PrimaLuna EVO 400 v Cary SLI-100
I've never owned anything other than solid state but I am increasingly intrigued with tubes. Thinking of "investing" $5K or so in an all-tube integrated to (at least initially) drive my Klipsch Heresys. Any thoughts on these two choices? Is there another choice in this range?
Fantastic, thank you for the views and suggestions, super helpful. What I see so far as worth checking out, and I will seek them out at AXPONA in April (Chicago): PrimaLuna EVO 300/400, or consider the previous gen, Dialogue More suggestions, and cautions, welcome! |
First off, I have to say how much I appreciate all the comments, opinions, and suggestions on this string. They’ve been really helpful and informative on a topic I am brand new to. Thank you, each of you! To @decooney’s question, my current setup is Roon-directed; Eversolo A6 (or Bluesound Node Nano); Dual CS 529 TT; McIntosh C53 Pre; McIntosh MC312 Amp; B&W 702 S3; REL T/7x pair; with good-not-great interconnects. My Heresys are secondary speakers right now. I am undecided on if I place a tube integrated in the same room, or perhaps set it up with my Klipsch in my master bedroom (which is large enough for a sitting area). I do plan on keeping my SS system in place, not getting rid of anything - I really like it. Based on the great comments thus far, I am starting to draw the following conclusions: - Whatever I get, it’s likely not going to be a stopping place - the tube world is too wonderfully diverse to think I will have heard all worth hearing. - As a novice, the PrimaLuna design has the appeal of being less high maintenance, more worry-free - No need for power above 40-45 watts or so, and tube replacement costs for lower powered rigs is appealing - A PrimaLuna downside (perhaps) is that the sound signature may be the least contrast to the reasonably warm SS sound I have today versus other tube offerings - There are some really beautiful tube amps out there! |
Wow. My first impression is that I didn’t realize my Heresys could sound so good at this age, without any capacitor or crossover updates. Playing some Gladys Knight, and Temptations the distinct, but subtle, "golden glow" emerges. My wife even commented. Comparing several tracks side by side with my SS setup (see earlier comment), my wife and grown sons preferred the tubes! To be fair, things might be different with more dynamic classic rock and modern music. But the $800 streamer/dac into $3100 (used) EVO 300, out to $1200 (used) Heresys more than holds its own against an almost $20K SS setup. I look forward to getting to know my new tubes better! https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11958#&gid=1&pid=1
|
