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Debating between Hybrid and Tube Integrated Amp

Ok guys... I've got a lot of moving parts that will sway the pros and cons on a daily basis. Ive been looking at the following two scenarios and would love some feedback from those that know MUCH more about this than I do.
First off, almost all of my music is digital... FLAC and lossless. I would prefer to use my portable hard drive, plugged into a PS3 (mainly for the GUI and ability to control through my tv). I currently have a pair of Focal Electra 1007be and now I'm looking for an amp to pair it with. That being said, I have two boys (3&5) and not a ton of space. I have 14' ceilings, exposed brick and timber, so I won't be cranking the speakers too much. I mainly listen to jazz, classical, big band, lots of vocals (sinatra, ella fitzgerald, dean martin, etc) and classic rock.

Scenario #1 - Primaluna Prologue (all tube)
I will need a separate DAC, which is a con, because space is an issue and additional cost (device, interconnects, etc) Also, it reaches upwards to 200 degrees and that's no bueno with my curious kids. I'd have to figure out how to get it up high enough so the tubes aren't tempting for their little fingers. I auditioned the piece last week with my speakers and absolutely love the sound.

Scenario #2 - Vincent SV-237 (hybrid)
I love the idea of keeping everything in one device. I also love the idea that the first 10 watts are all tube before the solid state takes over. The digital ins are also a positive as a separate DAC is not necessary. However, I have not been able to audition the piece and am going mainly on amazing reviews. The previous owner of my speakers had a 266mk and thought they warmed up the beryllium tweeters rather nicely. It won't get nearly as hot, takes up less space and looks great, too. I've also heard it's a pain in the ass to replace the three tubes as they're soldered in. Soldering isn't rocket science, but I wouldn't want to void the warranty.

I'm really leaning towards the Vincent, but am having a tough time committing.

If anybody has some input, I'm all ears. I just don't want this thread to turn into "Why are you going with that... you should be using xyz". Also, my budget for the amp would be around 2,200 (including DAC, if needed.)
big10purdue
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
If you have things narrowed down to 2 options, is auditioning not a possibility? If you don't have a local dealer, I think Audio Advisor sells Vincent gear, and they have a decent return policy.

Not sure about Primaluna, though Upscale Audio might offer a return option.

You're at audition point in my book.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
@ Zd542, Hi, The subject of the tubes soldered in or not was with me, this was a few months back, I called audio visor, the very cheap entry level componets of vincent is soldered tubes, you remember, the tubes in the mid-level to top componets of vincent are tube sockets, really, I recall audio visor said two models only out of many models were soldered tubes, likly this vincent the op is talking about is socket tubes, I recommend the op to call audio visor, they are very nice, and will help with any questions, even if the sale is not theirs, If they do not know the answer, they will look into it, and you call them back, they will give you the answer to your question, my exsperience with the vincent equipment is very musical, warm, exspansive sound stage with bass slam, for the price of alot of vincent gear, they are giant killers!, meaning, they simply sound better than alot more exspensive gear out there, if you are looking for musicality, this is it, if you are looking for over resolving, steril sound, look else where.
response34's avatar
response34
169 posts
 
This model of the Vincent does not have soldered tubes. If I recall correctly, it is the tube in the window that is soldered but is only for show and not in the audio circuitry. If you look at the internal pictures, you will clearly see the tube sockets for the signal tubes.
ronrags's avatar
ronrags
275 posts
 
Big10purdue,

I own the Focal 1027be (I previously owned the 1007be)and have owned SS integrated amps from Modwright, Pass, Hegel and Sim which all cost over $5k. Last year on a whim I purchased the Primaluna Dialogue 2 and never looked back. At time I owned the Hegel 300 and compared to the D2. There was nothing wrong with the Hegel but the D2 is more musical, fuller and throws a better soundstage than the SS amps. Another great thing about Primaluna is the adaptive auto-bias feature so there is no need to make bias adjustments which keeps the tubes at their optimum performance plus it makes it easy change tube types.

Since the beryllium tweeter can sound a little bright especially on poorly recorded digital music , I prefer using the EL34 power tubes instead of the KT88. The best part of an all tube integrated amp is the ability to change both the pre-amp and power amp tubes to make your speakers sound their best.

Best of luck
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Ronrags,
That's quite an endorsement for the Primaluna amplifier when one
considers the well regarded SS amplifiers you've used. It doesn't surprise
me that you'd find it more musical and natural. These qualities do make
listening to music more involving and enjoyable. It's difficult to go without
these desirable characteristics once you've been introduced to them.
Charles,
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