Which would you pick? PrimaLuna

Newbee, this is exactly what I was looking for. So, if I read you correctly, making the swap will give me more power, but generally lower sound quality? I suspected that... this must be the big difference from Prologue to Dialogue. Thank you!

Yep! And, FWIW, I found the Dialogue 2 has better bass and a warmer tone than I could ever get with the 3/5 combo. I also found the transparency of the PL3 wasn't exactly SOTA either, not that the Dialogue 2 is exceptional in that respect either. Overall I found the Dialogue to be just more 'musical', i.e. it was much easier to get lost in the music. FWIW, I use Tung-sol 6550's and EI 12AX7's and 12AU7's.

Thanks so much! Exactly what I was wondering. I've been using Gold Lions and thought the bass was lacking. So I got the kt120s to try. I haven't had enough listening time yet, but can report back later. It just so happened that the dealer where I got the tubes has this 3/7 setup he wants to sell. It's in like new condition. But if it's not a step up, i will keep saving my beans for the future.

It was really eye opening, both for me and the Mcintosh dealer to listen to the prologue and the 6300 next to each other. We both expected a big difference and it just wasn't there. The Mac sounded a bit fuller in the low midrange, but overall the sound was really similar. We were using a Mac CD player, so maybe that's part of it. But either way, for half the price the prologue premium really held its own. I think prologue premium is very similar to dialogue 1/2 in overall build, but perhaps with smaller transformers. Is that correct? Or at least close?

Sound wise, I wouldn't assume that the PL Premium is better or worse than the Dialogue 2 series in most respects, different perhaps. The smaller transformers suggests either bass differences or a more limited ability to drive some speakers, or both. Build wise I suspect that either series is comparable, just using different parts for sonic reasons. I also suspect that the Prologue Premium and the Dialogue Premium may sound more similar to each other than either the PL or Dialogue series.

FWIW, I happen to have both the Dialogue 1, and the Dialogue 2. Using Identical tubes (and sources) in both they still do not sound the same. I think some is attributable to the bias circuit in each which is optimized for either the small or large power tubes, not both (but I have found the Sovtek KT88's and EI tubes in the Dialogue 1 do sound wonderful, and I prefer them to any EL34's or 6L6GC's I have tried.)

What I'm trying to say is that you already have a fine little amp and apart from 3db more sonic power and a little less than optimum resolution which most folks will never hear in less than an optimum set up you have little to gain by moving up the PL line. If absolute resolution is important to you I'd think you would want to hear the Dialogue Premium, or maybe even better yet the Dialogue Preamp/Amps. I would for sure, but they are a bit more expensive.

Thanks Newbee! I think you are correct that the Premiums have better parts, so probably sound more refined. I'm convinced that the Dialogue series is generally better than the Prologue, if only because of the larger transformers.

Given the choice, I'd go with the Dialogue Premium separates or even the Dialogue Premium integrated. But, the cost is way high, and I think the overall improvement will be incremental, not a transformation. So, to trade up from Dialogue One to Dialogue Premium Integrated would cost $1500 or so. That's a lot higher cost, for what may only be a little improvement.

So, I'm going to stick with what I've got and spend a little money on some new interconnects and some vinyl.