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Amplification question - PrimaLuna Tubes vs. McIntosh Solid State

Hello all,

First post here, was looking for a little help on my new system set-up.

My sources for music will be fully digital using Roon to manage those assets. I have a PS Audio DirectStream DAC with Bridge II network card which will also be acting as the preamp. Speakers are Monitor Audio Platinum PL100 studio monitors with a REL Storm subwoofer.

I have never owned a tube system. My previous system was also a fully digital source music set-up (CDs) with Martin-Logan reQuest speakers, REL subwoofer, and Classe CA-300 amp. I have had to downsize those components due to physical space restrictions.

I honed down my purchase choices to either a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP tube amplifier, or a McIntosh MC152 solid state amplifier. These are the only two models I am willing to consider at this time to keep things focused on this discussion thread. Links are:

http://www.primaluna-usa.com/dialogue-premium-hp-power-amplifier

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=amplifiers&ProductId=MC1...

This system will be going into my office, and will be run pretty much 8 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. As far as the type of material I listen to, it is a very eclectic mix of rock, classical, jazz, pop, etc. Very often I get to crank the system up to seriously fun levels when I am doing graphic design, Photoshop, and other creative tasks.

I would love some feedback from the community here on which choice, tube or amp, they would put into this system. Also, what kind of service life and realistic maintenance would be required with the PrimaLuna tubes being my first tube component if I go in that direction.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Cheers,

Sam


samster777
stfoth
435 posts
 
My house has four gates. Both it and most 12ax7 gear sound better than your smart phone.

I’m not sure "tube boosters" generally have the take that "[their] ears are more accurate than your instruments." Pure mathematical, unweighted "accuracy," in most cases, is often conceded. Those measurements you reference, however, aren’t the be-all, unless you get more satisfaction looking at graphs and such than actually listening. Even among solid state, the better measuring item quite often doesn’t sound better than what you might claim would be an inferior item.

That said, I go both ways.

--Respect for your service, btw.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 

"How did Mac get in the mix?"

In case you missed reading the title of this thread, that’s what the OP asked. By the way, I think this thread has run its course. Time to move on.

stfoth
435 posts
 
@kalali--it ain't over until OP tells us what he or she went with!  :)
vtvmtodvm
49 posts
 
Stfoth---Thanks, but, in the '50s, failure to report was punishable by a maximum penalty of up to five years in Federal prison and/or a fine of $250,000. Back then, draft duty was just like using vacuum tubes: No other option.
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
243 posts
 
I have the PL HP integrated. This Is my second PL, and for over five years now, I've had no problems and no need to replace tubes, except for the fun of tube rolling. 

In contrast to the comments above, you can have one power cord to cycle it all.  I turn on one switch,and the TT is ready, phono amp ready, and PL quickly cycles. Primaluna amps do not require 30 min or more to warm up. Mine is ready in about a minute, and sounds great. 

Putting the tube vs SS debate aside, the PL is a terrific sounding piece. I think mac gear is nice, but I much prefer the sound of the Primaluna over any mac gear I've heard. 
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