Word of caution, you have to be careful with used NOS. They should come from a reliable source and be properly tested. Make sure they are a matched pair, or your system levels and tonal quality may vary from left to right. Personally I try to stick with unused NOS, since you never know how hard they have been used, or if they have been used for some unauthorized purpose, such as basting a beer can chicken over a holiday weekend.
Owners of "Giant Killers"?
We often read of folks who have heard "Giant Killer" products: amps, preamps, digital sources...
We also often read about products that are tried, and are "excellent and worth the audition", but are not chosen for the listeners's system because of a better product.
I'm wondering how many Audiogoners actually own a "Giant Killer"?
Has someone heard a component that offers great value, but beyond the dollar value offers perfomance that has truly been good enough to replace the "Giant"?
We also often read about products that are tried, and are "excellent and worth the audition", but are not chosen for the listeners's system because of a better product.
I'm wondering how many Audiogoners actually own a "Giant Killer"?
Has someone heard a component that offers great value, but beyond the dollar value offers perfomance that has truly been good enough to replace the "Giant"?
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- 43 posts total
The Prima Luna Prologue 2 integrated tube amp available from Upscale Audio is one of the best amps that I have ever heard in 35 years in this hobby (I am 48 years old). I paid $1345 and have never been so pleased with any component that I have purchased. I actually feel that at $1345 it is a bargain and can't think of another amp in the up to $5000 range, that would better it. I am so pleased with its performance, that I have sold the solid state Musical Fidelity power amp in my main system (a $3000 A300 CR) to buy another Prima Luna. Yeah, I am a fan. In experimenting with what speakers to use with my Prima Luna (I currently use single driver Omega Super 3's (list $540), I tried a pair of NHT SB2 ($400 list) for about a month and the system produced some of the most emotional, nuanced music that I have ever experienced. No other amp that I tried in close to two years, got that type of performance from the NHT SB2. If the $1000 plus category for an integrated amp is too steep, go with the NAD C320BEE at $400. It may not pull on you as much emotionally, but it gets so many other things right. I can not think of another amp below $1000 that betters the NAD. Once you pass the $1000 range, save up for the Prima Luna. Speakers and CD Players make this discussion too complicated, so I'll quit while I'm ahead of the game. Regards, Rich |
- 43 posts total