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Wells Audio / AVA Synergy / PrimaLuna DiaLouge Premium HP

Hi all,

I am looking to upgrade my amplifier to power my Salk Audio HT2-TL’s. I’m hoping that with your help, I can decide between there potential options. Here’s a couple bullet points which may help your appreciated guidance:

  • My signal chain is Mac mini > Chord Hugo TT > Cambridge Audio 840A V2 > Salk HT2-TL]
  • I’m running the speakers without a subwoofer, so I would like something that doesn’t skimp on the low end.
  • I’m looking for the silk, buttery, in the room sound, with three dimensionality.
  • I listen at low level late night listening around 40% of the time, medium level 40% of the time, loud "reference" levels 20% of the time.
  • The speakers offer bi-wiring, but I have never taken advantage of it.

Right now I believe I’ve settled on three options:

  1. Wells Audio Majestic Intergraded w/ Internal Upgrades. The upgrades will make the unit sound like the Innamorata according to Jeff Wells.
  2. AVA Synergy 450 Power Amp w/ AVA Tube Preamp
  3. PrimaLuna DiaLouge Premium HP Intergraded

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts between these options?
avdweeb
avdweeb OP
11 posts
 
I use an Eastern Electric Avant 8 tube pre with my Snergy 450 and find
it has more "air" and bigger soundstage than my Bryston BP-6 which is a well-reviewed SS pre . Not by all that much though. If I listened to rock I would just use a SS . Modern tube gear does not sound as warm and tubey as vintage stuff which rolled off highs and lows to made the "ol
EL-34 sound .

So from this it sounds like the tube pre-amp will certainly give some of the benefits, but it's not worthwhile as just getting a single better piece of integrated equipment.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
YUP .
avdweeb OP
11 posts
 
Well at this point I think it's going to be between the PrimaLuna and Wells Audio... This'll be tough!!
jriggy's avatar
jriggy
563 posts
 
"Well[s] at this point." 

Good thinking! (;  
avdweeb OP
11 posts
 
Hi all,

I’ve been thinking more about this, and since I’m really interested in trying tubes, I’m leaning towards the PL and a few of its competitors. Does anyone have any thoughts on:

  • Jolida 3502S w/ KT150’s (~$2,000 new)
  • PrimaLuna Dialouge Premium HP w/ EL34's (~$3500-3900 used)
  • Ayon Spirit III w/ KT-150’s ($3750-$4200 used)
Is the jump between these product’s pricing worth it, or if I did an upgrade to the Jolida adding the Bybee parts that contribute to making the Wells sing for $500, would that help close the gap ask still come on $1000+ cheaper?
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