C8 or CJ. I would not spend that kind of money on Prima Luna. It's basically Upscale's "house" brand. I don't think they support the brand like they should.
McIntoish C8 or PrimaLuna EVO 300
Both of the McIntoish C8 and PrimaLuna EVO 300 preamps seem to check the boxes in terms of inputs, outputs and features, and I can lift them. Does anyone have experience of either or both of these preamps?
I think my system is in need of a bit of warmth, I have noticed recently that the very highest violin notes are a bit aggressive - in the recent past I've been listening to mainly choral works and had not noticed this.
I was playing the Hilary Hahn sonatas and partitas, (I have the disks and digital) and noticed the problem. I dug up my 40 year old (!) C-J PV6 and the sound was sweet to the top, but that pre-amp lost the air and space of the choral recordings; everything was warm and cuddly but the sense of the recording space was lost.
My interconnects are Cardas Clear Reflection and I have the issue on both analog and digital - and with SS or tubed Power amps.
My current preamp is the Benchmark LA4 which is, perhaps, a bit on the analytical side of neutral.
Changing from my Rockport Atria II speakers is NOT an option.
So, I am looking for warmth but not losing the sense of the space, Am I asking too much in the $5k price bracket?
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@allenf1963 according to Google
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I have not heard either of your choices, a few thoughts: 12ax, 12au I truly like the sound and full features of my Vintage McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp with many 12ax and 12au (I use a Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller with it). 6sn7s My friend heard my Cayin Integrated's 6sn7 and 6sl7’s here, found deHaviland and had Kara make him a new Preamp with 6sn7’s, AND tube rectification. She ordered the specific transformers she needed, so it’s not quick ship. http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/UltraVerve-Preamplifier.htm .................................... REMOTE BALANCE McIntosh has remote balance which I love and use frequently, especially compilations that include tracks from different recording sessions, personell, I just listened to this, and made small but beneficial tweaks to many individual tracks https://vinyl.sonymusic.com/products/sade-the-best-of-sade And, a CD yesterday, I only tweaked a few of these tracks https://www.amazon.com/Friend-Mine-Bill-Morrissey-Brown/dp/B0000003U6
Does Prima Luna have remote balance? Either have a dedicated balance button on the remote?, or do you need to get in Menu’s? ........................................ I might prefer the McIntosh, however PrimaLuna talks about tube rectification Tube rectified"In the world of preamps, experts agree that tube rectification is the gold standard. It’s quieter than solid state rectification, dropping the noise floor. And it offers the most natural, textured, and vibrant presentation because the circuit is now pure tube. But because it is expensive to implement, you’ll only find it in the top of the line models typically costing $10,000 or more. Finding a preamp using one rectifier tube is sweet. PrimaLuna goes even further using two 5AR4 rectifier tubes in a dual-mono design to present your music with a three-dimensionality that will give you goosebumps." The deHaviland has tube rectification, and they sent my friend alternate tubes, we were surprised how much the sound changes |
Mapletree has Preamps and a Phono/Line Preamp with a rear switch allowing either 12sn7 tubes or 6sn7’s. Manual Balance; Remote Volume, HT Bypass; separate power supply https://www.mapletreeaudio.com/ manual https://www.mapletreeaudio.com/manuals/Ultra-4CRM-manual-with-Notice.pdf
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Aric also has a Super 6sn7 Preamp https://www.stereotimes.com/post/aric-audio-super-6sn7-linestage-preamplifier-by-mike-wright/ Cary also https://caryaudio.com/products/slp-98/ 6sn7 discussion on Audiogon |
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