Rogue RP-7 vs. PrimaLuna Dialogue Tube Preamps

A strong argument always, agreed. It seems what PrimaLuna provides instead is an exclusive, and remarkably helpful, U.S. online dealer. Upscale Audio doesn't build the device (now updated to EVO 300 from DiaLogue for another $500), but represents the brand extremely well. 

That said, I still have not heard or played with either one. PrimaLuna is easier for tube rolling, yet offers this advice about doing so with its products:  https://www.primaluna-usa.com/tube-rolling

And now another seemingly casual first-world consumer choice becomes a matter of conscience. Which is likely a good thing for everybody. If only  we could trade conscience for prescience, we'd never go wrong.

At this price level I thought you might want to entertain a couple other options that have gotten stellar reviews both here and in the press, just FYI if nothing else.  All made in US.

- Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL, around $4500 depending on options
- Linear Tube Audio MZ3, $3700, virtually identical to MicroZOTL with fewer inputs and no balanced option
- Don Sachs Custom Linestage, $2500 pretty much fully tricked out

Sorry if I’m muddying the waters here, but at this price level I thought it might be nice to entertain a few other highly-regarded options before pulling the trigger.  Member @teajay has reviewed (and purchased) some LTA products and may have some insightful feedback and perspectives for you before you make a final decision.  I will mention both LTA and Sachs offer a trial period so you can see how they perform in your system before fully committing.  Anyway, hope this is more helpful than annoying, and best of luck in whatever you ultimately decide. 

soix, appreciate your further information. You're right; for a large investment in the key piece in the system the buyer should consider every reasonable candidate. Will definitely have a look at these. The trial period is a real plus, and thanks for that.

Did you end up getting one of the Preamps mentioned here?

The Dialogue has been discontinued. Current version with balanced in/out is the EVO 400 which I am still considering along with Rogue and Raven. Also like the Linear MicroZOTL, but this comes only in black and I am done with black buttons on a black background in a low-lit listening room.

For the present, I am experimenting with the $900 Schiit Freya Plus. A balanced tube line stage with inputs/outputs mirroring the others at a fraction of the price. Missing some soundstage depth but little else. Higher priority for now is the digital player and DAC with many more variables in play. Likely 6-8 months before all the pieces fall together into what I envision as a "final" system.

Thanks for asking. Ball is still in the air since I have the luxury of time to get things approximately "right."