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Optimizing the Prima Luna Premium Integrated amp

Having had the Prima Luna Premium Integrated for about 7 months now its been one of my goals to retire the CJ PV10A I had been using for pre amp. However from the start the preamp section of the Prima Luna never seemed to measure up to the CJ in deep bass. Recently however I decided it was time to retube the 12AU7's in the CJ, sticking with trusted NOS Mullard CV4003's. Now having 2 pairs of Mullards to play with I was able to do some comparison swapping in the Prima Luna. Lo and behold, putting the Mullards in the rear 12AU7 sockets of the Prima Luna brought the low bass up to where it should be and differences become trivial swapping a variety of 12AU7's between the CJ and the front sockets of the Prima Luna

Mullard NOS CV4003 highly recommended for the back 12AU7 sockets of the Prima Luna Premium integrated. Not so recommended for both socket pairs as the combination becomes too forward in the bass. Funkwerkes 12AU7 and Prima Luna 12AU7 are in use now while I seek a quicker more neutral tube than the Mullard for the front pair.
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Showing 1 response by mikirob

mikirob
955 posts
 
I have swapped a number of NOS 12au7 in my Primaluna Dialogue One with great success. To my ears the Amperex Bugle Boys are the best. I have failed in my quest for a "reasonably" priced 7316 Amperex mentioned by Mechans above. I also like the RCA Clear Tops Side Getter, the Psvane Shuguang Black Treasure. Frankly, the Mullards were not as clear as the tubes above.

You should also try swapping out the 12ax7 for some Sylvania 5751 Triple Mica black plate and or/grey plate.

Another suggestion, try the NOS Russian Reflector 6n3ce output tube (6L6). This combo of tubes bring this integrated to a whole new level, much, much better.
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