Looking for advice, recommendations


I am looking to upgrade my amp.  Current amp is Primaluna Dialogue Premium Integrated.  My speakers are Acoustic Zen Crescendo Mk II.  

I am currently considering two possible upgrade paths:

1.)  Primaluna EVO 400 Integrated  (about $5.5K)

2.) Go separates with a 6SN7 based preamp (such as Sachs) + SS power amp, possibilities would be a GaN Class D, or Benchmark AHB2.  (This would be about $6K with a Peachtree or LSA GaN 350 or Benchmark , to as high as $8.5K with Atma-Sphere Class D amps.)

I think my Dialogue Integrated may be marginal for my speakers.  I am looking for more power, lower output impedance (better drive).  Sonically, I like the sound of tubes.  I want a three dimensional sound, with well defined space around each instrument and vocalist.  Looking for more detail, without harshness.  

Any advice, recommendations would be appreciated.

hifinut51

I think your number 2 list is the solution you seek. But you might try some KT-88s in the amp you have (I put Gold Lyons in mine).

My tube amp was waiting on having some work done on it, so I ordered a Hypex UcD 400 stereo amp kit, and it's turned out to be one of the best sounding amps I've ever heard in my system.

My 3C24 amp has had it's output tubes changed to 812 tubes, and now it's the best, but not by a long shot. In fact, they sound somewhat similar, which isn't a bad thing in my estimation.

God love Paul Birkeland's genius.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure if 70Wpc is enough for you, but if so I think the Octave v70 SE integrated fits your sonic tastes very well.  The v110 SE is $1300 more but puts out 110Wpc. 
https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/423-octave-audio-v-70-se-integrated-amplifier

If going separates the AGD Tempo di GaN amp would also be worth a look. 
 

Best of luck.