. What speakers are your Rogues pushing? |
Reynolds, I am in the process of making a deal for some Nola Viper IIa's. I'm definitely going with a tube pre-amp, but I am still undecided on the amp. I'm thinking monoblocks, but I'm going back and forth between solid state and tubes. If I go tubes, it will more than likely be Rogue. Another thougth with Rogue is to go with the Cronus pre-amp, as I have heard that this integrated delivers the goods, Wires and interconnects are all Signal Cable. My sources will be a turntable and a cd player, and I am looking for quality used pieces for both. |
Chrissain, that's good to know. but my budget will largely determine whether I go for a good used pair of M-150's or go with the Rogue Cronus. |
I like McCormack and McIntosh, but I have a Musical Fidelity A3cr that is currently feeding the two front channels of my home theater. I may switch the MF out to see how it does with the Nolas. I've also considered trying out Emotiva monoblocks to see what they can do with the Nolas. |
Well, I made the deal and the Nola's are now in my possession. I don't have them hooked up yet; I only tested them to make sure they work. Now my amp search goes into a higher gear, and the more I read is the more I know I want a tube preamp, such as the Rogue Perseus, for example. However, I have read a ton of material where people are happy with the tube preamp/solid state power amp combo, so there is more for me to consider. I'd like to take my time and make the best decision for my system, but the Rogue monoblocks (M150 or M120) are still high on the list.
Audioman, thanks for you thoughts on the Stereo 90. I have considered that piece as well, but admittedly not with the same level of interest or enthusiasm as with the monoblocks. |
Interesting thoughts, Viridian. Personally, I'm not as familiar with Quicksilver as I am with the other two companies. And while this is not directed at you, I learned about Rogue through a dealer recommendation and audition. Primaluna, I admittedly learned about through advertising and reviews here on the 'Gon. That said, I'm open to suggestions of quality and affordable gear. |
Thanks for your responses. While I'm not ignoring the issues brought up about where products are being built, my bigger concern is great sound and quality build, and that's the end of my thoughts on that topic.
Back to the original topic. Saki, the problem is I'm not necessarily looking for a particular sound. The reason for this is quite simple, the sound of the music I listen to varies greatly. For example, while listening to Fusion, the sound has to have impact; attack and immediacy with timing and pace, and full and impactful, but accurate bass. On the other hand, I like my vocals and highs to have a lot of air, sweetness and expression. I like to feel the soul and emotion of a singer through their voice. I want to be able to feel that. Bottom line, my gear has to be able to portray what's on the recording. I understand this is very difficult to acheive as various gear is voiced quite differently to achieve a particular sound. But that's why I got the Nolas, I like their airy presentation.
I just need a pre/power combo that will give me the slam I need when its called for, as well as the delicacy that I need when a recording calls for it.
Is this too much to ask? Maybe, but isn't this hobby about trying to attain that sound YOU seek? That's the fun part, I believe. |
Mordante, integrateds are not out of the question. If I can get a a quality integrated with the power to suit my speakers, I would have no problem with that. My only concern with tube integrateds is that I really don't know how much tube power would be enough to properly drive the Nolas, and many of them in my price range seem to have a rating of 60 watts or less. So I can use some feedback in that area if you have some suggestions. However, I have read some positive reviews on the Cronus, Primaluna integrated, Vincent, Primare and Musical Fidelity, but I'm still researching.
Regarding tubes, one of the primary reasons that I am considering them is just about everything I read about Nola/Alon speakers, from owners and reviewers alike, the overwhelming sentiment has been that these speakers prefer or sound best, or have been voiced with tube amplication. I've read that the owner of Nola personally uses the ASL Hurricane. So that is my reason for looking into tubes, and I believe that going with separates, a tube preamp and ss poweramp, may give me the best of both worlds.
Saki, I hope the above addressed some of your questions. Regarding budget, it really depends what I can get on the used market. If I can get a quality power amp for a $1,000 or less, I would strongly consider buying a new Rogue Perseus or some other tube pre with a phono stage. That said, a pair of Rogue M150's at the right price would find a new home in my system, and I would just have to wait and save for the preamp at that point. |
