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).
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.
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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.
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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. If going separates the AGD Tempo di GaN amp would also be worth a look. Best of luck. |
OP, Welcome to the forum. From what I can tell of your system you have a great opportunity for improvement. You have very good speakers capable of much better sound than you are likely getting. It is really helpful to us to be able to see your whole system. There is a place under your user ID to put some photos and ID your equipment. You can see ours there as well. It is really helpful. Assuming you want as great an improvement in sound quality as possible, then I recommend spending as much as you can and buying separates. Todays integrated amps in the $10K price point are getting very good (like the Pass iNT-60), but if you desire in the long run to improve the sound quality buying used separates now are likely to get you better sound and allow smaller incremental purchases later. My rule of thumb is to always invest 2x or more in any particular component if you want an “oh, wow… that is a lot better.”
For the amp. There are lots of good choices. I really love tube amps, but high power and tubes cost money. On the other hand, my speakers are about the same sensitivity as yours and I am powering them with 60wpc tube power and the sound is fantastic and can be played louder than I can stand. Maybe, look for a less expensive amp in the mean time until you can afford something like an Audio Research REF, Conrad Johnson or VAC.
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