2. amps-preamps
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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 1 response by noske

noske
783 posts
 

set vs pp is just one dimension of difference of probably 10-11 relevant attributes

That this is true is an understatement.

There are simply too many different variables at play here to even begin to speculate. Unless you wish for general statements about the characteristics of a PP Vs SET - and they are known and have been discussed since time dot.

To which I add my own experience of no relevance - I have a SET and a PP.  The SET has been in storage for a decade because it is ugly.

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