Amplifier Dilemma

[suixt]

I'm in front of a crossroad and would like some assistance with my dilemma.

Have a pair of LS50s + a sub and I want to upgrade my amp audio set-up.
After spending some time looking at the available options I have a shortlist of 2 alternatives. The Solid State and the Tube one:

Solid State:
- Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier

• Integrated DAC - Latest generation ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M)
• 160 Watts x 2 @ 8 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven)
• 240 Watts x 2 @ 4 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven)
• Power amp circuit topology designed by legendary John Curl
• Direct amplifier input to bypass preamp section
• High bias class A/AB operation

Tube:
- Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier

• Inputs: 5 pairs RCA, 1 pair home-theater bypass
• Outputs: 4 & 8 ohms
• Subwoofer output: RCA. Headphone output: ¼" stereo jack.
• Rated output power into 8 ohms, 1% THD: triode mode, 40Wpc (EL34, 16dBW), 42Wpc (KT88, 16.23dBW), 45Wpc (KT120, 16.53dBW); ultralinear mode, 70Wpc (EL34, 18.45dBW), 73Wpc (KT88, 18.63dBW), 85Wpc (KT120, 19.3dBW).
• Frequency response, ±1dB: 7Hz–65kHz (EL34), 7Hz–70kHz (KT88), 7Hz–75kHz (KT120). THD (1W/1kHz): <0.1%. Signal/noise: 92dB (EL34, KT88), 93dB (KT120).
• Input sensitivity: 320mV (EL34, KT88), 360mV (KT120).
• Input impedance: 100k ohms

- DAC (requires external DAC)
Need some help for some quality DACs that might complement nicely the Primaluna Tube option - Budget for DAC: ~ 1000$

I understand that it's mostly a matter of taste in the end if one goes with ss or tube, but do you foresee any major issues with any of the two set-ups?

 

[mtrycrafts]

I'm in front of a crossroad and would like some assistance with my dilemma.

Have a pair of LS50s + a sub and I want to upgrade my amp audio set-up.
After spending some time looking at the available options I have a shortlist of 2 alternatives. The Solid State and the Tube one:

Solid State:
- Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier

• Integrated DAC - Latest generation ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M)
• 160 Watts x 2 @ 8 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven)
• 240 Watts x 2 @ 4 Ohms (RMS, both channels driven)
• Power amp circuit topology designed by legendary John Curl
• Direct amplifier input to bypass preamp section
• High bias class A/AB operation

...

That speaker is not very sensitive 85 dB spl. But, depending how loud and how far the listening distance is, An amp at least 100 watts is what you need.

 

[PENG]

- DAC (requires external DAC)
Need some help for some quality DACs that might complement nicely the Primaluna Tube option - Budget for DAC: ~ 1000$

I understand that it's mostly a matter of taste in the end if one goes with ss or tube, but do you foresee any major issues with any of the two set-ups?

I have tried quite a few DACs in the past several years and found little difference in their sound quality but subjectively I prefer Oppo's HA-1, mainly because I can use it as a preamp as well. Otherwise the <$200 xduoo-TA01 is an excellent deal. It too can be used as a tube preamp as well, but it is essentially just an USB DAC&headphone amp. The relatively cheap xduoo has a neat feature that allows the RCA jacks to be used as both inputs and outputs. Between the two integrated, IMO the Parasound is clearly a better choice.

 

[suixt]

thanks a lot
yeah these small things are thirsty for power.

The Oppo DAC looks fan-tastic! Might take a look at the 2nd hand market

 

[slipperybidness]

Parasound all the way

 

[DD66000]

Parasound imo, is the clear winner, with ESS DAC..@160wpc, will drive the LS50.

 

[suixt]

thanks for the comments guys!

 

[Don G.]

I use a Crown 2502. Over 400 wpc into 8 ohms and 750 into 4. Has all the headroom you will ever need and the new model has some really nice features. I have never heard the fan come on and I have never approached the light that is within 20% of clipping. Speakers I drive are a little more efficient than yours, but not much. Sounds great, costs less than $600 and will drive just about any speaker you are likely to want.

 

[suixt]

went for the Parasound HINT in the end. thanks for all the input

 

[KenM10759]

That's an incredibly good unit, you will be AMAZED at what comes out of the LS50's now. Please report back with impressions when you're up and running. You did the speakers justice.