Considering switching from Audio Research to PrimaLuna, troube with VS115 amp

I have no experience with the Prima Luna amps, but I do own a Prima Luna CD player (the Classic 8) and pass along my impressions in case they are relevant. For the money (which is a lot less than ARC or other high-end payers cost) the fit and finish and build quality of CD-8 is indeed impressive (a quality that I assume applies to their amps and pre-amps as well.) I did have a problem with the player early on, which turned out to be a real inconvenience because, at the time-- roughly three years ago -- Prima Luna did not have an adequate customer care and servicing operation up and running in the US. Deal first directed me to an "authorized" service center about 30 minutes drive from me, which turned out to be the home of a guy who repaired audio gear out of his living room. He tried twice, but failed both times to diagnose the problem, let alone fix it. I was, at this point, ready to give up on Prima Luna which, although designed in the Netherlands, is manufactured in China. Keep reading, however, because the story has a happy ending... 

Deal subsequently directed me to another repair person, this one based in New Jersey. He found the problem right away, fixed it and  and player has been working flawlessly since then. So my impression is that they have improved their servicing capability. (Quality control in the Chinese manufacturing process has, as far as I understand, also improved significantly, over the period in question.) And the sound? Best and most analogue-like sounding CD player I've ever heard in its price class ($3K). I haven't heard them all, of course, but the lower-end Esoterics (those in the 5-6K class don't hold a candle to it, in terms of the Prima Luna's deep yet well defined bass, its smooth, mellifluous mid-range and pristine treble. So, if the other products in the Prima Luna line are as good as the CD-8 (and if Deal has resolved the servicing department's growing pains... and do question him about this before you buy!), I'd say go for it... And do let me know your experience if you do, as I'm considering replacing both my aging ARC amp and my even older Sonic Frontiers SLF-2 pre-amp. Hope this helps. Bests

Michael         

Spearit Sound has a Conrad Johnson LP125SA Tube Amp at around $4999. Plenty of power at 125wpc. Very quiet and made in the USA.

I know about the mystique of tube equipment, but if you get a well made great sounding solid state it will give you pleasure with no heartache.  I use Ayre....if you can find a used piece you made a great investment.  They never go bad.

The Rogers stuff is guaranteed for life, but less expensive amps (my Inspire SEP was around 1200 bucks) would have to be repaired 8 times or so to make up the difference in cost. I don’t care how "precious" the "parts in a box" are claimed to be, an amp is still "parts in a box," and both my Single Ended Hand Wired guitar amp (Burriss Royal Bluesman) and my Single Ended Hand Wired SEP stereo amp list for a little over a grand (although newer Inspire stuff is around 1600 bucks or so), with bespoke USA assembled bits including groovy wire and transformers and things, and the guitar amp includes a preamp and spring reverb. No reverb in any Rogers or ARC amp I can see…maybe the Primaluna has reverb (note to the humorless: that was a joke). This post is guaranteed for life.

This is a really interesting discussion. I am in Minnesota, so ARC is a local company. They are well represented in the area by some big dealers. I’ve heard so many good things about the sound quality, but haven’t really auditioned them due to the cost.

So, this discussion is an eye opener. I’m really surprised how many have commented that the gear is unreliable (stated in different ways above, but still meaning unreliable). It sounds like ARC is hard on tubes, and when tubes fail, it causes other things to break, and then requires it to be sent back to ARC, or taken to a repair shop. I cannot believe that a tube failing means you need service! And, even more strange to me is that so many people say these issues are "normal" and seemingly acceptable in very expensive equipment. I don’t agree, no matter how good it sounds.  

I had a PrimaLuna Dialogue One for about five years. In that time, it never had a reason to go back to the shop. I did have a few tubes wear out. For example, some NOS 12AU7 that didn’t last very long. When it happened, I heard something odd in the speaker, the unit shut down, and I was able to test and replace the bad tubes. No problem after replacing tubes. I’d have been pissed if I had to send it back for that reason.

Now, I have a PL Dialogue Premium HP. I love it. It’s so very flexible, easy to swap tubes, rock solid in terms of performance and build quality. I don’t want to jinx it, but I have no reason to think I’d ever take it back for repairs. In my mind, I spent a lot of money... $4k is nothing to sneeze at. But, I got a ton of quality and good value.

Just within the past few days, a friend was here and heard my system for the first time. We weren’t "listening" to music... we were hanging out playing pool. After a short while, she said, "I’m coming back next week, and you are taking me shopping to get ... THAT. It’s awesome!". To me, that’s enough said right there.

I could easily have the ARC equipment, but I’d have paid more. And, I’d be worried that if something goes wrong, I’d be driving it over to Plymouth MN for repair. Plus, they only suggest their own tubes, at twice the cost of everyone else. I may get a bit better sound quality, but realistically, how good can it get? I love my PrimaLuna! I’ve upgraded on the PL path, and would have no qualms about buying it again. Plus, PL is so easy on tubes (they last) and it’s easy to roll tubes. I don’t see a reason to take the chance on the ARC unless it’s truly a night and day difference in sound quality, and the higher cost doesn’t matter to your budget.