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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 mazian

mazian's avatar
mazian
361 posts
 

I have an EAR 534 which meets all of your criteria and then some and it is way superior to the made in China Primaluna. A used one should be in your price range, if you can find one. I'm selling mine reluctantly, as I need one I can lift at my advanced age, but I'm in Australia so probably no use to you. 

p 

mazian's avatar
mazian
361 posts
 

@holmz  Primarily I wanted the latest Sparkos op amp and Alan would not do that. Also the Nord has several options and op amps can be interchangeable to suit. I went with the Sparkos and dual Purifi. With March you get what Alan wants to give you but I prefer to make my own choices and have options.

mazian's avatar
mazian
361 posts
 

I mentioned previously that I needed an amp I could lift so I recently bought a Nord Class D with dual Purifi and Sparkos Op amps. Shipped from the UK to Australia the landed cost was A$ 3000approx, well within your budget. I have approx 50 hours on it at the moment and it is getting better and better. Is it as good as the EAR 534?  at present probably not but it is getting very close with more hours of use. There are also manufacturers of Purifi based amps in France and Italy but their names escape me at the moment. Also as Holmz says it matches very well with a tube pre that I use ( Aesthetix Calypso ).

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