Primaluna or Octave to drive Dynaudio X34s

I probably would not pair your speakers with tube amplification because the speakers are fairly insensitive at 86 DB. I don’t know if the impedance dips below eight ohms but most likely it does. I have not heard your speakers but they look to be an ideal pairing with a solid-state muscle lamp

@uncrocco I have the Octave V70 Class A. After hearing the Octave line at a dealer paired with the Dynaudio Confidence 20 and Contour 20 I can say the amp is really a wonderful match for any Dyn speaker. Based on your 86db speakers and depending on how you loud you listen I would suggest the V70 with the Super Black Box. Solid build and stellar sound leaning more towards neutral but amazing dynamics and clarity! I know they are pricey but maybe you can get a demo or deal on them from your dealer. The V70 or V80 are just amazing. Andreas from Octave is very responsive to any questions and won’t try to up-sell you. I started with the V40se driving my Spatial M3 Sapphires. Just wonderful, but I wanted a better grip on the 15"woofers. I took the leap to the V70 Class A and it is by far the best SS or tube amp period IMO. If you can listen to the V40 or V70 I would recommend it. I almost bought the Raven Osprey but glad I went with the Octave. Haven’t heard the Primaluna but many Dynaudio dealers match them with the Octaves I think for good reason. Happy Listening!

86dB....not good for a tube amp. The tube amps you’ve listed may not be much of an upgrade to your amp.

Since you have the upgrade itch, I would consider upgrading speakers to something more efficient first.

Of those 2 amps, I would definitely go with the Octave.  

I was an octave MRE 130 with Super Black Box owner for years. I was driving B&W Nautilus 800 with great synergy. The B&Ws were 89db efficient. When I lived in Germany, Octave would host an Octave forum at the factory and we would all meet to discuss our equipment and all things Octave. Many folks in Germany who part of that forum in Germany pair Octave with Dynaudio and  greatly enjoy that combination. Might be a clue as to what others who own Octave are using.

I agree that the V70 with Super Black Box would be the minimum Octave product to match with your Dynaudio speakers if those are the speakers you plan on keeping for a while. If you like the sound of your Dynaudio X34s, then experiment with these other amps if possible to see what matches and synthesizes with your tastes. Otherwise, roll the dice and see if like them. 
 

I have since went in an entirely different directions with my system. Sold my Octave  and B&W and now own McIntosh MC2301 paired with Classic Audio Loudspeakers  T1.5 reference. I am done. 
 

Good luck. 

Sounds like alot of folks are discouraging the tube route with these speakers. What would be a significant amplification upgrade that would get me closer to that sound. I know class A would be too underpowered. Should I look at Luxman/Accuphase? Others?

I have never heard solid State amplification of any kind that made me think I was getting a tube type presentation. That being said, I have hardly heard more than a smattering of solid-state amps in my life and maybe someone in our forum has more experience and could make some suggestions. My initial thought when I read your post was to change out your speakers for something with a tube friendly impedance and fairly high efficiency, at least in the low 90s.

Thanks again, I like the sound of my speakers and am not interested in changing them out to accommodate tubes if a tube amp isn't a match. I know may say Dynaudio need alot of current but the X34s are atypical as they are 8 ohm vs. previous lines being 4 ohm or 6 ohm. I know many drive Special 40s with Tubes many use Octave and many Octave dealers demo Dynaudio with Octave. However, if tubes are not going to drive my speakers so be it. I am still wanting advise on upgrade from my Musical Fidelity M5si. What would give me that more engaging sound that begs me to open my wallet. Of course, eye of the beholder but the tube sound I have heard is the direction I would want to go. Even if I can't get the full tube sound. 

I am currently running a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP into Vandy 2Cs.
(Similar sensitivity)
However the subwoofer removing a lot of the low notes likely helps a lot.

I would suggest that using a sub would likely be a benefit to freeing up the amplifier.

it sounds pretty good, but the volume knob seems like it is cranked up. Maybe it has less gain than the VTLs?

One thing you have going for you regarding the 86dB sensitivity rating is that your room is 10'x12'. (I am assuming feet)  Would your dealer let you try the Octave v70/black box in your home? Possible to take your speakers to the dealer?

I would look at a hybrid from Macintosh, Pathos, Rogue, Vincent, or this one.

They will dive you that tube sound with power to push those inefficient speakers.