2. amps-preamps
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PrimaLuna and AE Six Pacs

For the first time, I'm venturing away from solid state, most recently Sim gear, and making the move to tubes. I'm considering some of this new mail order gear. I haven't been able to audition any of it in person.

Can anyone comment on how the AE Six Pacs compare to the PrimaLuna gear, such as the 6 and 7 monoblocks? I've heard that the Six Pacs exhibit the more traditional tube sound while the PrimaLuna has more an SS feel, with greater accuracy, rhythm, timing, etc. Because I've only heard about three tube gear makers, I associate Mac gear with the "traditional" tube sound and Audio Research and Conrad Johnson as representing a more SS feel.

Beyond merely those considerations, could you claim that either the Six Pacs or PrimaLuna has a more refined sound, and is generally better? I was intrigued by the Prologue 6 monoblocks until I read in the latest TAS that the Dialogue 2 integrated is generally sonically superior to the Prologue 6 monos. Quite a claim given that one is an integrated while the other is mono amps. For their part, the Six Pacs are US hand made and triode, and cost about the same as both the Prologue monos and Dialogue 2, leading me to suspect that they are the better overall amp.

Don't suppose anyone has compared all of these?
rfprice
4 responses Add your response
saki70
907 posts
 
While the Primaluna and Cayin stuff is indeed manufactured in the same facility , that is about as close to each other as they get .
I have owned both pieces and they do NOT sound alike !

I have heard the Cayin A-88T and the Cary Sli-80 side by side . They are quite similar . The V-12 is also in the same camp . However the Primaluna has quite a different sound as has been eluded to here in other threads . Your take on it is pretty good .

I have no experience with the AES .

Good luck .
oregon
807 posts
 
I can't comment on the Six packs, but I own a pair of PL mono 7s. They seem to really fit my room and are an excellent match for my Audio P Virgos.
At 70 watts per they have the balls to fill the room with a good soundstage, bloom, attack and decay.
The Pls are well built and hassle free. The price is way too low for these fine little amps.
I highly recommend them.
Post removed 
tiger
313 posts
 
I might be worth your while to look into Cayin or VAS tubes. I own the cayin T88 (integrate) and the vas II's (mono blocks). The same company that makes the cayin and vas, also makes PrimaLuna. Cayin claims the T88 has the Mac 275 sound signature. But, who knows. The T88 has gotten good reviews and it has inputs that by pass the pre amp. You did not mention whether you have a tube pre-amp with a phono stage. If you don't I suggest you start there before getting a tube amp. Also, a cayin is a good value and easy to sell in the used market without a large loss. I suggest you 'roll' the amps, not the tubes.
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