Primaluna Dialogue Premium vs VPI 299D?

I don't know about it's sound, but I sure like the aesthetics of the VPI---like the Marantz Model 7 pre-amp.

 The PL Dialogue Premium operates in both triode and ultralinear mode by flipping the switch on the left side? I have never heard the VPI but the PL is very versatile by swapping out multiple types of power tubes and 12AU7. 

@samzx12 The VPI operates in a similar fashion, with the ability to switch between triode and UL mode. They also carry a similar tube setup. Differences are:

Primaluna Dialogue Differentiators
* Home Theater source input allows for receivers with line outs to come into the amp as a source and bypasses the PL's volume settings.
* Has a pre-out for subs
* Has adaptive autobias (which is both good and bad in my opinion as I've had a few hotter tubes trigger warnings when I don't think they really should)

VPI 299D Differentiators
* Uses a tube rectifier (where PL's is solid state)
* Has independent bias switches and meter to measure tubes
* Is more point-to-point wiring than the PL (PL uses more circuit boards)
* Has bass and treble controls (can also be good or bad depending on how much of a purist the listener is)

I did end up swinging for the 299D since I didn't want to pass up on the opportunity, but I'd still like to hear from those who might have compared the two as I have an opportunity to return the 299D if I am not fully satisfied. I will also report back in a week or so if nobody else is able to chime in.

Hi everyone. Another 299D owner, or "1 of the 100" as we might indeed be referred to. Absolutely loving this amp and still baffled how these aren't already sold out and are being discounted by a few dealers now, which is how I got to own mine. I was told by my dealer that it's probably a perception issue with a turntable manufacturer suddenly doing an ultra limited edition tube amp out of the blue. However I think those reservations would disappear fast if the limited production numbers weren't so low and more folks had the chance to audition its remarkable sonics. As to whether it's better than the Dialogue I couldn't comment, however I would concur with the benefits thiefoflight highlights as also being major reasons for my purchasing decision. As far as the tone controls go, I was tempted to use them in the very earliest stages of run in, but since then haven't felt the slightest need to make any tweaks. Anyway, like the rest of the amp's impeccable build, they are well conceived and afford a subtle voicing change if desired.