Primaluna tube amps...

I've listened to several PrimaLuna products and find all of them to be excellent in build quality and top notch performers for the price. I also agree with Albert's comment about Kevin Deal. I have had many dealings with Kevin through the years and he has always been wonderful.

I've been using PrimaLuna products (PL One, Three, and Five)for over three years. They are far from CRAP! and at least competitive in their price range. Well built, very flexible tone wise with tube selection, and hassle free with either the units themselves or their distributor Kevin Deal.

However, I have found that there is far more synergy between PL units than used seperately with other amps/pre-amps, at least with the Three and Five amp/pre-amp. As I read reviews this caveat seems to extend to some of their high end amps as well. I have not liked the Three with other amps (except a Mesa Baron) as the upper frequencies seem a bit rolled, nor the Five with other pre-amps, as the bass really thins out. But that is just my experience.

When I find myself with an extra $10K or so I'll start exploring some better stuff.

I own the Prologue One and it is an outstanding integrated amp with dynamic, musical sound. It is built like a tank and has point to point wiring. You can tube roll it to your heart's delight because it is self-biaing. It received a high recommendation from Absolute Sound, no sliuches when it comes to rating equipment. I listen to mine every day. Anyone who says PrimaLuna is crap hasn't heard one.

My sense is that those who say that they are crap are just painting them with the same brush as every other product made in China and this pushes hot buttons for some people. But the Primaluna amps that I have heard, are well made and sound good. There are some nice American made alternatives. The Rogue integrateds are nice and include phono stages as well. If you are looking for seperates, Quicksilver makes some nice monos starting at a grand a pair. If country of origin is not of issue, ASL and Jolida get mixed reviews but make some interesting products.

I am not sure how well my Prologue Two will match with differ speakers, but when I auditioned Prima, for the first time, Sonus Faber Auditor M monitors sounded simply wonderful, CD player was Ayre CX7E. Then I paired my Canton CD100 with it and was blown away, never thought such sound can be produced from speakers like this. I already rolled pre amp section tubes and the sound become less lush/tuby, but more open, airy and detailed without loosing the musicality. Right now looking for some KT88 upgrade, which possible, bring this baby to the next level. Speaking of power tubes rolling, its endless: KT88,6550, KT90, EL-34, KT77, 6CA7, 6L6GC, KT66, 7581, EL37, and any of their equivalents. Means, you can tune the sound to your liking. Of course, the most influence comes from pre amp tubes, but the choice over there is more than enough to satisfy any needs. So, if someone says that all this are CRAP, their ego is just hanging on their ears. Just go and audition one.