2. amps-preamps
  3. 131676-103787

Primaluna Prologue vs. Dialogue

Hi guys,

I've just posted this on another forum, so sorry for c/p but I need good info as soon as possible. :)
I've seen a lot of discussion on Primalunas here on Audiogon, so...

I've been looking for a good not so expensive tube amp to use with Tannoy Stirling SE.
I've had the opportunity to try Audio Research VSI75, Leben CS300 and Primaluna Prologue Premium.

AR is on another level, but the price is there too. AR was with KT120 while primaluna is EL34. That for sure makes a big difference, but...
Leben has that magic, but you're limited due to low power even with Stirlings (91dB) - it's ok for acoustic, vocal etc, but play some Pink Floyd and it goes flat.
Then I've tried Primaluna Prologue Premium. For the price it's one of the best amps I've tried. These are the amps I've had at home for longer audition or owned them: Rega Brio-R, Rega Elicir-R, Naim 5si, Musical Fidelity M6si, Accuphase E270, Luxman 505uX and 550AX and now I own Exposure 3010S2D. I've also listened to a lot of other stuff in the shops. Not bragging, just want to give you a perspective.
Now, I'm thinking of selling Expouse and picking up Primaluna. Since I don't like changing amps often, I was wondering should I go for Dialogue?

I've tried searching on the web but there is surprisingly low amount of info from users that have compared Prologue and Dialogue Premium int. Usually it's high praise for either.
I know the specs, but what about the sound? How it differs form Prologue to Dialogue? Is triode mode worth the price difference?

At the moment I'm not interested in Line Magnetic since I can't audition it.

Regards,
Borna


bornac
6 responses Add your response
bornac OP
2 posts
 
@tablejockey - thanks! well, that link was some interesting read indeed. :)

@saki70 - I've tried tube rolling in prologue and I've noticed a nice difference when changing from EL34 to 6L6 which I took out of some fender guitar amps. Also tried changing driver tubes and it's equally important change. 

So, to conclude, it's a fine piece of equipment and with tube rolling I'll get it to sound the way I want. I'm chasing one second hand Dialogue Premium. I'll let you know.
saki70
907 posts
 
First , I do not have any experience with the Prologue Premium .                            
I do have experience with a Prologue II Integrated if that would help . It was a nice piece and very versatile with tubes and music . I owned it for about 13 years with flawless operation .
I traded it in on a Dialogue Premium Integrated a few years ago . The Dialogue Premium is the Prologue on steroids , for me . The Dialogue does everything that the Prologue did but to a greater extent , just more of everything .
Regarding the sound...I found both units sounded like good SS with the stock tubes . Actually , if you want to stick to the EL-34 sound the stock tubes are pretty nice . It is the small tubes that really open up the sound . Especially the four inner tubes , on the Dialogue . I didn't find much of a difference rolling the two driver tubes , the outer ones or first and last from left to right . I left those as stock .  
I posted a thread about my tube rolling experience some time ago here on the 'gon . 
As above , I did not find a big difference with the Triode function and prefer to use the U/L function as well . My speakers only have a 92db. efficiency rating so maybe that has something to do with the functionality . I hope that this will help you .

Good Luck .











tablejockey
3,889 posts
 
bornac-the PL distributor@Upscale Audio  will give you solid info to your query.

i found  upgrading from the PL Prologue series to the Dialogue Premium well worth the extra expense.

Since you mentioned the ARC VSI75, thus thread may be of interest to you::
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/considering-switching-from-audio-research-to-primaluna-troube...

A blind comparison of the ARC vs PL Dialogue Premium.

bornac OP
2 posts
 
@aniwolfe - thanks! 

@linnlingo - I'm aware of flexibility regarding tubes, but only noticeable difference from usual specs mentioned is triode/ultra-linear. Nobody other than aniwolfe said anything about sound difference between the two (of all posts I've found so far). I know that specs are better than for Prologue (caps, wiring..) and am afraid that it could impact the sound in a way that it moves it towards "colder" side of things. Prologue is already not overly warm (yeah I know that tube rolling helps :) ) .

If it's just the dynamics, than it's a good change. :) 


linnlingo
173 posts
 
The Prima Luna Dialogue is a very versatile amp. It allows you to use EL-34's, KT-88's and KT-120's. You also get a choice of triode and ultra-linear modes. W/the auto biasing it's a snap to change tubes. Great build and allows you to configure the sound you like.
aniwolfe
760 posts
 
From what I understand the Dialogue has better transformers (wider bandwith) which equates to more highs and lows. Also it is set with an extra pair of driver tubes (12au7). I have heard both in my house. I don’t think they are day and night different, but I did prefer the Dialogue more. I felt it was more Dynamic.

Triode mode is sometimes nice, but overall I prefer the UL mode.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Air Tight ATC-5s
-- Free Shipping and 21-day Trial a JaguarAudioDesign.com
80x80
Conrad Johnson ART Series 3 - Anniversary Reference Triode Preamplifier
80x80
Opera Consonance Preamp T1