2. amps-preamps
  3. 118943-6129

PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium preamp owners!

Please help me. Looking for new tubes. I read that it is difficult to beat the stock tubes, but I am willing to try. I am currently running a Pass XA-30.8 amplifier, Harbeth Super HL5+ speakers and an Esoteric K-07 as a source. I listen to rock, jazz, classical. Love female vocalists accompanied by the piano as well. I want to avoid anything that will accentuate high frequencies or anything that may cause harshness in the upper registers. All that being said, I was considering Amperex Medical 12AU7, Brimar CV4003, Cifte 12AU7 or Mullard cv4003. Or something else? Thank you in advance.
tswisla
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
RCA 12AU7 Blackplates have a classic tube sound. Warm, open, good soundstaging with smooth highs.
The RCA 5963 Blackplate is a premium tube that has better dynamics with more air up top.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Very interesting thread as I am looking for a set of warmish tubes Saki for my Dialogue Premium integrated. I found the stock EL34 power tubes to be very nice however I wanted a little more drive so I put in some KT120's. I like them very much however I found a little more glare at the upper midrange so I want to tame that down somewhat. I spoke with Kevin Deal but very briefly and described the differences between the EL34 and KT120.  I am hearing more into the music with the KT120's no doubt and the soundstage has seemed to open up. Lowrider what have you used the RCA BP in?
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
I used RCA 12AX7 BPs in a Jolida and 12AU7's in a Rogue pre. The Rogue is very neutral, not like a PrimaLuna. BPs take away any harshness.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 
True the Rogue is very neutral as I had a Tempest 2. Also have experience with Jolida products (preamp, amp and CD player). Matter of fact I ran some GE triple mica black plate 5751's in the CD player and preamp.
saki70
907 posts
 

samzx12;

The Primaluna EL-34's are indeed a nice tube . I also have tried the KT-120's and found them to be good at the extremes but a little shy in the mids . I finally settled on some Black Treasure 6CA7's from Shuguang . Quite a nice tube after break-in . Warm , extended ,nice mids , detailed and musical . They go with the 7316's  nicely . This combination will give you the warmth that you seek .

Good Luck

More to discover