Is It Worh Modding An Amp
I have a Primaluna Dialogue One that sits idle as a backup. I’m debating the idea of having it modded. Problem is I have no idea what can or should be upgraded or if the amp is worth the investment. Id be willing to fork over 500-1000 if it was worth it and made sense compared to what else I could do with the funds. Curious what people’s experiences and thoughts are?
Even though I'm a tinkerer by nature, unless there are some known issues with the amp and some known mods to fix the issue, I would not modify the circuit. Tube rolling is a far safer bet. On the other hand, has anyone done any cap upgrades to these amps? I don't see that as a circuit mod, just a parts swap....and it's reversible.
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There is a thing you could 'mode' and it should upgrade its sound without the doubt. Prima Luna, as well as many other manufacturers in such and even in higher class use Alps volume control. It is in fact the crucial and weak link of many preamps or integrated amps. By changing it, for some attenuator (Ladder type), let say from TKD, you will hear significant improvement that no tube or cable swapping can match, for a insignificant cost. Just be sure to buy the part that has the same values as the one inside and buy it from reliable source (not from Ebay and not from HK or China, as they are mostly fake, meaning not originals produced in Japan. Of course, it does not have to be TKD, but their TKD 2CP2500MC is a great value, performance/price vise. Its not expensive and you can always put back the original part back. Its not a difficult thing to do, for any experienced tehnician. |
I put TKD volume pot and AudioNote Copper caps in an older Cary Audio SLP94 preamp and it was a nice upgrade over stock. I think as others have said it really depends on what your looking for but yes changing a few key components can change the sound if its an improvement or not is up to your ears and what yo like. it could be a fun experiment if your handy with a soldering iron to change out key components with others. I've always wanted to try a bunch of different caps etc. |
The PL is a great integrated amp-as is. 4 premium caps and # resistors + labor probably will eat $500+ easy? Unless you're Bob Carver, no amount of modifications will turn it into an ARC, BAT or whatever killer. https://www.stereophile.com/content/carver-challenge Put the PL in a second system or sell it. The PL already has a low resale value. Mods will lower it. Longtime PL user here. |
