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Picking a Tube integrated amp

Hey all. Trying to figure out my amp situation and am looking at a few integrated to upgrade to. 

I currently have a McIntosh integrated and want to move to tubes. I have the vivid v1.5speakers and a Clearaudio Concept. Looking at the following:

—Primaluna Dialogue premium or HP.
—Audio Research VSi60
—Octave v40SE

Question...does the AR still hold up? It’s likely it will be a used model, but curious if it’s still competing with the others I listed. Any others to consider?  

Thanks!


 
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oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,450 posts
 
Be careful if you buy a used VTL.....  they don't treat you like a "real" customer if you need support.
andysf
268 posts
 
"Kalali:

Prima Luna is made by Cayin in China (Cayin goes by Spark in China).

DeKay"

Cayin is owned entirely by the Chinese government so all profits will go to them.  Prima Luna is only made in factories owned by the Chinese government in partnership with Prima Luna. 

If this kind of thing bothers you, then it is something to consider.  If not, just a "fun fact".
migueca's avatar
migueca
112 posts
 
You should also consider (as mentioned above) Cayin and Line Magnetic. Both are Chinese brands, Cayin being a government owned company and LM a private one. 
Both Cayin and LM are the makers of several respected western brands, like Primaluna and others. 
I own one amplifier from Cayin (MT45 MkII - push-pull) and one from Line Magnetic (LM219ia - SET). Both are superb in terms of sound, design and built quality. And much cheaper than the equivalent western brands. 
Up to you. Go have a listen if you can. 
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,348 posts
 
AndySF:

Cayin, Primaluna and LM do not bother me.

However, I do avoid food/pet food, cookware/dishware, vitamins, personal care products, clothing and pretty much anything made of plastic/including car parts from China. 

I listened to an "updated" Cayin PP integrated amplifier a long time ago and thought it was pretty good.

Other than upgraded caps it had a triode switch and a pot/knob that somehow seemed to adjust the damping factor.

Forget who did the mods, but it wasn't Upscale.

DeKay
jetter
2,949 posts
 

I have also been thinking about the Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated amps.  If op doesn't mind, I would like to ask a couple of quick questions.  It appears from their website and manual that only the HP model will safely use the KT150 tubes, is this correct?  Also, in its theatre bypass mode, or otherwise, can only the amplifier section of the integrated be used if one has a separate preamplifier?

Thanks,

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