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Audio Research VT80SE amp vs Prima Luna EVO 400 or 300

It’s time to get a newer tube amp after years of happy listening to vintage mono tube amps- MFA M-120 to be precise. I will mate the new amp with my upgraded/updated MFA Luminescence preamp and power Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage speakers. The Lumi is deservedly a legend and has a fabulous phono stage, to boot.

I’ve read many reviews and comments about both the ARC and the Prima Luna gear but would greatly appreciate a response from folks who’ve had experience with either one or the other or preferably both.

My musical tastes are quite eclectic, but primarily "classical" and do not include heavy metal, nor much R+R or pop at this stage of my life. I’m partial to what some might call warm, romantic and "euphonic," and from what I know, Audio Research tends to be less "euphonic" than some other tube components. At the same time, I enjoy listening to subtle details that more syrupy components can obscure. Unfortunately, I cannot audition anything prior to purchase, neither in my home nor at a dealer.  After much experimentation, I am convinced that SF GH's LOVE tubes!

Thanks in advance. Stay safe. Be well.

PS
ps
ps OP
770 posts
 
@jrw1971
Thanks for confirming that.  Then the 75SE is not viable, unless I get another preamp, which is not likely to happen.
rushfan71's avatar
rushfan71
316 posts
 
@ps 
If your preamp doesn't have XLR output you could consider a PL Dialogue Premium HP used instead of the Evo 400 with plenty of money left over to try different 12AU7's in the center position of the amp to dial that sound you and the golden eared wife prefer.
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 
i would concur to what has been said regarding the ref 75

mine is not an SE version - i have higher efficiency speakers so do not need the extra drive of the kt150’s but in my system with the amp running kt120’s the sound is wonderful...

there is a cleanliness and utter purity to having just a pair of output tubes per side compared to four of them... i feel this has been true all the way back to the VT series where the smaller VT50-60 versions plays cleaner and purer (and for longer) than the larger brethren VT100/Ref110 models with double the output tubes

...of course you need to have speakers that can be driven properly with the available power of the smaller amps to benefit from this
ps OP
770 posts
 
I'm starting to see where this could go for me.  Sell or retire everything in my system except my speakers and TT and start anew.  What a wonderful, but crazy hobby!  Thanks again, folks.
ps OP
770 posts
 
As an addendum to both my previous and original post, the longer I consider the question I posed, the more I’m inclined to modernize both my preamp and amplifier, with reliability in addition to SQ as prime motivators. It may even be, that a modern tube integrated will be my path forward.
Thanks again for everyone’s thoughtful contributions. Be well, take care, be safe, and get your vaccinations ASAP.
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