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.

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Showing 1 response by 69zoso69

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!