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Wells Audio / AVA Synergy / PrimaLuna DiaLouge Premium HP

Hi all,

I am looking to upgrade my amplifier to power my Salk Audio HT2-TL’s. I’m hoping that with your help, I can decide between there potential options. Here’s a couple bullet points which may help your appreciated guidance:

  • My signal chain is Mac mini > Chord Hugo TT > Cambridge Audio 840A V2 > Salk HT2-TL]
  • I’m running the speakers without a subwoofer, so I would like something that doesn’t skimp on the low end.
  • I’m looking for the silk, buttery, in the room sound, with three dimensionality.
  • I listen at low level late night listening around 40% of the time, medium level 40% of the time, loud "reference" levels 20% of the time.
  • The speakers offer bi-wiring, but I have never taken advantage of it.

Right now I believe I’ve settled on three options:

  1. Wells Audio Majestic Intergraded w/ Internal Upgrades. The upgrades will make the unit sound like the Innamorata according to Jeff Wells.
  2. AVA Synergy 450 Power Amp w/ AVA Tube Preamp
  3. PrimaLuna DiaLouge Premium HP Intergraded

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts between these options?
avdweeb
schubert
4,867 posts
 
YUP .
avdweeb OP
11 posts
 
Well at this point I think it's going to be between the PrimaLuna and Wells Audio... This'll be tough!!
jriggy's avatar
jriggy
292 posts
 
"Well[s] at this point." 

Good thinking! (;  
avdweeb OP
11 posts
 
Hi all,

I’ve been thinking more about this, and since I’m really interested in trying tubes, I’m leaning towards the PL and a few of its competitors. Does anyone have any thoughts on:

  • Jolida 3502S w/ KT150’s (~$2,000 new)
  • PrimaLuna Dialouge Premium HP w/ EL34's (~$3500-3900 used)
  • Ayon Spirit III w/ KT-150’s ($3750-$4200 used)
Is the jump between these product’s pricing worth it, or if I did an upgrade to the Jolida adding the Bybee parts that contribute to making the Wells sing for $500, would that help close the gap ask still come on $1000+ cheaper?
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
476 posts
 
I have the Jolida Fusion 3502 in silver. I bought it with EL34’s, but several months ago put KT150’s in it. It sounds way better than a $2K amp would suggest. I think it was around $1600 as delivered and I spent an additional $400 on the KT150’s. Biasing can be done with the built-in LED’s or with a voltmeter and a tiny screwdriver. It sounds wonderful. Open, airy, 3D, great vocals, slightly sweet in tone with a big soundstage and plenty of bass. This is truly a great amp to start with tubes. With the KT150’s, I think power is up to about 85wpc, but feels like more.

I do want to try the Primaluna HP series one day (mainly because of auto bias, bad tube indicator and long tube life), but I don’t plan on selling the Jolida.
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