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Choice between two different integrated tube amps (SET & PP)

I'm interested in two different integrated amps that I can get locally.

One is the Primaluna Dialogue HP and the other is the Willsenton R800i.

The Primaluna is a PP setup with EL34's and the Willsenton is a SET amp with 805 tubes.  The Primaluna has upgraded pre-amp tubes but stock EL34's, the Willsenton has all stock tubes and the chifi tubes are trash, so would need to be upgraded.  The Primaluna is $3k and the Willsenton is $2k but will need quite a bit spent on new tubes, so they are pretty much the same price.

Anybody have experience with either?  Have read great reviews of each of them.  I'll take other recommendations too but the requirements are a tube integrated under $3k that has home theater bypass.

blkwrxwgn
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,437 posts
 

Great comments above!

I think SET is something to experience. It can be intoxicating, but as mentioned speaker pairing is key and they can be a bit fickle. What speakers are you using? 

PL does just about everything really well--design, build, service, reliability, and so on.  However, if I had a sonic bone to pick it might be headroom.  Everything seemed a bit jammed together sound wise and even though I had the opportunity over 4 years to run it with all types of speakers, everything seemed a bit compressed.  Great product though. 

Let us know what speakers you have when you have a moment.

sns
3,371 posts
 

@blkwrxwgn They do have similar exterior, LM is point to point wiring vs. circuit boards in Willsenton, here's pic, https://www.phantom-audio.com/product/line-magnetic-integrated-lm-805ia/

 

I prefer point to point, especially with high heat generating tubes, usually more reliable. LM also more established here.

 

charles7
112 posts
 

Mike Sanders' Quicksilver Integrated tube amplifier, if its 20 watts into 8 ohms is enough for your speakers. And you'd need to kludge something for home theater. But it's at your budget, its U.S. made, and it sounds great.

 

69zoso69's avatar
69zoso69
75 posts
 

I’m running my R8 with the upgraded tube package through a pair of Tekton Perfect SET 2-10’s. I’ve had the same setup for about a year now and it’s still getting better. Music sounds more... liquid, engaging, and fills out my listen room better then it did just a month ago. Great bass, dynamics, detail, and timbre.

I can’t speak to the Prima Luna option, although I’ve been very curious about them. Truth be told I’ve ordered a Decware 25th anniversary amp just to see what all the fuss is about. My only hesitation about purchasing the R8 was about it’s longevity and customer support. They haven’t been around that long. But so far I’m loving it!

 

 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,980 posts
 

I own several pieces of Quicksilver.    Bang for the buck is off the charts in my opinion.    Mid Monos ?   Awesome amps....  you are not too far away budget wise ...pair them with the remote pre with bypass and you have a killer combo.

Maybe Raven,  Rogue.....

Buy American, you can do it with your budget

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