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Which integrated amp for better musicality - Parasound Hint vs Primaluna vs ???

I've been having a blast looking up threads and doing some research but my dilemma is this - I want to get more enjoyment out of my music (don't we all). My Anthem and Oppo setup honestly sound great but I can't help but think that maybe I am missing out. I am thinking of upgrading some of my gear by either adding an integrated amp or separates. I'd love to hear some recommendations. Based on some reading, I am considering: 

1. Parasound Halo Integrated 6
2. Primaluna Dialogue Premium or Premium HP

My current setup is as follows: 

Oppo 105D
Anthem MRX 510 AVR
Ascend Acoustic Sierra RAAL Towers and Horizon Center

Any recommendations or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. 
freesole
ttrulis
8 posts
 
Primaluna. 
They take all the guess work out of tubes.  
The build quality and sound are exceptional. 
At any price. 

musicfx
63 posts
 

I always wanted a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP integrated but bought a $20k solid state integrated a year and a half ago. That unit was in for a repair two months ago so I bought a PrimaLuna HP Dialogue to get me through the 2 months.  I was impressed, especially with the bass, power & musicality of the PL. Now my amp is back and I put the PrimaLuna with my second system. Even though my main system is crazy amazing, I keep going back to my second system with the PrimaLuna. It is a keeper. I prefer it over the last three integrated amps I had in my system which were: Pass Labs Int-250, T+A 2500R (really nice, but more than twice the price of the PL) and an Arcam A49). The PL has more bass than my main amp. It drove my Wilson Audio Alexia’s very well and it now drives my Wilson Audio Watt Puppy 7’s in my back system very well. The PrimaLuna is highly recommended. 


chumsusi's avatar
chumsusi
26 posts
 
Hi,

@freesole I owned both brands, the Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated and Line Magnetic LM518ia integrated as well as the LM508ia integrated. I never owned Parasound, so can't compare. From my experience, I prefer the Line Magnetic. I happen to have recorded sound from both amps

Here is the Primaluna Dialogue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf2g6eeWRo0

And the Line Magnetic LM518ia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDiUuNetxeI

Both play the same song.

Also the LM508ia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o79P8LLG3M&t=7s

Happy listening!

auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Thanks for the youtube videos.  I think the Primaluna has more attack, detail and sweetness.   However, closer listening, the Line Magnetic does not have as much attack/detail and it dryer sounding in comparison, but it has a more natural and real resonance to the voices/instruments.  This could all be tube combinations though.  Based only on this and for sound quality purposes only (not for power), I would probably get the Line Magnetic and see about putting in PSVANE preamp and driver tubes.  The 508 is more powerful at 48 watts. 
buellrider97
369 posts
 
I find it interesting that Rogue ALWAYS recommends Mullards . I have a Rogue pre and prefer Telefunkens , Seimens and Amperex over Mullards . Even RCA over Mullard . They recommend Mullard for driver upgrades in their power amps too . I loaned my buddy Telefunkens for his M180’s , WOW ! For power tubes the Mullards and GEC’s Rock ! For this post , the Primaluna would sound the best IMHO. But you’ll be changing tubes for sound and eventually wear . Plus you’re dealing with heat and dust buildup. If you try some DAC’s , you’ll hear an improvement too . I have an Oppo 105 and my Schiit Yiggy is better sounding . But I would jump in full price and get a DAC later . If you get the Primaluna from Upscale negotiate a tube upgrade. Happy Hunting , Mike. 
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