Tipsonic , the Almarro looks to be quite nice . Do you have any experience with it ? Can you compare it to the Prologue II or other KT-88 based amps ?
Anyone else ?
Anyone else ?
Cayin A - 88 T , sounds great but ...
I just acquired this integrated a couple of months ago , it is my first experience with a tube amp . I must say that I really do like this amp and what it has done for my listening pleasure . However , I am not into the involved biasing procedure that is required . There for , I am looking for an integrated tube amp that would be , at least , equal to the Cayin in sound production ability and be either self/auto biasing or extremely easy to bias without removing anything , including the amp from the stand .
I am using Reference 3a De Capo i speakers in a small room , near field . These speakers are rated at 92 db. sensitivity without any crossover and have a minimum power rating of 5 watts . I prefer to listen at low levels but do crank it sometimes . I listen to classic rock and contemporary blues . The new contendor should be detailed , extended and dynamic at low listening levels .
So far I have found the Prima Luna Prologue II (auto biasing) and the VAC Avitar (biased through a front panel without the use of a meter) . Of course there is quite a difference in price with these two . I do not have the ability to audition either one of these and am relying on what is in print .
I would also like to hear about other recommendations .
I am using Reference 3a De Capo i speakers in a small room , near field . These speakers are rated at 92 db. sensitivity without any crossover and have a minimum power rating of 5 watts . I prefer to listen at low levels but do crank it sometimes . I listen to classic rock and contemporary blues . The new contendor should be detailed , extended and dynamic at low listening levels .
So far I have found the Prima Luna Prologue II (auto biasing) and the VAC Avitar (biased through a front panel without the use of a meter) . Of course there is quite a difference in price with these two . I do not have the ability to audition either one of these and am relying on what is in print .
I would also like to hear about other recommendations .
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- 18 posts total
Fi or Wright are amazing. Fi, as I understand it, no longer builds an integrated. However u may be able to find one used. Wright is coming out with an integrated. Both Fi and Wright offer simple separates, though. All self-bias. Finally, there is the Korneff stuff. Also, utterly great. He is taking a "break" though. I'm trying to get him out of retirement! |
Saki70: I have been using the Prima Luna Prologue Two happily for the past year and a half. Admittedly, auto-biasing was one of the things that made me go with the P2, as I wanted a no fuss tube amplifier with possibly some tube rolling as the only tweak that I would perform. Note: The stock tubes are pretty good, but I replaced them anyway. I replaced the stock KT 88's with Svetlana (SED) KT88's; the 12 AX7's with NOS Sylvania; and the 12AU7's with NOS Mullard CV4003. I can't say enough positive things about the P2. See my review of the P2 here . In fact I liked the P2 so much that I replaced a very good power amplifier in my other system to put in a Prologue 5. I use the P2 in a manner similar to yours ... in a small room and nearfield. This system sees more use than any other system. I didn't audition any other tube amps. I had dealt with Kevin Deal before, trusted him, and went with the P2. For a good overview of biasing and what is involved here is a good site . As for speakers, I am currently using Omega Super 3 (single driver), but would also recommend the NHT Classic line (Two or Three). Regards, Rich |
- 18 posts total