Audio research Ref.3 vs Primaluna Dialogue premium preamp

" Don't get me wrong. The Primaluna unit is very nice. But, it isn't on the same level with the REF 3.".

 I agree completely with the statement above.
I "could", make quite a long list as to the, "why's" of my thoughts.
 But after reading the above?
"I feel that it should quite suffice".
 Unless...Someone really wants a read where I merrily follow that "Rabbit Hole", down into a minutiae rich oblivion....

I will say that the "Prima Luna" products I have physically seen recently?
 They looked to be of a much lower build and material quality than I had remembered. 
 Did something change?

Ok, After fighting with myself for five minutes over whether or not I should say this....;
  The last units which I saw. "Just after unboxing". They all had a (definite), "Toys-R-Us" quality to them.  
"Clones", mayhap? But even then, they should have looked....much, much different to my eye's.

Don't get me wrong. The Primaluna unit is very nice. But, it isn't on the same level with the REF 3.

A  used PL newer model's for $2200
 vs  used AR Ref3, about $3500.
Something to consider.

Ok, After fighting with myself for five minutes over whether or not I should say this....;
  The last units which I saw. "Just after unboxing". They all had a (definite), "Toys-R-Us" quality to them.

No, PL is made at the Spark labs,, which makes cayin, Both models are made like tanks, yet with supreme craftmanship. These units have impecable operating designs, flawlessly for years, with zero issues.
Beautifully designed EVO 200


https://www.google.com/search?q=prima+luna+evo+200+preamplifier+images&sxsrf=ALeKk02OqTCpL9OqdYP1E0Yt84FRx7YWzQ:1597951656570&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=xR7VkkdemCDO8M%252CYwPynsnJUBoJTM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kTDXwxky8MIFY97D5zfFI3aKRbRYA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj2qO7mwarrAhUQZKwKHYMBA0AQ9QEwA3oECAoQFA&biw=1280&bih=625#imgrc=xR7VkkdemCDO8M

Yah, It was so just, "Out of place" I thought. 
Clones then........  The B&M 800 clones I saw were immaculate....
 China as a whole needs a well thought-out "Attitude Adjustment".
 AND, I am very glad to hear that PL did not lower their bar!

I ended up with the "Manley Labs", Neo Classic, 300B Preamp- "For now" As the main object of my attention pre-wise. But you know how that goes... My other wall of pre's gets little use except for the ARC pieces.

Maybe I'll try PL after all!

i have both, both very good

arc ref 3 slightly more transparent a bit quieter - but yes, you can tube roll primaluna if you are into that kinda thing