Belles Virtuoso or PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP


Hello and good day all. First time post here. I’m in the market for a new integrated. My source is a Oppo UDP 205, speakers are from a company called Funk ( 6.1P). I’m torn between trying tubes for the first time, or sticking to SS. I’ve read good reviews about both companies, I’m just having trouble making up my mind. Any suggestions?
128x128jtweed

Showing 2 responses by charles1dad

I believe that the Line Magnetic 508ia could be an excellent match with the Funk speakers and their relatively easy load characteristics. 300b tube drives the 805 output tube for 48 watts of "pure" class A power. This type of DHT (Directly heated triode) tube amplifier is capable of superb sound quality. It’s a different approach vs the more common class A/B amps such as the  transistor Belies or the push pull tubed PL. Something to consider if really interested/enthusiastic  about  an exceptional tube amplifier listening experience.

Single chassis so avoids multiple boxes if that matters. Heavy single box due to big high quality transformers and power supply (which is good). A very worthy viable alternative to consider compared to the well regarded Belles or PL options. My gut feeling is that the LM 508IA and Funk speakers could be a superior musically and engaging match. I doubt that any of the three choices would disappoint you.
Best of luck,
Charles
jtweed,,
All things considered I would prefer point to point wiring over a printed circuit board as well. Regarding autobias it is a good feature to have. I own a 300b SET amplifier with autobias and 2 push pull tube amplifiers with manual bias (simple to do) . The autobias is every bit as sensitive and revealing of tube changes as the manual bias amplifiers, maybe more so.

The Belles amplifiers are consistently praised and I assume rightfully so. Some describe them as smooth and "tube like" which is meant as a compliment. "Tube like" still isn’t the same as actual tube amp driven. If you’re truly interested in trying out a tube amplifier I say go for it. Your speakers are an 8 ohm nominal load so I imagine that either of your two choices should mate well.
Charles