Primaluna Dialogue Premium or Premium HP?

Funny I found this thread, since I am actually facing the exact same dilemma. I have owned a DiaLogue One for more than 6 years at this point, and absolutely love it. It was the bargain of the century and a real gem of an integrated. I have tried many different tubes with it, but have settled with a quad of the new re-issue Gold Lion KT-88's, which after many a back-and-forth, I find offer the best possible balance between finesse/midrange magic and dynamics/control. I am actually using the DiaLogue One with Sonus faber Elipsa SE's (or "Red"), and, amazingly enough, the synergy is incredible. Plus, I have a small room, so dynamics and slam are more than sufficient. At one point I was concerned about headroom and efficiency, specially as the speakers were breaking-in and sound was a little uncontrolled. Sonus fabers are also famously difficult to drive and have a tricky impedance curve in the lower registries. Just to see if I was missing anything, I even tried a McIntosh integrated (retail $6K) and a Hegel H-160, both with FAR MORE theoretical and quoted power than the PrimaLuna, and, plain and simply, it wasn't even close. The DiaLogue One blew them all out of the water. No contest. I was in awe. 

Cut to a few days ago. I have been curious about the DiaLogue HP Integrated, which is getting rave reviews, and my dealer was kind enough to loan me one. This one came with EL-34's. I do not have 8 KT-88's to spare, so this was not an apples-to-apples. I had all the intentions of buying the HP, and I could get a really good deal on it, specially if I sell my DiaLogue One (they hold their value fairly well), so money was not really a concern here. I REALLY wanted to love the HP. 

I will cut to the point: the DiaLogue One is staying. In fact, I preferred it BY FAR. For some reason, the HP was not as open, not as detailed, not as delicate, and not as "ripe" as the DiaLogue One. Amazingly enough, the difference when it came to dynamics and bass grip and control was minimal at best. Yes, it did have SLIGHTLY more control, but at the expense of everything else. The DiaLogue One, I would say, was a 7.9 in that department. The HP was an 8.5. Not worth the trade-off. 

I'm sure that if I were to use 8 KT-88's things may be different, but I frankly was not convinced that I needed to "upgrade". When I went back to the DiaLogue One, the soundstage was wider, and the midrange was just right. Bass was more than enough. Frankly, I was in shock.

Another thing to keep in mind: more tubes, more problems! More things that can go wrong. More heat (this was evident REALLY quickly in my small room). More $$$ when it comes time to re-tube (after a few times, you can pretty much buy a new DiaLogue One with the amount it would cost to re-tube an HP with 14 (!) quality tubes). 

Where did you read about the HP having less finesse? Curious to read that as well (I fully agree), since reviews seem to unanimously praise the HP.

I did notice one HUGE improvement in the HP, however, and that was the volume control and potentiometer. Dramatically more accurate, precise and smooth when using the remote. I was impressed by that. 

But my DiaLogue One is staying. I love that thing more every day. Plus, my OCD tells me that it looks way cooler than the slightly-too-much-of-a-good-thing HP. 

I have been listening to my PL HP  for over a year. I upgraded from the PL Prologue  2.

Clearly an upgrade in every sense from the Prologue.
IMO however, the improvements while noticeable and worth the $ investment,are such that it makes you aware the PL line regardless of model, is a solid value.
With that said, the Dialogue series is nicer, so don't expect earth shattering gains across the board.
You may hear a little better control(tighter bass, clearer  mods/ highs )of a busy passage in favorite tune. Definetly more headroom as you push the volume control up.
The headphone jack is nice , even though I don't use cans.

Your amp is firmly in the territory of "good sound" and ANYTHING from here becomes terribly subjective. I do agree with Art Dudley's(Stereophile) review stating the HP performs like a VERY GOOD separate line stage/ amp. The HP will present your source in its best light. Another plus is any future source/ speaker upgrade won't be underserved by the HP

FWIW, I use a VPI Classic/Audio Technica ART9, Fosgate V.2 tubed phono, Opera Seconda floorstanders, REL B3. All gear plugged into a PS Audio Power Plant and plumbed with Nordost V2 Frey/ Heimdall,from PP to speakers.Table,speakers,sub -Mapleshade planked and spiked. Fabulous sound and not ridiculously priced. I've noticed the MSRP creep up considerably in a sort period of time, though.
My HP II's powered by some early 50's RCA coke bottle 6l6G's- very realistic,believable
presentation.

Well, I did end up getting the HP.  Sorry, I don't recall where I read that it may have a little less finesse than the Dialogue Premium, and don't have a way to compare.

I will say that compared to the Dialogue One, it is a step up for sure.  It has much more clarity, and better sound stage.  It has the power handling I was hoping for and seems to have a smoother overall sound.  I like it, and will definitely be keeping it.  I opted to put KT120s in it after only a short time with the standard EL34s, and I think this was a good move for the kind of music I listen to... mostly classic rock.

But, the real question is whether it's the major step forward you'd hope, based on its cost.  I would say it is a step forward, but probably not the major leap you'd expect.  If I was to go back, I'd opt for the Dialogue Premium instead and spend the extra $1k on music.  I don't think the extra power makes a substantial difference.  Even the Dialogue One handled my B&W speakers quite well.  

At some point in a year or two, I'll probably put the KT150s in.  But, I'm very happy with it at this point and don't feel a real need to upgrade to the higher power tubes.  Perhaps the KT150s would have a touch more power behind them, and may sound a little sweeter than the 120s.  It would be a fun experiment, but spendy.

If you are facing this decision too, and the cost is a stretch, I think you'd be just as happy with the Dialogue Premium as with the HP.  Frankly, even the Dialogue One or Two are awesome as well, and I think anyone would be happy with any of the PL integrated amps.  If you are in Minneapolis, bring a beverage of your choice, and I'd be happy to give you a demo!