Why is there no love for Prima Luna?

"there is something significant missing from my PrimaLuna Evo 300 integrated, which replaced my Cary amp and preamp."

I would hope ANY decent amp/preamp combo is "better" than a value integrated unit. It doesn't seem to be a reasonable expectation the PL integrated should outshine a Cary amp/preamp setup. 

"I would not put any more money in trying to get the PL to fit your sound desire. Just unload it."

Agreed. Any piece of equipment is going to have a fundamental "sound" to determine if it's a keeper. I have interest of possibly  tweaking my PL from a  curiosity/hobbyist perspective.  

Hybrids are the way to go. McIntosh or Pathos.

 

I've had my PL Dialogue HP Integrated for a few years now and love it.  It powers my Martin Logan Summit X speakers perfectly.  A while ago I replaced the front four preamp tubes with Mullard CV-4003s and the difference from the PL tunes was noticed.  I recently moved those four 4003 tubes to the last positions, and put new JJ Gold 12AU7s and I have to tell you, it opened up the system.  Happy I made that change!

I want to replace the EL-34 tubes just for tweaking's sake, but that's a lot of money and I like the sound.  If I do, I'll probably stay with EL-34s.  I don't need more power from new tubes, so perhaps I'll try the JJs or Tung-Sol EL-34Bs.  Lots of options to choose from, though.  Any opinions?

I also use the Home Theater input for HT, but we moved to a new home recently and now my old Pioneer Elite amp seems to be causing a hum in all speakers when it's turned on.  It's fed by an OPPO 105D, but I don't think the hum is from the OPPO.  The OPPO was modified by Ric Schultz and it sounds great when listening via the Spdif through the DAC or direct to the PL.  Frustrating, but I'll figure it out.  That's part of the fun. 

In our new house, my system sits in a sort of alcove that's 24 inches deep.  I just installed Aucousticmac corner bass traps on the inside verticle corners, which was another improvement.  I didn't know it when we bought the house, but all working is 12-gage and the panel is all 20-amp fuses.  Each side of the entertainment area is on a separate circuit, so lots of clean power.  I have a 20-amp Furman Elite power conditioner, so I'm able to take advantage of it too!

The house is hard wired with LAN too.

LAN signal:

1. Intel I7 NUC for Roon Core, built into an Alasa fanless case.
2. LAN signal is transferred to fiber optic to eliminate noise.
3. TRENDNet switch (Also used for all other components except for the main audio feed).
4. Main audio feed then moves to an ETHERregen from Uptone Audio (highly recommended!)
5. Bytston BDP-1 used as Roon endpoint.  I've thought about replacing this, but since it's used as a Roon endpoint, I don't see the need.  Let me know if you disagree).
6. Schiit Yggy DAC (very nice)
7. PL Dialogue HP Integrated
8. ML Summit X speakers.

Cables are:

1. Acoustic Zen Mc 2 digital
2. Kimber Kable D-60 digital
3. Acoustic Zen Absolute interconnects
4. Acoustic Zen Hologram speaker cables
5. All power cables are Pangea Audio

Just thought I'd share and seek opinions on EL-34 alternatives.  I love this hobby.  I get excited about every little addition.  My wife teases me by saying, "I'm sure it's going to sound better," but she indulges my addiction. 

Hope everyone is staying safe and has a wonderful Holiday season!

Steve

 

@tablejockey,   Hey there, I just opened my PL Dialoge HP Integrated.  A slightly different layout than the amp version.  But still essentially the same. 

I'm going to leave the caps on the tube sockets alone for now. Instead, since mine has its own preamp, I'm going to pull the lower end Mundorfs from the two center preamp tubes and replace with V-Cap CuTF .22uf - Matched .5% pairs.  This is a ~$300 upgrade--in keeping with money we spend on tubes and wires.  Further, swapping these two caps is (a) likely to have the most impact; (b) the Mundorfs they replace are not high end--decent but not high end; and (c) they are an easy swap given their positioning and long leads covered in clear teflon.  

Tablejockey, I think you have an integrated too, am I right?  

I ordered the V-Caps today.  I'll get them in this week and let you know my thoughts.  

FYI--I sold my Klipsch Forte IIIs and upgraded to Cornwall IVs, but I have no idea when Music Direct will get them here. 

Jbhiller-
Yes, I have the HP Integrated. I will be looking forward to reading your experience on installing them and results. Good luck! That mod will add up quickly replacing all the caps!