PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Preamplifier. DESTROYS SPEAKERS!!



A few months ago, bought TWO of the above mentioned preamps. ( I have 2 stereo systems)
Within 6 weeks of the purchase, the power supply of my speakers burns out!
I purchase and replace the power supply.
Three days later, the second newly replaced power supply is burnt out!
After much investigative work and heartache, I discover that the Pre amp is the problem.
It is defective and puts out DC. which burns out speakers.
After, testing the second unit, I find that it is defective as well, EXACTLY the same problem.
I return the units to my dealer, who returns them to Prima Lune.

I received a phone call from a Mr. Kevin Deal, big cheese at PrimaLuna.
Told me that the capacitors, on BOTH units had failed and the units were putting out DC.
He even THANKED me, for being a guinea pig, and discovering the flaw in his units.

He offered me a pair of tubes, as "compensation" for my troubles!! What a joker!!

WOW, a pair of tubes for blowing my $30,000. speakers!!

The height of arrogance and total disregard for the consumer of his product.
To all audiophiles, do yourself a favour, STAY AWAY for this brand, unless you want your speakers cooked.

TOTAL lack of quality control, MADE IN CHINA junk, what more needs to be said.


Mr. Deal, WAKE UP, and STOP selling defective products!!


If, you are using PrimaLuna, and your speakers fail, check the amp or pre amp.

George


Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
thorloki
thorloki-very unfortunate event. 

Were  the units  serviced under warranty?
I too, would be LIVID and would not encourage anyone to use 
whatever brand.

As a PL user however, sounds like a rare incident. I've had nothing but  many trouble free years with PL.When a problem did happen, with a 2nd PL piece, Mr Deal provided excellent support and my unit was covered under warranty, no hassles.

Even the finest equipment will have a clunker or a few in the batch. 
I don't think it matters where it's made. 

I have to say I am scratching my head at the description of the episode here, as well as the user. There are major pieces missing from the description.

According to Audiogon, this user has started two nearly identical threads, and never bought or sold anything since the account was started in 2016?

It is difficult to know whether to take the OP seriously or not. But let’s do.

AFAIK, like 99% of all tube preamps, the PL Dialogue is capacitor coupled. The Premium version used to use Solen / SCR tin caps and now has switched to Mundorf. Both premium brands with VERY good reliability. Solen / SCR is a MAJOR OEM manufacturer under various brands and has a rock solid reputation. Honestly would be shocked to discover their premium caps failed. Same with Mundorf.

Also from what I can tell, and could be wrong, PL is using obsessively large caps, in the 10uF range. The original CJ PV 10 used 2uF coupling caps. This in theory improves bass response, in practical terms is probably meaningless, but it’s not evidence of PL cutting corners at all.

Personally not a huge fan of the sound of either.... but I am 100% in the minority there. :)

My point, if what I believe to be true is true then the PL DL uses premium coupling caps that in terms of reliability are not easily improved upon.

Best,


E
I would say Kudos to PL and Kevin Deal. I'm on the fence between 2 preamps and the Prologue premium is one of them (I'm going to start a thread about my choices). The dealer returned the preamps to PL and the Distributor (Kevin) actually called to follow up and send a nice set of tubes for your trouble. I say that is great service. I know you were out parts for your speakers (not sure the cost) but any other major mfg would not offer anything. Would McIntosh offer anything? I doubt it. 99% of manufacturers would not even acknowledge the issue in the first place. This tells me Kevin is seems quite honest with nothing to hide. 
Just my opinion
You want to see real groupies...check out the Steve Hoffman Forum. There's some Kool-Aide drinkers over there