This is just my opinion, but if you are going to go the SET route - do it right. Don't dip a toe half in, then declare it's not for you without truly giving it a try.
What does that mean? SET "musical presentation" is significantly different from other forms of amplification - in my opinion. It has unique characteristics and benefits, along with demands and shortcomings.
So, if you are adamant about using a preamp with a SET amp, be sure to use one that was designed for a SET system. I know, people will say the only design criterion for a preamp should be volume control and source selection, maybe impedance matching, too. So, any good preamp will be good in any system.
I'm not sure I buy that. The SET traits that are so valued by enthusiasts are so subtle and nuanced that they may easily be masked or lost if the amp designer isn't specifically using them in the process.
First off, most SET designers attempt to use the minimum amount of parts possible in the signal path. The same for crossovers in many/most SET-friendly speakers. Advocates claim that each extra part contributes a "veil" over the reproduction. Most SET amp designers take this same approach to their preamps, while designers for other forms of amplification tend to not concern themselves(as obsessively) with this purist approach.
Which is my long-winded way of saying that while your Prima-Luna preamp may be excellent, it may not be the most synergistic with a SET amp.
I'd try a SET integrated first to see if you like the approach. At least there you will know you are hearing exactly(or as close to) what the amp designer intended, instead of a mixture of two different approaches.
I have owned the afore-mentioned Almarro A318B integrated amp - it is excellent. And I mean this in an absolute sense, not just relative to it's price. It is a perfect first experience with SET amplification and still holds up with more experience. I happened to own it at the same time as two or three other highly regarded integrateds at much higher price points and it easily was on par. Be patient, they come up for sale used from time to time within your price range.
What does that mean? SET "musical presentation" is significantly different from other forms of amplification - in my opinion. It has unique characteristics and benefits, along with demands and shortcomings.
So, if you are adamant about using a preamp with a SET amp, be sure to use one that was designed for a SET system. I know, people will say the only design criterion for a preamp should be volume control and source selection, maybe impedance matching, too. So, any good preamp will be good in any system.
I'm not sure I buy that. The SET traits that are so valued by enthusiasts are so subtle and nuanced that they may easily be masked or lost if the amp designer isn't specifically using them in the process.
First off, most SET designers attempt to use the minimum amount of parts possible in the signal path. The same for crossovers in many/most SET-friendly speakers. Advocates claim that each extra part contributes a "veil" over the reproduction. Most SET amp designers take this same approach to their preamps, while designers for other forms of amplification tend to not concern themselves(as obsessively) with this purist approach.
Which is my long-winded way of saying that while your Prima-Luna preamp may be excellent, it may not be the most synergistic with a SET amp.
I'd try a SET integrated first to see if you like the approach. At least there you will know you are hearing exactly(or as close to) what the amp designer intended, instead of a mixture of two different approaches.
I have owned the afore-mentioned Almarro A318B integrated amp - it is excellent. And I mean this in an absolute sense, not just relative to it's price. It is a perfect first experience with SET amplification and still holds up with more experience. I happened to own it at the same time as two or three other highly regarded integrateds at much higher price points and it easily was on par. Be patient, they come up for sale used from time to time within your price range.