Thanks, everyone, for very good suggestions. I'll be looking at each of those. Yes, the LTA Ultralinear + gets a lot of support. It was also suggested by Lou of Daedalus and others. Before finalizing anything up ahead, I just wanted to see what others might weigh in on it. I do want to say that the Primaluna is a very fine unit. It's given me some wonderful evenings over about a year. I cant' help but think that there's just a bit more of it that I could gain in an upgrade.
Again, thank you to all for your thoughtful suggestions! All the best.
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I currently have:
Primaluna EVO 400 integrated
Lampizator Atlantic 3 DAC
Daedalus custom-made speakers
For those unfamiliar, Daedalus would be in the sonic personality range of Harbeth, et al. Fabulous for vocal, wonderful wood tones, transparency, and clarity.
Although I could live with the Primaluna (about 5k), I am exploring other alternatives. That's the gist of it.
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Again, to everyone, thanks so much for the feedback. I want to try to wrap up this thread by saying:
1. I've been super pleased with the PrimaLuna EVO 400. It has wowed everyone who has come by to listen. Those PrimaLuna contributors who have written in can vouch for the fan base and build quality.
2. When you have reached a certain level in this deep-hole hobby, you can't help but wonder what other marvels and fine-tune magic you might be able to squeeze out of your system. I opened this up not to belittle a really fine, highly respected, and awarded amp but rather to see what veteran advice might surface. My first choice when setting up the system was the LTA Ultralinear+ but I was buying all of the components at once and just couldn't afford the extra $$ to reach it. (I failed to mention I use an Innuos Zenith MK3 for streaming). PrimaLuna seemed like a great alternative for a few thousand less and still is. Of course, something inside wants to pop a higher-priced, well-regarded tube amp into my current system and environment for the A/B comparison... If for no other reason than to conclude that more money did not provide any significant gain.
Finally, again, thank you for great suggestions. I'm sure all these amps would please many listeners. For those who lean more toward the tube (particularly ultralinear) sound, it's just a fun comparative conversation. I will close my participation in this thread. It was not to "beat a dead horse", just an enjoyable exploration. All the best!
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Thanks Steve. Your Tannoys look impressive and you have a Decware amp I got in line for but gave up due to production times and bought the PrimaLuna instead. I am not ready to purchase a new amp quite yet, even a reduced-priced LTA (very tempting). If you haven't sold it in six months, I'd be ready to make an offer. Currently renovating an old farmhouse (with new music room) and am hemorrhaging $$ in several directions. I'd be willing to buy it later and hold on to the PrimaLuna as well but not yet... Thank you. -- Greg
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Laynes,
I have not ventured into rolling, neither with the EVO 400 nor the Lampizator Atlantic DAC. I honestly can't think of one thing I'd change with the Lampi. With my system and ear, it still remains my favored DAC. Along with the Daedalus speakers, I have no curiosity to vary. I tried a bunch of DACs, and none had quite the magic of the Lampi, so leaving it alone. Thanks for the specific tube suggestions for the EVO. I would love to see that effect and do plan on exploring if I keep it, which I may do, and just add another amplifier for a different combo.
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Jerry, I was on the waiting list for a ZMA but finally gave up waiting after about 8 months and bought the PrimaLuna. What is your impression? Curious about the custom-made you are working on and why it would possibly best the Decware amps. Will be selling the ZMA anytime?
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Any suggestions of the specific tubes that you might think would make a positive difference?
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Thanks for sharing that. The Valhalla looks intriguing and I'm bookmarking the site. It could be a key one for me up ahead as I slowly move to make some decisions on equipment additions in the coming year. 👍
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For those that keep inquiring about the specifications of my Daedalus Apollos speakers:
Sensitivity: 96 db SPL with 2.83 volts @ 1 meter
Impedance: 6 ohms +/- 1 ohm
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decooney and russbutton:
Well guys, both the Don Sachs and the Quicksilver amps look like good paths to take. And neither kill a budget. You've given me a lot to think about. I do agree. I will probably give up the PL, as is, before going down an uncharted rabbit hole of tube rolling. I do think the PL is a great amp for some setups. And it does knock the socks off of visitors who don't analyze the finer nuances of music (as some of us do). I think I will move to a different amp solution up ahead. I must say that I lean toward integrated (in whatever brand) for simplicity but assembling some components isn't out of the question.
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Oh, for a demo where 8-10 highly touted tube amps between $4k -$10 were placed in a single room with reasonable acoustics, well-rated DAC, revealing speakers, and tubes recommended by creator / manufacturer for the event. We could listen and opine and choose!
I'll add that we must blind test them before revealing the brand or model. 😎
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Well, Lampizator sells their own amps... ($14k-18K per component and up) and probably recommends amps well beyond the given budget.
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Thanks for the thoughts. I think the issue is not having a clue what tubes would add a significant improvement. If tubes were, say, $10 each, I could burn through all kinds of configurations and have fun exploring the sound variations. I did read a blurb by the Lampi designer stating that many tubes sounded great in the Atlantic--a very all-encompassing but noncommitted statement. In forums, others have said they couldn't find any tubes radically better than those chosen to be issued from factory. But I haven't found anything that has expressed replacing "a" with exactly "b" will render a whole new world of music. In reviews by mag writers, several noted that they changed out the tubes but returned to the originals and found them more balanced. So it doesn't inspire confidence to tube roll. If anything, particularly in the PL case, it makes one want to a/b the entire unit with others... I'll end this by saying it does make a lot of sense as the tube influences the sound so much.
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J.Chip,
You are right, and I agree that, for some reason, a few have treated the PL like it was a printed board, cheaply designed amp. I chose it for its great reputation, reviews, user following, and quality build. That's why exploring other sounds/amps isn't something I would do based on deep dissatisfaction. As I wrote earlier in this thread, my queries have been to explore positively what else lies beyond the PL level and budget, just curious if I could find other tube amps that might further enhance my setup and musical tastes.
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Thanks so much! Yes, it's pretty overwhelming, and boy, I didn't expect so much advice! You have touched on the essence of this thread: exploring significant, worthwhile improvements in our already-good listening. I have been making a "short list" of tube amps as the thread has lengthened (and digressed a few times). I will put Line Magnetic on there as well. At this point, it isn't if I will change but when, what, and for how much money! Much appreciated. 👍
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BTW, have you heard the Line Magnetic 845 Premium model?
No one in this thread mentioned McGary either...
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In my experience, there is a spacious dimensionality in high-quality tube amps that I never quite hear in SS amps of the same caliber / price range. Texture and tone, particularly in acoustic and wood instruments. Also, the assured warmth without loss of lucid definition. And today's good tubes don't suffer from labels such as "slow," "tubey" or from any background hiss. Certainly, SS is easier to manage at all the points we all know... I went from British SS amps to tube amps a while back, and it's hard to go back. But I'm always listening for good SS as well... Recommendations?
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