Good Suggestions for Tube Amps under 6k

@gregjacob "...Although I could live with the Primaluna (about 5k), I am exploring other alternatives.  That's the gist of it."

It would be helpful, as others have brought it up, what part of the sound are you trying to change.  What makes you think the amp change will help get you there? In other words, what are you looking for more/less of in any way?  

A few more answers might help the crew here to help guide in a direction or two. 

@gregjacob Daedalus custom-made speakers

Which model are they closest to from the Daedalus line?

The reason I’m asking is wondering about the impedance of your speakers.

Mods, upgrades to PL400?  - 

Was looking up your existing PL400 amp too. I’ve never heard one. Always wondered, an associate has one with some speakers we built in common. He likes his.  Looking over some two year old specs, shows they may run the plate voltage pretty low on that amp of yours to spare output tubes long-long term. Might benefit more with the smaller opt tubes vs. the larger KT tubes. i.e. "keeping it in the window" for the specific tube -  as one tech I follow mentioned recently. I’ve never heard that amp, always wondered why some owners resale or try others. Might be fun to have a handy tech to scope it out for mods before buying any more tubes for it.

Also wondering if Upscale Audio has ever done any ultra-upgraded versions of that amp quietly in the diy underground by someone. Maybe more potential there too. Only mentioning this b/c all of my amps are modded, upgraded, and with helpful tech friends have realized some amazing improvements with even better parts. 

@gregjacob ..."specifications of my Daedalus"

Got it, now I understand why others were suggesting an uplift looking at other amps. Yeah, you’re only gonna get so much out of that bone stock PL and your speakers.

You're in SET Triode amp or a lower power quality amp territory now, and with those speakers can be the sweet spot. Next chapter will be fun :) Lots to consider out there. Kinda depends on your typical volume levels you like to listen to as well.

Heck I’d even recommend considering the Quicksilver Mid Monos, 50% triode, pretty sweet for the money with your speakers. I run QS myself. Plan on getting a really good separate linestage/preamp if you don’t go with some higher-end integrated amp again.

@jchiappinelli Carlsbad2, Why do you keep mis-informing that Prima luna relies on printed circuit boards when they are clearly point-to-point hand wired? It’s one of their primary marketing pitches and clearly supported by photos of the insides of their components.

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INSIDE VIEW - PL EVO 400 Integrated

This could be what @carlsbad2 is referring to. Does not make it wrong, yet I’m counting at least 8 different little circuit boards inside, this pic is right off the Primaluna site, today. Typically a true point-to-pont wired component does not have any circuit boards, or at least no boards in the signal path.

Would be fun to hear from some of the modifier/upgrade folks who know how to truly tweak this amp up more, and bring it to an entirely new level. Someone knows...

@iopscrl ...Cary CAD 805 (there have been several versions of this classic design over the years). For some this is a benchmark Class A SET amp. Others believe it is not accurate to some degree. Listen and decide for yourself.

@iopscrl Speaking of 805s, Did you by chance listen to or review the newer 805RS version, and compare to anything?

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After my Cary SLI-80 and Cary V12R (both heavily upgraded), I was not in a position to buy the 805RS (or the room) and landed on Quicksilver Mono 120s, now with upgrades, same caps and others as my former Cary amps had. Sound very nice now, plenty of drive with KT120s or KT150s. PP purpose built for KT150s. Big quality transformers, power caps, 600v plate voltage. Driving the tubes "in the window" as I know it now. And, tried a few DH custom Inspire amps between. Not enough drive for my larger custom speakers. Maybe going back to full triode though, with a little more power/drive, maybe. Thought you might know this looking at the collection of amps you’ve commented on here so far.

Since I still have and enjoy using my later my Cary SLP-98 preamp w/6SN7s, still kind of thinking about parting with the M120s down the road to help fund it some (deciding later this yer, not sure I will - can’t get them any more) yet possibly ordering the 805RS monos. 845s or 211s, not sure which. Damn things are 24" deep though. i.e. not referring to the older version 805s, just the new model, if you happen to know more. These -or- I may commission a good designer-builder to custom build some with some other (more available) opts, not 211s or 845s. Thx.

@pindac The R8 with Tube Upgrades (If desired) and Pass KB1 Pre-Amp’ (If of Interest) should not drift to far over...

What about the design of the Wilsenton R8 amplifier would require someone to consider adding a Korg B1 preamp layer on top of it, and why?

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R8: Noticed folks in Australia on the stereonet forum adding Rothwell RCA inline passive attenuators for source inputs -and- AK members discussing adding thermistors used to reduce inrush current on the R8. Why? Due to design issues -or- fixed in later versions of the R8? Definitely worth researching more before jumping in, imo.