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Tube Integrated vs Tube Seperates

I’m looking into buying a tube setup.  Thinking it will be Primaluna because I find tube amps a bit intimidating and I will be putting lots of hours on it. Because these factors Primaluna seems like at least a good place to start for me. Thanks to all who gave me there impressions in my previous post about Primaluna.  Anyway, looking for people’s take on tube integrated vs tube seperates. Really what I’m looking for in the move is more holographic soundstage, bloom, air, and an over all more lifelike presentation. Will I get more of these qualities by going Dialogue preamp into Dialogue amp, or with the Dialogue HP integrated, or will it be very similar?  Any thoughts are much appreciated 

brylandgoodman
testrun
254 posts
 

I've moved between integrated and separates a number of times throughout my 30+ years in this wonderful hobby.  At your price point there are many excellent options.  I owned a PrimaLuna HP and rolled power tubes up to KT 150.  I really enjoyed the sound quality until I committed to streaming at which time I wanted to play with preamps.  Anyway today I own separates and would suggest you strongly consider the same if for no other reason the flexibility they offer.  Just my 2 cents.

blackbag20's avatar
blackbag20
628 posts
 

Might check Quicksilver ... get's good reviews here:

 

 

brylandgoodman OP
93 posts
 

Thanks for all the input. I’m leaning towards seperates right now. I do like that it gives me more flexibility. My main concern going tubes is power. I’ve used high power solid state for a long time. If I go seperates I can easily keep the preamp and move back to solid state for the power if I think that’s needed. I do have a little concern over 30-40 watts being enough, but I think I’m going to give it a shot and see how it works out. The hp Primaluna is really only a 3db difference. When I look at it from that perspective doubling the tubes for 3db doesn’t make much sense to me.
Regarding Line Magnetic my main concern is heat. At least with there set amps that get most the rave reviews. I’ve read they put out some crazy heat, and I just don’t think that makes sense for hours of daily use.  If someone could convince me I’m wrong I’d love to try one out. 

brylandgoodman OP
93 posts
 

Quicksilver does get some great reviews. My issue is more cosmetic with them. I really prefer all of the connections to be on one side, and that side should be the back. Just can’t get on board with there looks, and cables coming out both sides before they get routed behind my rack. 

tablejockey
4,407 posts
 

You're overthinking your curiosity about trying tubes

All the mag/user reviews established the brand for a 18 years now as a go to for tube curious.

There are a few good PL listings to check out. Escospecially the Dialogue monoblocks.

Happy user since 2010. Sure there are nearly endless choices with another brand having "X" feature, but PL will likely match it with  overall value for what you get. Build quality is second to none.

There is always something "better" with ALL audio gear, so get that out of your decision process.

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