2. amps-preamps
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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
blkwrxwgn OP
240 posts
 

@phantom_av The LM is so much less money from China because you have the people who make the amp selling them. I have never seen anything saying they are different amps other than LM saying there are “fakes” out there. Who else says there are fakes of their amps out there?

I always thought that was a massive line of bs. 

For $2k less for the same amp, it’s almost worth it. 

phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
326 posts
 

They are not fakes, they are made for the local market which demands a cheaper price so LM uses cheaper parts in some parts of the circuit. Their is no warranty either if something goes wrong usually LM will provide the dealer with free parts for you to use at your local service centre.

blkwrxwgn OP
240 posts
 

@phantom_av thats interesting, thanks for the info. 
 

Does anybody know if these newer, double tube, higher power, SET amps have the same “magical sound” that the single tube, lower power amps have?

Or are you sounding the same as a PP with the same power?  

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