2. amps-preamps
  3. 1155822778

Cayin A - 88 T , sounds great but ...

I just acquired this integrated a couple of months ago , it is my first experience with a tube amp . I must say that I really do like this amp and what it has done for my listening pleasure . However , I am not into the involved biasing procedure that is required . There for , I am looking for an integrated tube amp that would be , at least , equal to the Cayin in sound production ability and be either self/auto biasing or extremely easy to bias without removing anything , including the amp from the stand .
I am using Reference 3a De Capo i speakers in a small room , near field . These speakers are rated at 92 db. sensitivity without any crossover and have a minimum power rating of 5 watts . I prefer to listen at low levels but do crank it sometimes . I listen to classic rock and contemporary blues . The new contendor should be detailed , extended and dynamic at low listening levels .
So far I have found the Prima Luna Prologue II (auto biasing) and the VAC Avitar (biased through a front panel without the use of a meter) . Of course there is quite a difference in price with these two . I do not have the ability to audition either one of these and am relying on what is in print .
I would also like to hear about other recommendations .
saki70

Showing 6 responses by saki70

saki70 OP
907 posts
 
Tipsonic , the Almarro looks to be quite nice . Do you have any experience with it ? Can you compare it to the Prologue II or other KT-88 based amps ?
Anyone else ?
saki70 OP
907 posts
 
Oops , sorry to have mispelled your name Tpsonic !
saki70 OP
907 posts
 
Listenhere ; Self or auto biasing is as the term implies . The amp contains a circuit that will bias the power tubes on its own , no user intervention required . The speakers , that I listed above , are quite nice and they are not fully broken in yet as I have only 135 hours on them . The dealer stated that the tweeters would require at least 200 hours to open up . The only caviet that I have is the 'somewhat' lack of sparkle on the top end as compared to their predessors , Soliloquy . This could also be a coloration aspect of the Soliloquy's .

Lindisfarne ; The Wright amps seem to be all SET's , do you thik that they will provide the extension and dynamics that I require for my music preference ? I can not find any listings here for Fi .

Rar1 ; I have read your review and it was a big factor in my decision to consider the Prologue II . Good review by the way !

Mrtennis ; Could you elaborate on the differences between the Almarro , Cayin and Prima Luna in relation to the extension , detail and dynamics at low volume , please ?

Thank you to all who have responded here ! Very helpful , as always !

Anyone else ?
saki70 OP
907 posts
 
Newbee ; Thanks for the tube comparing on the PL's . I assume that your refernce to the PL5 would also apply to the PL2 . I was not aware that the PL2 would take the EL34's also , how about EL84's ?
I chose the De Capo's and the Cayin for their low level characteristics . I included that in my request so as not to loose that feature when switching amps . My previous amp was not as good at low levels as the Cayin .
Again , I am switching amps due to biasing procedures , not sound characteristics . The Cayin is really pretty good !
saki70 OP
907 posts
 
Thanks Newbee , guess I got confused about the EL tubes . That is great about the performance at low levels !

Looks like a tough decision between the Almarro and the Prima Luna ! On the one hand the Almarro may have a better sound and , I think , the better warranty , 5 years . On the other hand the Prima Luna seems to be more tube versatile and 'is' self biasing . Hmmm .
saki70 OP
907 posts
 
Lowfidelity and all ; Thank you very much for your contributions . I have decided to go with the Prologue 2 and it should arrive tomorrow .
More to discover