Primaluna Dialog Two Integrated Amp vs Cayin A-88T

Saki, thanks, lots of good info.

I found that in my Primaluna Dialogue One, like Saki70, that changing tubes from stock was necessary to get the sound I wanted. The great thing about these amps is the auto bias feature making changing tubes a snap; and they will take just about any EL34 or KT88 equivalent, 6L6, KT66, and so on...I like best 6n3ce NOS stock Russian 6L6. Don't forget about the driver and input tubes, they make a huge difference. Hence, I went with Sylvania 5751in place of 12ax7 and Amperex Bugle Boys 12au7. My sound stage is huge, wall to wall and well-layered deep if the recording is good. Extended highs without any of the bad stuff, sweet, warm, detailed. Male and female vocals right there, excellent timbre and musical flow. I pair this amp mostly with Tekton Lore.

Hi Erisch - yes, I did switch out the KT88's for some EL34's, and did like the sound better.

Erisch ;
One more thing...don't go out and pick the best of everything , that is in your price range . Look at this system build as a picture puzzle . The individual pieces should fit together to achieve the complete picture . System synergy will take you further down the road to Nirvana than money .

Happy Tunes

Don't have the Dialogue amp, but I own a Prologue One and a Cayin A88T. The Cayin is a superb integrated with marvelous sound. And, it has a remote and the ability to switch from triode to ultralinear on the fly. If those features are important to you, go with the Cayin. Otherwise I think it's a toss up soundwise.