2. amps-preamps
  3. 174861-145450

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

Showing 2 responses by carlsbad

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

SET all the way.  

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I gave a general endorsement of SET above but I think SNS has some great comments about tube choice, heat and power.

With your very efficient speakers you don't need 48 wpc.  20 is plenty.  LM makes a lot of SET amps with a variety of different tubes that run (at least a little) cooler.  

I would still avoid the PL push pull design. 

Jerry

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