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Primaluna Dialogue poremium, Rogue Cronus Magnum II or Jolida 801...who can advise me?

So good morning all..
I am a novice to tubes and an old guy as far as Solid State goes. I am taking the plunge into tubes and planning on an integrated amp.
Currently I have a close to 30 year old set of Paradigm Export Monitors that I bought new many years ago and still are in awesome shape, with a sensitivity around 89dB, but am planning on a set of Tekton Design Lore speakers at 98 dB....I listen primarily to vinyl and although I have heard the PL recently in southern NH at Audio Video Therapy, I like the pricing of the Rogue better and the fact it has both a headphone amp and a Phono stage built in. Who has experience with both and what are our thoughts? And just for entertainment purposes, I also am considering the Jolida 801 Integrated....
Thanks!

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corelli
1,016 posts
 
One more vote for the PL Dialogue HP.  Don't be penny wise pound foolish.  Spend a bit more for a very musical and very well designed amp that will get you off the merry-go-round need to upgrade.  I did not consider any tube amps with circuit boards.  Not a good idea. At least if you plan on keeping the amp long term.  A couple of caveats as  noted above.  If I want to listen to music with serious low end content, I use my solid state gear.  Secondly, your speakers need to present the proper load for a tube amp.  If you accept and get this right, you will love the the HP. 
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
344 posts
 
I'm on my second Primaluna.  The first was a Dialogue One, and now I have an HP integrated.  I've never had a moment of trouble, and love the sound.  The One I had for four years, and the new one I've had for two.  

I did upgrade to the KT150s, and noticed the same increase in bass, while keeping most of the midrange goodness as the EL34s.  I can't say I have experience with the others listed here, but I can highly recommend the PL.  

Even better, there is one for sale here on the 'Gon for a healthy discount from new.  No, I have no relationship with the seller... just noticed it there.
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
344 posts
 
The Primaluna does have a headphone amp built in as well... as long as you go with the HP.
1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
I haven't hear of QC issues with PL (and I have one) but I have with Jolida, so Ive never owned one. 

for 98dB sensitivity, the PL non-HP would be more appropriate.
It really is an amp "for life" if you want it to be. I think the PL is an awesome "blueprint" of an amp to build on and play with for years.
I'm not a big "tube-roller", but changing out the stock tubes for some carefully selected KT88s and 12Au7s has absolutely pinpointed the best sound for my speakers and room. that is the beauty for me. I can change speakers, but the PL will still drive them well. 
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
If you want a well built reliable tube integrated that sounds wonderful the PL is a no brainer. 
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