2. amps-preamps
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Primaluna or not Primaluna

Hej

I have been hesitated some time now between buying new speakers or a new amplifier and have decided I will buy a new amplifier.

My list of demands:
It will take EL34, KT77, KT88 and 6550. Bonus if it takes KT120.
It will give at least 35 w with EL34 and 45 w with KT88.
It will have easy biasing using a screwdriver and with somekind of build in meter. In worst case autobiase will do.
It will use tube rectification and not solid state rectification (because I have heard solid state rectification takes away the tube sound).
It will not cost more than aprox $4000.

I have had a Line Magnetic LM-34IA once but had to much problems with the quality (bad solderings and bad balance between left and right).
First I thought it sounded quite good, but after have heard a Audion Audio Stirling EL34 SET amplifier I changed my mind. Now the LM-34AI sounded just OK.
I was told that Stirling EL34, with 12 w should be enough for listening at normal volumes with my 89dB speakers. But it was not. So here I am…
(And yes I know; a push-pull amp will never sound as a SET amp).

I have read about several amplifiers but none of them seems to fit my demands.

Here are my notes:
Line Magnetic LM-88IA   -   Just KT88. Bad experience with LM, both quality and sound.
Audio Research I/50   -   Just 6550 tubes. Too much hassle when adjusting bias.
Rogue Cronus Magnum III   -   Very mixed opinions. Solid state rectification.
Raven Blackhawk Mk 3.1   -   Just 6L6 tubes. Have to be imported from the US.
Tsakiridis Aelos Plus   -  Just KT88 tubes.
Fezz Silver Luna Prestige   -   Just EL34 tubes.
Fezz Titania   -   Just KT120 tubes (and maybe KT150 and KT170 too).
Cary SLI-80HS   -   Many bad opinions. Solid state rectification.
Jadis   -   Either too weak or too expencive.
Primaluna   -   ???

What makes me a little ”worried” is that Primaluna has so many build in features which are supposed to make my life as a tube amplifier owner easier.
I mean, doesn’t these fetures affect the sound? ”Less is more”?

 

If you have any thoughts or experience about this, please let me know.

simna

Showing 3 responses by arro222

arro222
142 posts
 

In your shoes i'd get the hardwired Audion Sterling with a pair of Zu Audio Omen book shelves. The entire set up for around $4200.

98db, 35lb speakers that will beautifully coincide with what the Sterling offers.

arro222
142 posts
 

Wait...you still have the Audion?

If that is the case, just get the Zu Audio Omens....$600 or a bit more to ship to Sweden.

If you wanted towers, they have them as well....$1200 U.S.

It will make you sell your present speakers and you will not have to spend anywhere near $4000 or $5500

arro222
142 posts
 

@simna

Well, it’s a cheap enough experiment to try the different Zu’s. Whether you start w the Omens as bookshelves just to see, the sound signature will be the same thru out the line.

You can tell if they would be for you soon enough.

At any rate, it’s still cheaper than what you are considering and who knows, you may hit audio pay dirt with little expenditure.

I always liked the Quick Silvers myself. I even used to carry them at our audio salons

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