Prima Luna vs jolida


I am looking at upgrading from my aging b&k ex442 to mono blocks. Iam considering the prima Luna prologue 6 or the new jolida 502p which can be bridged and two run as mono blocks. What I like about the jolida is being able to buy one at a time. Just curious as to opinions. Fwiw I am running a set of gallo 3.5, audible illusions pre and Cary cdp. I like the less grainy/brightness of the b&k compared to the adcom that I had prior. But that is the only other amp I have tried in my system.
2out2sea
Although I rarely mention my fabulous Jolida 502p (!), I have to say my "factory modded/upgraded" (100 bucks extra) version is a quiet and powerful GREAT sounding amp. I've taken it apart and its build quality is clean, and I've never read a direct comparison review with Prima Luna so I have no clue if anybody thinks Prima Lunas sound better based on actual listening. They're similar designs with Prima Luna using an "auto bias" circuit and Jolida using an "ez bias" that the designer thinks is a better idea, although I doubt that makes much difference other than adding some convenience. They certainly cost more though, perhaps to justify the mountains of hype and advertising. Try to find a recent Jolida 502p review or an advertisement and you'll struggle...the perception of Prima Luna being a "step up" so far seems based on hype (and cost...it MUST be better if it costs twice as much), and I bet 2 502s run mono for 120 watts per side will stand up to most any non-premium cost amp rig, at least in power output and at less than the cost of one 42 watt stereo Prima Luna. I also like the Jolida XLR inputs that Prima Luna lacks. Kt120s work fine in a 502p, and Prima Lunas will run most anything within reason, albeit with less power output than a comparable Jolida (another difference is the triode/ultralinear switching that Jolida ignores...that alone could justify the higher price for some). Kevin Deal does a great job hyping Prima Luna and they seem like a really sweet line of amps...nobody hypes Jolida except me...and Jedinite...and maybe somebody else, but certainly not Jolida unless you call 'em. Also, Jason Statham bought an amp from Jared at Jolida...that means something, doesn't it?
Wow, thanks for the input. I picked the prima Luna vs jolida bc the cost is very similar. Long term I will run mono blocks. The jolida just gives the option to put that off for a while.
Two jolidas boast more power, but not the point to point wiring of the prima Luna. It seems to be give and take bw the two. The jolida as a pair of mono blocks is not quite twice the power of the prolgue 6 monos but my gallos are only 87db sensitive, so I am always interested in more power. I wish there were a head to head bw the two...
Btw what's all the hype with the kt120 tubes? I have always rather liked the 6550 in the 502. Just curious why everyone is going that way?
KT120s seem to have a more dynamic sound, they're inexpensive, and last a long time. Also, I don't think "point to point" wiring adds anything to sound particularly...it's wiring.
I don't know either amp but it seems we just got used to the GL KT-88 power tube which I use and think is insanely good, at least the selected octet I bought. Now I have to risk transformer meltdown with the KT-120s just to keep up with the Joneses and why do tell are my nos pre-amp tubes loosing value except for certain 12AX7s? What's going on around here? Who is the instigator a witch I bet!!
Transformer meltdown doesn't seem to be much of an issue with KT120s...at least as far as I can tell from asking around. GL KT88s have been highly regarded for a while, but 120s are cheaper and sneaking in everywhere. It is important that you have several power tube options sitting unused in boxes to retain any level of audio geek cred.