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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
juanmanuelfangioii
958 posts
 

Oh boy this thread is going south fast!

You do you if you want to avoid MIC product go for it. Me I have an issue with the stolen IP and counterfeiting.

My laptop is made in Germany and is a Fujitsu. All of my audio components are made in North America and the EU. Are there boards and resistors that came from China? I am sure.

But lets not fault someone for their efforts to minimize the MIC products in their life.

My Dish washer is Bosch and so is my Oven, Stove, Microwave, Refrigerator, Washer and Drier. All made in the USA (NC&TN) HVAC is all Rheem and made in the USA.

So it can be done.

MIC is not all bad and some companies that do not contract manufacturing (NAD) build some quality products in China. It’s just to bad that no matter how you slice it the CCP is getting their cut and buying all the farmland in North America.

hhudo's avatar
hhudo
9 posts
 

Its made in China, but its not chinese IP or chinese company. PL is designed and owned by Durob Audio from Netherlands. Its only built in China, thats it. There's big dealer network around the world for sale and support. They don't ship from China to you.  

I have now EVO 400 preamp (driving Pass power amp), and yet to hear better preamp for that money. I see many comments like "PL (4000$) is good, but this other brand (15000$) is better". Of course it is. 
Think PL give very good value for the money, its built like a tank, quality is great, you get local support if anything happens, sound is not completely tubey but kinda modern take on tubes. 
Worth auditioning, don't trust people on forums only! 

snapoli2
98 posts
 

Primaluna is meh. Great build quality, i liked primaluna best with kt150s. I found Line Magnetic to sound far better. I loved the LM 845 Premium. 

testrun
218 posts
 

I had a PL HP integrated with KT150 and loved the build quality, tube rolling flexibility and looks.  I felt like it was lacking a bit of headroom which, at least to me, surfaced in bass, detail and decay.  I actually moved to AGD Audions and really love the class D sound.  I will admit I'm running a running everything through a Cary SLP05 which add a bit of tube sound back into the mix.  All in all im really happy with the SQ.

coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
685 posts
 

Buy the PL, and call it a day. I mean, we’re talking EIGHT EL 34’a  I’m in heaven with 4. I can’t imagine 8 of them! Winged C Soviets is all you need. Trust me. 

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