Considering switching from Audio Research to PrimaLuna, troube with VS115 amp

I've had the PrimaLuna Dialog Premium HP Integrated for an in home demo.  I agree with the others that, for the price, it's a wonderful integrated and provides the benefit of tube rolling as well as trying not just different tube manufacturers but also tube types (the demo unit I evaluated had the stock EL34 tubes).  However, I ended up deciding to go with ARC.  I was pretty set on the new LS28 preamp, when my dealer told me that another customer had traded in a REF6 (with only 280 hours on it) to move up to D'Agostino, and I got a good price on it after a side by side comparison to the LS28.

I also directly compared the new VT80 (with KT120 tubes) to a Ref75SE (KT150 tubes), and there was no comparison.  The Ref75SE was a noticeable improvement over the VT80, particularly in the lower frequencies with more definition and grip.  If you're considering a VT80, I've seen plenty of Ref75SE's on Audiogon for around the same price as a new VT80.  The only downside to the ARC amp is that you can't try different tube types, and nor can you switch to triode mode.

Resistor blowing due to a runaway tube (age or mfg defect) is a common problem. Unless you have VAC phis that have thermal tube sentry circuit you will always run into it. Nothing wrong with audio Research. Just ignore what most people say and replace ONE defective tube. 

Skyhawk - you situation reads more like bad luck to me.  ARC are supposed to be great.  I have only heard bits and pieces of ARC and PL in other systems so cannot really comment.  However in a few weeks I will get to hear a PL Dialogue Premium in my own system and my be able to offer an opinion then.  As for Kevin Deal.  My only experience is posting on his website, or rather attempting to post, an opinion on some tubes I had bought.  It was not consistent with with other gushing experiences.  It did not get put up.

I rather like the comment of another poster (nkonor) who suggests tube pre and SS Power. I have gone that route too. With 6H30 tubes in in the Pre that is all the tubiness you are likely to need.

I have PrimaLuna AND Sony Hap-S1. That amp is Dead silent itself and with my ear an inch from any speaker. I am very happy with what I think is a fantastic sound from my system and I am still waiting on my Triton Ones to come in. That Sony is nice too. I'm not sure if the specs are different but I've got a mother load of lossless music (DSD and FLAC) and I've got a ton of free space. So unless you've got a very massive collection, you may save some money and get this unit instead. I also made my own speaker wire with some Cat5 I had left over double twisted and triple braided (6 lengths each cable) I love my sound and I'm in an Audiophile club and have heard a lot of nice systems.

I've got to chime in on this one as I always wanted to get ARC again. Many years ago as a young man (I'm also now 56) I owned a D125 amp and SP9 pre and then an LS1 pre. Still have the LS1 as a back-up. It was the best sound I ever had with ML speakers. However, I always had a problem with the D125 tubes arcing and glowing bright red. Changed tubes, same result. Sent the unit back to ARC for a factory check. Came back, same result. I simply got frustrated and traded it for a D400. Well that was a mistake to me. I love the sound of tubes.

Which brings me to today at 56. And I'll qualify what I'm going to say by letting everyone know I have a mild high frequency hearing loss which is pretty typical at this age. I'm building my retirement system. I had all expectations of going back to what was the best sound I've had ever known which would be ARC and ML but my gosh has the cost of all high end sky rocketed! Not that I can't afford it but ultimately is it worth it? That was a decision I had to make.

I listened to the VSI 75 in 2 separate systems as I was in the market for an integrated. I was devastated when I walked out thinking that was no where near the sound of my D125. Now I know there are a lot of factors there but disappointment was present. So I knew I had to seek another integrated as is soon time for me to downsize not only my music system but also my living quarters.

I checked out the Rogers High Fidelity. Awesome sound but like the VSI75 somewhere around 8-9 grand. What do they say? C'mon Man! So like you, after reading all the glowing reviews on PL, especially the PL HP, I saw it at a dealer and took the plunge. This was a snap decision that I usually don't do. Build quality is incredible. As good as any ARC equipment in my opinion. The tube sockets are definitely better than anything I had in my D125 or even my preamps as those ARC tube sockets were part of the printed circuit board and the board flexed when changing tubes. That may have been a reason for the arcing tubes. A broken electrical path on a board. This may be different in todays ARC production units. But back to the HP, the controls are silky smooth. The remote a solid piece of aluminum. This unit will last me the rest of my life and at half the cost of others. The sound??? Well lets just say it puts a smile on my face with a beautiful midrange, wide soundstage and solid bass. And yes, I'm still breaking it in so I expect more from it. Am I pleased? Yes. Now if I want, I can afford to get some nice solid state equipment like the PS Audio Stellar series and play to my hearts content in retirement.