2. amps-preamps
  3. 119328-33682

Primaluna Dialogue Premium or Premium HP?

I am hoping for some feedback from anyone who has experience with the PL Premium or HP.  I have a Dialogue One now, that I really love!  I have B&W 803N speakers, which are notorious for being hard to drive.  However, this Dialogue drives them wonderfully.  Now, the bug has got me, and I'm thinking to upgrade, to get clearer, cleaner (still tubes) sound, and a bit more power for bass control and power.

That said, I'm considering either the Dialogue Premium or the Dialogue Premium HP integrated amp.  I am able to get a good deal on the HP, making the cost difference unimportant.  Any thoughts on the difference in the two?  Only once, I read that the HP has more power but less finesse.  Anyone have experience with both who could comment on this?  Or other considerations?  Which would you choose if cost weren't the object?  Of course, saying that... going to separates would be cost prohibitive.  I know I'd see even more improvement with separates, but don't want to spend that cash now.

And, there isn't an option for me to audition them next to each other.  I'm going on faith and my current PL experience... and hopefully the collective knowledge of this forum.

Thanks!
128x128soundermn
mvmanolov
4 posts
 
Hi all, 

My apologies if I am highjacking the thread, but does anyone have experience with a Dialogue 4?

I have an opportunity to get a good deal on a Dialogue 4 amp. 
Its in good condition, and sounds good to me (my current integrated is a Musical Fidelity M3Si, this will also be the pre-amp for now). 

There is also an opportunity to buy a Dialogue Premium amp, also a good deal, but its over double the price of the Dialogue 4. 

Do any of you have experience with these two? Is the extra $$$ worth it? would the Premium be that much better than the older 4?

Any and all thoughts and opinions are welcome. 

Cheers, 
M,
matteos
7 posts
 
I love my ProLogue 3 and Prologue 5. Just a fantastic combo and work well with my KEF R900.

I'm wondering... Can I upgrade the KT88s in the Prologue 5 to KT120 or KT 150? I've replaced all the gain tubes already.
soundermn's avatar
soundermn OP
344 posts
 
You can definitely go to KT120. Not sure about 150, but there is information about this on the PL web site. Or call Kevin Deal. 
klhrw1
7 posts
 
All,

If I may ask any owners of Dialogue Premium power amps / mono:  

I presently own the Prologue 6 monoblocks with Dialogue Premium Preamp, and love every bit about them.  After plunk in some money for Focal Sopra 2 to replace the KEF R700 speakers, soundstage and dynamics improvements are significant.  On the hind side I should have spent more on great sets of loudspeakers, but am glad to have made the decision eventually with great results.

To take this to next level, I intend to upgrade the Prologue 6 power amps to Dialogue Premium monoblock, with HP and non-HP versions to be considered.  Any owners may feedback on these HP vs non-HP monos?  There were a few online rave reviews (HFA, Dagogo, Stereophile) about these amps, but none really pit against their weaknesses, costs of ownership, etc.  The HP will undoubtedly give more headroom in terms of power, but am quite conscious about sound / distortion / power delivery.  My humble Prologue 6 mono delivers about 70w and have done so nicely.

Your feedbacks / ownership experience these Dialogue Premium mono HP vs non-HP are much appreciated!


soundermn's avatar
soundermn OP
344 posts
 
I can't help with your comparison.  However, as to cost of ownership, the thing you may want to consider is the number of tubes.  I upgraded my HP integrated to KT150 and I'm very happy with it.  Extra power for larger, hungrier speakers, and it sounds wonderful.  I think you'd be very happy with the upgrade from the Prologues.  

But, remember that the HPs have 8 power tubes each. I've read that the non HP version is a little bit smoother (albeit a marginal difference) than the HP versions (more powerful), but haven't experienced that myself.  Point is, if you have two mono power amps and want to upgrade the power tubes, you need 16 tubes in the HP version.  KT150s are about $100 each, so $1600 for tubes.  Ouch.

Other than that, I've been a happy Primaluna owner for about 8 years.  Not looking back!  Not interested in an upgrade!  Never had a problem.  
More to discover