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 3 responses by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,491 posts
 

I would never spend that kind of money on the Willsenton.....  I have listened to several Prima Luna and they sounded pretty good.  I would say support on the PL would be better just because Upscale is the distributor.    

 

 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,491 posts
 

I own several pieces of Quicksilver.    Bang for the buck is off the charts in my opinion.    Mid Monos ?   Awesome amps....  you are not too far away budget wise ...pair them with the remote pre with bypass and you have a killer combo.

Maybe Raven,  Rogue.....

Buy American, you can do it with your budget

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,491 posts
 

My point is the American brands I mentioned in your price point are not only better but they all can be serviced.   I believe they are inherently.more reliable because they use better parts.   Buying a Chinese amp with no support network is a recipe for disappointment.   

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