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.

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Showing 1 response by noodlyarm

noodlyarm
92 posts
 

The Primaluna is a top notch Integrated amp.   I owned one.   I’ve not heard the Willsenton.   The answer so depend on the rest of your rig.   SET, PP, etc.   what works best for your speakers and source?   Can you try both in your rig?

Trust your ears, not other’s opinions.   Hear the difference and decide for yourself if there’s value for the sonic difference.

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