Digital Precision Meets Tube Warmth: dCS Lina DAC X & PrimaLuna Event
Thursday, 3rd July - An opportunity to experience two beautifully matched systems where modern digital conversion meets the timeless appeal of tube amplification
At Martins Hi-Fi, we've always believed that the best audio experiences come from thoughtful component matching rather than simply assembling expensive equipment. This July, we're delighted to present a special demonstration day that perfectly demonstrates this philosophy, showcasing how dCS's acclaimed digital expertise pairs beautifully with PrimaLuna's refined tube amplification.
The Art of Musical Balance
There's something deeply satisfying about hearing a system where each component enhances the others, creating a whole that transcends the sum of its parts. The combination of dCS digital precision with PrimaLuna's tube character achieves exactly this balance—the clinical accuracy of world-class digital conversion warmed and humanised by carefully designed tube circuitry.
System One: The Separate Components Approach
PrimaLuna Pre/Power+ dCS Lina DAC X + Fyne Audio F703SP
The heart of our first demonstration system is the new dCS Lina DAC X, representing the latest evolution in dCS's approach to digital music playback. Built around their celebrated Ring DAC technology, this full-width chassis incorporates improved power supply isolation that translates directly into cleaner, more resolved sound reproduction. As a network music player, it handles high-resolution streaming from TIDAL, Qobuz, and Spotify with equal aplomb, whilst offering both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs for maximum system flexibility.
The digital signal then passes to PrimaLuna's pre/power combination, where their signature clarity and detail emerge through what can only be described as musical intelligence. Their Adaptive AutoBias system is particularly clever—allowing you to experiment with virtually any power tube without the usual technical complications. This isn't just convenience; it's freedom to tailor your system's voice to your musical preferences. The construction quality speaks volumes too, with silver-plated, oxygen-free copper conductors and Teflon dielectric—proper materials applied where they matter most.
Completing this system, the Fyne Audio F703SP speakers employ F1 Series technology with a 250mm IsoFlare point source driver featuring a 3" titanium dome. This design philosophy reduces distortion whilst providing remarkable coherence across the entire frequency range. With 94dB sensitivity and Fyne's clever BassTrax system, these towers deliver bass extension down to 24Hz whilst maintaining the clarity and detail that makes long listening sessions a pleasure rather than a chore.
System Two: Integrated Elegance
PrimaLuna Integrated Amplifier + dCS Lina DAC
Sometimes the most satisfying approach is the most direct one. Our second system pairs the original dCS Lina DAC—delivering the same Ring DAC technology and streaming capabilities in their more compact format—with PrimaLuna's integrated amplifier approach.
The PrimaLuna integrated combines tube warmth with thoroughly modern practicality. Features include triode/ultralinear switching for different musical moods, accommodation for various tube types from EL34 to KT150, and that same AutoBias circuit that makes tube rolling a genuine pleasure rather than a technical exercise.
Why These Combinations Sing Together
Musical Philosophy
The beauty of pairing dCS precision with PrimaLuna's tube character lies in achieving that elusive balance between accuracy and musicality. The Fyne speakers provide coherent sound reproduction that reveals everything the electronics can deliver, whilst the tube amplification adds the harmonic richness and spatial warmth that makes digital sources truly engaging. It's not about revolutionary concepts—it's about well-matched components each doing what they do best, in service of the music.
Engineering Excellence
These manufacturers share a commitment to proper engineering that shows in every aspect of their work. PrimaLuna employs quality resistors, capacitors, and point-to-point wiring throughout their range—no shortcuts, no compromises. dCS hand-assembles and tests everything at their Cambridgeshire facility, maintaining the exacting standards that have made them a reference in professional studios worldwide. Fyne's attention to detail includes cryogenic crossover treatment, Claritycap capacitors, and WBT Nextgen terminals—the kind of considered engineering that delivers long-term musical satisfaction.
Future-Proofing Your Investment
Both dCS and PrimaLuna understand that premium audio equipment represents a significant investment. That's why both companies offer software updates and flexibility in tube selection, ensuring your system can evolve with both technology and your changing musical tastes.
What to Expect During Your Visit
System One Experience:
- The scale and dynamics that only separate pre/power amplification can deliver
- Effortless high-resolution streaming with proper analogue volume control
- Full-range musical reproduction from the F703SP towers that fills the room naturally
System Two Experience:
- The convenience and coherence of integrated amplification without sonic compromise
- Tube warmth married to modern reliability and flexibility
- A more intimate setup that suits most domestic environments perfectly
The Martins Hi-Fi Difference
For over three decades, we've been helping Norwich music lovers discover the joy of truly exceptional sound reproduction. Our approach has always been about understanding not just what equipment does, but how it serves the music you love. This evening represents exactly that philosophy—we've carefully selected and matched these components because we know they work beautifully together, creating musical experiences that justify their premium positioning.
Rather than simply demonstrating expensive equipment, we'll be showing you how thoughtful system building can transform your relationship with recorded music. Whether you're drawn to the scale and flexibility of separate components or the elegance of integrated solutions, both systems offer compelling arguments for investing in quality reproduction.
We'll have both systems set up and ready to demonstrate throughout the day, with a selection of music that showcases their respective strengths. Come and experience what happens when digital precision meets tube warmth, and discover why these combinations represent such exceptional value in the world of premium audio.
Join us on Thursday, 3rd July, and hear for yourself why the combination of dCS digital expertise and PrimaLuna tube craft creates something truly special.
For more information or to arrange your visit on this special demonstration day, contact us at Martins Hi-Fi. As always, our expertise is at your service in selecting the perfect system for your musical journey.
