Belles Virtuoso or PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP


Hello and good day all. First time post here. I’m in the market for a new integrated. My source is a Oppo UDP 205, speakers are from a company called Funk ( 6.1P). I’m torn between trying tubes for the first time, or sticking to SS. I’ve read good reviews about both companies, I’m just having trouble making up my mind. Any suggestions?
jtweed
I’ve considered the option of adding a buffer between source and amp. Seems like a viable option. 
Ive always lusted after ‘the tube sound’, and am finally at a point where my kids are old enough, and I’m ready for a change. My Adcom gear will be going to my shop with a pair of old Kef Q300 I have laying around. I am really leaning towards the PL. I’ve looked at other offerings from Line Magnetic(219ia), Atmos-Phere, Ayon, etc. The PL just strikes me as an easy way into tubes. 
I've been doing this for a long time and have dabbled in SOTA stuff as well as some moderately high end stuff, solid state and tubes. I have now settled into two PL Dialogue integrateds, the One and the Two. Two systems. They are about 4 to 5 years old and have not required any service. They are infinitely tunable by selection of power and small tubes and having that ability will keep you occupied for a while. :-). That said I must admit I have not heard the latest PL's. I'm happy with what I've got.
For the people that own PL stuff, How big is the difference in SQ going from the PL Dialogue premium HP integrated, to the Dialogue preamp, and the Dialogue HP amp? I’m worried that the preamp section of the integrated isn’t going to be as ‘revealing ‘. I’m just speculating, as I have no experience comparing the 2.
Since you're just speculating (:-) so will I. I've never compared them. It is likely that the pre/amp combo will have at least slightly better resolution, or at least presentation of detail, but unless you have very high quality speakers which have been set up to optimize their sound/room interface, it is more likely that you will not detect the difference. You will also optimize your ability to change the tone because you will have more tubes to play with (and IC's, etc). I subscribe to the KISS philosophy and maintain a decent level of sanity. :-)  BTW I think I read about some comments in one of the mag's (Stereophile (?) about the Amp/Pre combo which indicated the combo might not be optimum but I never actually researched it further. You might.
J,

I've owned SS amps for 40 years before purchasing the PL Dialogue Premium a few years ago. The sound is really wonderful compared to the much more expensive SS amps I previously owned. The soundstage is vast, the midrange is to die for and it's so much more musical. I was able to adjust the sound to my liking by rolling tubes which you cannot do with SS. Your speakers are similar to my Lawrence Audio Violins SE , both are 2 way stand mounted with ribbon tweeters and around the same sensitivity. The dealer and audiogoner teajay recommended a tube amp for my speakers.

I would first contact Funk and ask for their recommendation for amp type based on your preference of music and type of sound. I would also ask your local PL dealer for a home audition, if not bring your speakers to the dealer and compare the PL to an amp similar to the Belles. You may not need the more powerful HP version based on your room size and speaker sensitivity. Best wishes.