Try to up your budget to the Octave V70SE. I absolutely love mine.
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!
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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- 95 posts total
Thanks for the responses. Facten, i don’t really listen at all that loud levels, so I am pretty sure these amps will all work for my needs. Most of my listening is light rock and mostly jazz. I guess my question is more around whether a 6-10 year old amp like the vtl or ARC will perform at the same level as a PL or Octave from the last 2 years. Even more difficult is the Octave v PL. Apples to apples? Does it just come down to personal preference? Or is one a hands down more musical performer? What would be a good synergistic match to my speakers/source? I won’t be able to hear any of them with my speakers until I get them home. |
I guess my question is more around whether a 6-10 year old amp like the vtl or ARC will perform at the same level as a PL or Octave from the last 2 years. These are good questions. It would be good to learn the answers from members who own integrated amps. |
I've never heard any of the amps you mention but I just read this review today that's germane: http://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/analog-reviews/amplifier-reviews/primaluna-dialogue-premium/ I'm a fan of Christian Punter and Hifi Advice he seems to be a pretty straight shooter and really comprehensively tests gear in different combinations. In the above review he even tests the Primaluna with a pair of the larger Vivid speakers. Good luck! |
- 95 posts total