Round 2: PrimaLuna HP integrated vs. McIntosh C2300/MC601
This will be short. The PL integrated simply sounds more like real instruments in real space. More air. Better detail. Deeper soundstage. Better separation of each instrument. Vocals have more body. Much better microdynamics (plucking of strings especially).
The Mac gear still sounds wonderful, but the soundstage is quite flat. The more powerful amps do seem to dig a bit deeper. This combo seems slightly more forgiving. Better at rocking out, especially with more poorly recorded heavy metal (the more forgiving nature keeps the ears from bleeding at higher volume levels).
This makes me even more want to try the DiaLogue Premium preamp and HP monoblock amps. Would the doubling in power over the integrated lead to deeper bass? Some KT150's for power tubes and NOS Mullards for the preamp driver tubes?
Gotta find a way to audition that setup with my Elipsa SE's.
__________________
Kevin
|