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 holmz

Anybody have experience with either?  Have read great reviews of each of them. 

Seriously?
Have we ever seen bad reviews? 😁

I got the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP, used, from a friend who I have gotten other amps from. It seems a bit light on bass, but it was after a change to a new house and room, so I am still working through it. And It’ll probably be better once I get the VandySub hooked up, and the remote is fun to use.

If your example is an integrated, then it seems like it is a different model?

Also I did get some KT120s but have not put them in yet,  so if you get the PL then hold off and you can consider upgrades later. I kind of rushed in, but I might sell it locally, as I have been seriously been considering either Purifi based class-D or Atmasphere.

It was $2k (USD) used and the full tube upgrade was ~1200 AUD (900 USD).

It is definitely good enough, and sounds pretty good. What you are driving them with could help to know. I feel like it is marginal on power and it is rated something like 40W Triode and 80W UL.

There is no dishonour in a demo unit, going slow, or more hand wringing.
I baiscally needed and amp, and this was sitting there, so I got it.