Power amp to suit Eversolo Pre/Streamer/DAC

Oscar Zero · April 8

I've got a Prima Luna integrated amp driving a pair of Lenehan ML1s. Very happy with how it performs, but I'm looking to add a streamer/DAC, either an Eversolo DMP-A8 or DMP-A10.

So I'm considering replacing my integrated with, for example, a A8 and a PS Audio Stellar S300. Given that I'd be buying those two components from different dealers, it's hard to test them together. Another idea would be one of the Eversolo power amps, but I'd need convincing of that. Or maybe there's other approaches I should consider.

Opinions and suggestions welcome.

aussievintage · April 8

22 minutes ago, Pooyan said:

I've got a Prima Luna integrated amp driving a pair of Lenehan ML1s. Very happy with how it performs, but I'm looking to add a streamer/DAC, either an Eversolo DMP-A8 or DMP-A10.

So I'm considering replacing my integrated with, for example, a A8 and a PS Audio Stellar S300.

I don't understand why buying a streamer/dac makes you think you need to change the power amp? You say you are happy with the existing amp and the speakers. Just plug in the Streamer and enjoy.

Oscar Zero · April 8

22 minutes ago, aussievintage said:

I don't understand why buying a streamer/dac makes you think you need to change the power amp?

I was planning to change the amp anyway, for reasons that are off-topic for this thread. So maybe I should have said "if I'm already going to replace my integrated, ..."

rantan · April 8

23 minutes ago, aussievintage said:

I don't understand why buying a streamer/dac makes you think you need to change the power amp? You say you are happy with the existing amp and the speakers. Just plug in the Streamer and enjoy.

I was thinking precisely the same thing.

You say that you are happy with the sound as it stands, so just add the streamer of your choice.

Also I wouldn't personally be ditching the PL for a PS Audio Stella either

Oscar Zero · April 8

1 hour ago, rantan said:

You say that you are happy with the sound as it stands, so just add the streamer of your choice.

Also I wouldn't personally be ditching the PL for a PS Audio Stella either

As mentioned above, I'm planning to change amps anyway, for other reasons.

However I'm interested to hear more about your comment of PL vs PS Audio Stellar. Obviously they're very different products, but I'd be interested to hear more about your opinions on them comparatively.

psychometrics1 · April 8

I own an Eversolo DMP-A8 and use it in my study system. I tried a few power amplifiers with it but decided that the preamp section was the weak link. I have also owned a few items in the Stellar range and was very disappointed (I do use PS Audio BHK pre, mono blocks, streamer and DAC in my main system so generally like the brand!). The A8 streamer/DAC is fine so I agree with others about retaining the integrated amp or buying a different amp if you wish but suggest not just adding a power amp. Good luck!

Batty · April 8

Slightly OT, but I own an A6, I don't use the internal DAC, my AresII does those duties, then the chain goes, Elekit TU8500, First Watt M2x (DIY) then Mike Lenehan's LK1 speakers.

I understand that your system is further up the pecking order than mine, but I find the A6 DAC not as relaxing and smooth as the Ares, The 8500 is a valve pre into Mosfet power amp of 25 watts of class A, I imagine my LK1 have a similar house sound to your ML1.

It is a shame I am moving house atm otherwise I'd invite you over.

I am not moving too far just 160km into the mid north, so maybe a listen is not off the cards in the not too distant future.

gemini07 · April 8

I'm a bit confused here. Your Prima Luna is an integrated and the PS Audio Stellar is obviously a power amp, so you'd need to identify a suitable preamp to perform volume control and source selection, etc. The choice of preamp can markedly influence sound character, so if you do go for the Stellar, careful selection of a preamp will be critical. (I would not recommend using the volume control in the streamer/DAC.)

I trialed the PS Audio Stellar 300 courtesy of a local dealer a few years ago, when I had a pair of ML 2's. I found it stark, thin, one dimensional and soulless. It stayed in my system for about two hours...

I also endorse other members' suggestions to stick with the Prima Luna. If you are determined to part with it, perhaps indicate a price range so members can provide realistic options. As always, try to listen to components in your own set up.

Oscar Zero · April 8

Lots of interesting info and good suggestions in this thread, thanks. I’m now considering a different course of action, possibly replacing the PrimaLuna with a solid state integrated (circa $5k budget), and using an A8 as an input to that.

2 hours ago, Batty said:

I am not moving too far just 160km into the mid north, so maybe a listen is not off the cards in the not too distant future

I visit the Mid North fairly often, so that might work.

gemini07 · April 8

3 minutes ago, Pooyan said:

Lots of interesting info and good suggestions in this thread, thanks. I’m now considering a different course of action, possibly replacing the PrimaLuna with a solid state integrated (circa $5k budget), and using an A8 as an input to that.

I visit the Mid North fairly often, so that might work.

You may wish to consider the Leema Tucana integrated that was recently listed in the classifieds. A very capable amp for well below its original RRP.

Silver Audiophile · April 12

I totally understand @Pooyan. The PrimaLuna integrated is nice dabble into the world of tube amps. My advise would be to pair up the Eversolo Pre/streamer/DAC with a quality SET tube amp such as the Sunvalley SV-91B. This is a stereo 10Wx2 channel pure class A single ended triode power (300B). It can effortlessly drive your 86dB efficient speakers in ever a large room. The Single ended triode amp will nicely balance out the rest of the solid state gear in your chain. I have mine driving my large Duntech Senators in my large room (YouTube clip below).

Edited April 12 by Silver Audiophile

Oscar Zero · April 13

I did a bunch more thinking and mulled over various options. My preferences won't align with everyone else's, but I've decided to go ahead with the Eversolo DMP-A8 as a streamer/dac/pre, and temporarily use the Prima Luna integrated as a power amplifier; the PL has a HT bypass which bypasses the preamp portion of the PL.

And yes, I've double-checked the connections and levels to make sure I don't kill the PL :)

My CD player is now using the DAC in the A8 rather than analogue outputs to the amplifier, at a quick listen it already sounds better, I'll do some better A/B testing tonight. I appreciate the A8 isn't the world's best DAC or pre, but it's very good at its price point. I was tempted to go with the A10 but the bang-for-the-buck just wasn't there.

That's phase 1 done; phase 2 is to (at a later date) replace the PL integrated with a proper power amplifier; at this stage I'm leaning towards a Prima Luna Evo power amplifier. My room is smallish, and my ML1s don't need a lot of power, and (most importantly) I like the sound of the PL with the ML1s. I might look at other similar power amplifiers (such as suggested by @Silver Audiophile) but that's still months away.

psychometrics1 · April 13

That makes a lot of sense. The A8 streamer DAC is pretty good. You can hear the difference between the A8 pre and using the pre in your Prima Luna on a range of music before moving to stage 2. Happy listening.

Silver Audiophile · April 13

10 minutes ago, Pooyan said:

I like the sound of the PL with the ML1s. I might look at other similar power amplifiers (such as suggested by @Silver Audiophile) but that's still months away.

Good initial plan

When you are ready to progress, the Japanese sure know their SET amps. I've owned the PL pre and power amp, and now own 9 different Japanese SET amps and 4 tube pre amps.

Hint: the PL is nice but doesn't hold a candle to the Japanese made tube amps. The later has more power and sounds beyond description better than the PL.

Below: One of my other 300B monoblocks (not Sunvalley) with matching 300B pre amp (this triplet set came as a completed package).

Silver Audiophile · April 13

One of my 845 SET tube stereo amps. I love all nine of tube amps, but this 845 is just really special, all Japanese Tango transformers, interstage transformers, 6SN7 drives 10Y drives 845 tubes!