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Primaluna Evo 400 Preamp pairing with McIntosh MC1502

Greetings of the day.This is my first post in this forum. I am faced with a peculiar problem of preamp / amp pairing. 
Without going into the history of how this happened ( that's a long story ) I have a brand new Primaluna Evo400 pre amp and a brand new Mc1502 power amp on its way to me. These were procured on order specifically and returns and exchanges are not an option. 

My question is , has anyone worked with this combination or heard this before. While individually they are both stellar performers , I am concerned about possible synergy deficiencies. If this forum can offer feedback or advise ways to counter any possible synergy issues by way of sources , cables , speakers.  I would be grateful.

Currently I run a Musical Fidelity M6 500i with Elac FS249 speakers ,my source is exclusively HDD digital music and streaming from Tidal , Spotify , Apple and other similar services through a Cambridge Audio CXN v2. My music preferences are , Jazz , slow blues , Saxophone and lounge / house music. Classic rock on occasion. 

Thank you in advance and I look forward to all your inputs. 
bharat

Showing 12 responses by bharat

bharat OP
13 posts
 

Update January to the MC1502 and Primaluna Evo 400 combo.

Happy new year everyone. After much delays , travels , covid related Isolation and quarantine , I finally got the set up done.  IT IS SUBLIME. The music is just better. The Mids are delightful and ( for want of  better words ) full and Juicy. The bass is as I like it and the highs are non fatiguing.  Just when I thought that the sound  couldnt get better , another track makes me stop and take notice again and enjoy the sound and music.

Any case , after 2 months of reveling in the music , I couldnt help but wondering "whats next". What can I do to upgrade the other components in my Audio Chain. My Source is Cambridge Audio CXN V2 with Tidal and Spotify . and my speakers are Elac FS249s Floor standers.

My question is to the forum  is this... At this juncture,  would adding a DAC such as the Denafrips Venus or terminator or similar be better. in any way ? Of course   while keeping the CXN v2 streamer.   Alternately  Would upgrading to a  streamer / DAC be a good option. Such as a Lumin T2 or an Auralic  etc make more sense? Im quite happy with my speakers and the way they all sound together so I will make speaker and cable updates later.

Your advise on this and any additional inputs would be most welcome and very much appreciated. Of course If Im chasing my tail , please let me know as well.

bharat OP
13 posts
 

@samzx12  Thanks Samzx. I have heard good things about the T2. Would the Dac segment in the T2 be comparable to some of the dedicated DACs?  I Was thinking about Bricasti or the Some of the DCS models. ( NOT the Bartok. Thats way out) Rockna , Hydravox and others that are considered "detailed". It may work very well with a tube set up. I could be wrong of course. As for real estate , the rack I have has 2 empty slots which can accomdate the separates.

bharat OP
13 posts
 

Thanks Samzx12 , The problem with my region is that many of the Hi fi brands are not available , at least for testing and trials. 

Fortunately I’m in the US 6-8 times a year and can get issues easily addressed .I’d prefer to stick to brands made in the US or have a strong US rep . Ill even pick up the DAC there. 

Ill see what I can try here especially the T2 and get some listening time in with different DACs in the US with a tube set up. This could take some time , but no hurry. I reached out to Mike at Audioarchon who I understand is a member here and deals with high quality DACs. Awaiting his reply. 

bharat OP
13 posts
 

@samzx12 Sorry my budget is up to 7500 USD. 

bharat OP
13 posts
 
@tablejockey , I was hoping that someone would have experience with a similar combination. The DAC and speakers and lastly the cables  are going to be upgraded anyway and thought that forum members may have an idea if these may offset any challenges that could potentially arise. 
But I see your point. Let them all come together and Ill reach out again. Though Im sure that someone would have a similar set up. 

bharat OP
13 posts
 
@stereo5 , 

Hi Stereo , The Primaluna was a planned purchase. The 1502 was a gift from the family.
Sonically , I really liked the sound of both, I chose the PL purely because of potential domestic  logistics . The Mcintosh weighs in excess of 100 pounds. The PL weighs just over 50. 
bharat OP
13 posts
 
@samzx12 , Thanks for the info. Im glad. That they are a good fit. 
bharat OP
13 posts
 
@benvenuto . Thanks much for for your inputs . I will certainly add my notes  as soon as I get them set up. The Pre is already here. The 1502 probably a couple of  weeks. Will set them up and post my notes here. It may help others who may be  considering pairing these units from competing brands. 
bharat OP
13 posts
 
@stereo5  Hello Stereo5 . My preamp however is the Primaluna, would that apply here as well. Thanks for your response. 
bharat OP
13 posts
 
@jwillox Hello Jwillox , thanks for the feedback I will look out for the attenuator should I need it. My speakers are currently Elac FS249 a German Floor stander. Ribbon tweeters, That is probably getting upgraded anyway.
bharat OP
13 posts
 
@kennyc Thanks KennyC. I will leave the system on for an hour at least before operating them. 
bharat OP
13 posts
 
@samzx12
Thanks samzx12 , I will keep that in mind. Depending on the how the system sounds with the speakers that I have ( they are on the brighter side.) I will change tubes to get a more balanced sound .  I will reach out once this is up and running. Thank you.
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