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Which integrated amp for better musicality - Parasound Hint vs Primaluna vs ???

I've been having a blast looking up threads and doing some research but my dilemma is this - I want to get more enjoyment out of my music (don't we all). My Anthem and Oppo setup honestly sound great but I can't help but think that maybe I am missing out. I am thinking of upgrading some of my gear by either adding an integrated amp or separates. I'd love to hear some recommendations. Based on some reading, I am considering: 

1. Parasound Halo Integrated 6
2. Primaluna Dialogue Premium or Premium HP

My current setup is as follows: 

Oppo 105D
Anthem MRX 510 AVR
Ascend Acoustic Sierra RAAL Towers and Horizon Center

Any recommendations or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. 
freesole
freesole OP
146 posts
 
@bradf thanks for the suggestions. I have Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers and the Horizon Center (all with the RAAL ribbon tweeter). I haven’t heard of Decware before but will certainly check it out.

@avanti1960 @meadowman I’ll have to do some research on Rogue. Have you compared those to the Primaluna’s and the McIntosh’s?

freesole OP
146 posts
 
@kearny @musicloversaudio so many great suggestions. I will have to do some research on both the Octave as well as the Luxman as I have not heard those but have heard the Primaluna, Parasound, and Naim. The more I think about it, the Parasound has more features than I need and I want to focus on what's important to me which is enjoyment from my music. 
firstnot's avatar
firstnot
115 posts
 
I vote with Waltersayless. LM is musical!!
Have read very provocative statements about Lyndy
and the room correction equipment. Do more listening 
before buying. Enjoy the journey!!
bradf's avatar
bradf
288 posts
 
I went to the Ascend Acoustics web site and found the specs. for the Sierra Towers.  Power wise, the PrimaLuna (both Premium and the Premium HP),Decware ZMA and LM 508ia are all good matches, with respect to the impedance curve, phase angle and speaker sensitivity. 

I also agree with waltersayless regarding the LM 805ia but I think its worthy to point out that the tubes used (805, 300B, 6SN7, and 6SL7) with this circuit can be limited and costly.  See watersayless AG discussion;  https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/line-magnetic-508ia-and-the-elusive-805-tube 


http://www.tonepublications.com/review/decware-zen-mystery-amp/


waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
581 posts
 
@bradf 

It turns out that the stock tubes--even the 805--were not that expensive. I bought a replacement pair of 805s for about $90 each. I know some owners have replaced the 805 with much more expensive tubes, but I find that the stock tubes sound great!

The other tube types--300B, 6SN7, and 6LS7--are plentiful and vary greatly in cost, depending on what you are willing to spend to try different flavors. The stock tubes are really not that expensive. You have lots of choices for other types of tubes in these circuits. Only the 805 has limited options, in my opinion.

In short, this is the best tube amp I have ever owned. I am considering selling it only because I am currently trying a Lyngdorf 3400 and I am benefiting from the room correction and convenience. I just wish it had that wonderful SET magic that the LM 508ia has in spades.


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