Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Primare A30.1 Integrated Amplifier (SS) by Abadan

Model:	A30.1
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	Unknown
Description:	100 W, Dual mono, solid state
Manufacturer URL:	Primare
Manufacturer URL:	Primare

Review by Abadan ( A ) on May 28, 2003 at 06:35:05
IP Address: 213.121.212.121

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for the A30.1

This review is for a Primare A30.1 integrated amplifier.

Prior to buying this amplifier, I used a Naim Nait 3R for about five years. I was beginning to find that the Naim, whilst a very good amplifier in it's own right, did not exert sufficient grip over my Sonus Faber Concerto's.

So, I decided to try other amplifiers. The amplifiers I auditioned were: Naim NAC112/NAP150 pre/power, Unison Research SR1 (hybrid) and the Primare A30.1.

I found the Unison Research too dark and warm and also not very natural compared to the other two amplifiers. The Naim Pre/Power combination was good. It's timing and musicality were excellent, with a good tonal balance all round.

But, the Primare A30.1 was the star of the audition. My dealer let me take it home and keep it for about two weeks before I decided to purchase. It is dual mono, weighs around 15 kg and is very well finished. It also has one set of balanced inputs. It sounds much more natural compared to the amplifiers mentioned above with more than enough control and grip. The tonal balance is excellent with a particularly well defined (but not disproportionate) midband. I mainly listen to jazz (Stan Getz, Diana Krall etc) and this amplifier complements my Sonus Faber Concerto's and Copland CD player very well. The only complaint I have is regarding the quality of the remote control handset supplied with the unit. It is made of plastic and looks cheap (probably because it is).

Product Weakness: Cheap remote.
Product Strengths: Smooth sound, good bass, treble and midband. very natural tonal balance.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Primare A30.1
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Copland CDA266
Speakers:	Sonus Faber Concerto
Cables/Interconnects:	Musical Fidelity Nu Vista interconnects, Transparent Music Link Plus interconnects, Kimber 4TC speaker cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	23 feet x 12 feet x
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Russ Andrews Yello powerblock, Kimber High Current PowerKords, Russ Andrews Oak Cone feet, Nordost Pulsar Points, Russ Andrews Silencer
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Cheap remote.
Product Strengths:	Smooth sound, good bass, treble and midband. very natural tonal balance.