Some but not all PrimaLuna amps have very high output impedances, which from a sonic standpoint would result in their being poor matches with the Thiel CS2.3. (See the very challenging impedance curve for your speakers in Stereophile’s measurements). Stereophile has reviewed a number of PrimaLuna amplifiers, and in the measurements section of those reviews has indicated their output impedances and provided associated commentary. I would suggest that you try to find their review of whichever PrimaLuna models you may consider (those reviews are easily found via Google), and read the comments in the measurement section that pertain to output impedance. If a review that includes output impedance measurements cannot be found for a particular model, I would definitely not count on that model as being a good match. Good luck. Regards, -- Al |
Thanks good technical watch out for me! |
Yes indeed, have done some reading and you are right Al, it looks like other tube amps would be a better match, particularly Rogue or CJ. To me it looks like the Rogue Stereo 100 would be a great match, one positive review was done using CS 2.4s, so that makes me optimistic, although I have yet to find the output impedance for this particular amp. |
thosb
looking forward in reading more about your purchase decision. Happy Listening!
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Found a set of CS 2.3s in the Audio Solutions store in Indy, they were nice enough to hook them up to a PrimaLuna Dailogue Premium HP Integrated and the sound was great, very much what I am looking for. Based on this listen, I think the Dialogue Premium HP amp would be a good match, but still not sure about how well other products in the PrimaLuna line-up would work. Surprisingly, a Rogue Atlas Magnum II was not in the same ballpark. Next step is to call Kevin at Upscale.... |
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thosbThank You for the update. Staying tuned.
Happy Listening!
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thosb OP
Almarg has given you good info heed it! The Prima Luna no matter what model, is not a good match with these speakers, it may work and sound ok to you, but you can bet your bottom dollar your not getting the best from the speakers, especially in the bass mid/bass where all the current is needed. Cheers George |
+1 @georgehifi ,
OP, Almarg does indeed give good info, disregard his advice at your own peril.
Tom |
tomcarr456 posts08-22-2018 7:18am+1 @georgehifi ,
OP, Almarg does indeed give good info, disregard his advice at your own peril.
Tom Your welcome, he has his good days, and then some diplomatic fence days, when it comes to "voodoo" in audio. Cheers George |
I had 2.3's and used a pair of modified Threshold T-50's. They put out 100 wpc in pure Class A. 2.3's love high current amps. The late Jim Thiel was not a tube guy. He really liked pairing his speakers w/Bryston amps.
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The Bryston’s might have worked well with the earlier Thiel model’s, but the later models with their sub 4 Ohm loads might be better served with alternate amplification.
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Here's what I am using right now - https://www.stereophile.com/content/krell-kav-400xi-integrated-amplifier-measurements I am not using the preamp, to my ear, using the HTR bypass and the volume control on my DAC sounds better. Like I mentioned, I love the sound of tubes and am trying to figure out the best way to integrate them into my system at a reasonable price point ($2-3000, used is fine). Ultimately, the goal is to reduce harshness in the highs and give more body to the mids. If there's a ss amp out there that would help achieve this I am all ears. Suggestions? |
^As the link suggests, not the best match for the Thiel 2.3's. Many of Krell's separate power amps would be a much better match. If you want to add tubes, I suggest doing it upstream from the amp. |
In terms of an amp, assume this would perform much better with the Thiels? https://www.stereophile.com/content/class233-ca-200-stereo-power-amplifier-measurements
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Assume the CAV-150 would be even better, as it is 6 x 150 with bridging ability? |
(((Surprisingly, a Rogue Atlas Magnum II was not in the same ballpark)))
That's cause you would of had to open it up and install the output to the 4-ohm taps to get it close to working well.
I agree that Thiels are better off with Solid state electronic amps.
If you enjoy Phase and time, correct speakers, like Thiels you may also wish to include Vandersteen 2 and 3 series ,Treo's.and Quatros
to your list as these have a much easier impdence load on an amp and work great with Tube amps and solid state.
Best,
JohnnyR
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JohnnyR - i believe you are correct re the 4 vs 8 ohm tap on the Rogue. Shame on me for not asking, I went into the shop 45 min before closing on a Saturday, no excuse for the sales guy but I get it. Guess I need to go back for another listen, or not, as advice and research has me leaning back toward solid state. Sticking with the Thiels for now, trying to get them to sound their best before I think about moving on to other speakers. Thanks for the advice! |
