Considering switching from Audio Research to PrimaLuna, troube with VS115 amp


Hello everyone, I have question that I hope some of you either can answer or have an opinion on. Ever since I was 17, I have always wanted to own Audio Research equipment. I’m 56 now, and finally was able to fulfill my life long dream. My first acquisition was an ARC LS15 pre-amp bought here used in mint condition. I paired it with a Vincent 331MK hybrid amp also bought here used in mint condition. The resulting sound was impressive. After that, I started looking for an ARC amp I could afford. The resulting search found me an ARC VS115 amp also here in used, awesome condition. This is where my problems and my doubts started. Upon hooking up the amp to my system, a tube in the left channel arced and blew a resistor. I had to take the amp to an ARC dealer and he installed a new resistor and suggested I buy all new tubes from ARC for the amp. I did and when I got back home, I again hooked up the amp and immediately upon turning the amp on, I started to hear thumping sounds coming from my left speaker, then, two left channel output tubes started to glow a very bright orange, and then white smoke started to rise from one of the tube sockets. I immediately turned the amp off. I called the dealer and he suggested I mail the unit back to ARC. I did and I am now waiting to see what they say.

During this time, I started to search out other brands and came across one called PrimaLuna. I have watched their videos and seen them compared to ARC equipment. Their build quality seems to be superior to ARC and the reviews are over the top. I am looking at their Dialogue Premium HP amp and their Dialogue Premium pre-amp. For what they cost, considering how they are built and supposedly sound compared to units costing 3 to 4 times their price, they almost seem too good to be true. Anyway, my bubble has been burst, and in simple terms, I am considering jumping ship and going with another company instead of ARC, despite all those years of drooling and waiting.

My main question is this, is there anyone out there that either owns PrimaLuna or has had experience with the equipment and can give me their opinion on owning and using it. Then, my second question is how does PrimaLuna really compare to other high end equipment such as ARC. Kevin Deal in his videos on PrimaLuna makes a very compelling case for the equipment. In one video, he compares an ARC LS17SE to the PrimaLuna pre-amp.

My last question is in regards to my ARC VS115 amp problems. Anyone have an opinion on what is going on with my amp or a VS115 in general. For those of you who want to know what else is in my system, I am using KEF 104ab speakers, a Cambridge Azur 752BD Blu-ray player as my CD player, Morrow Audio Cables and I am considering getting the Sony HAP-Z1ES music player for my digital files.

I greatly appreciate all who take the time to comment and give their opinions. I will be glad to answer any questions you may ask or provide additional. Thanks for your help. Steve.


128x128skyhawk51
jbhiller, if you are referring to me I have already given a couple of updates already. Check back in the thread. Summary, I finally got the amp back and hooked up over the last weekend. So far, it has worked flawlessly and sounds really good. Hoping no more tubes arc and cause resistors to break. Like many on this thread, waiting to see how the A/B comparison goes this Saturday at UpScaleAudio. Wish I could be there but the cost to travel there is too much. Hopefully, they will shoot some video and place on YouTube for us all. In the meantime, I will keep listening to my new setup and let you know how things go. Been considering getting a PL preamp to audition in my home to compare. I wonder how a PL preamp would go with an ARC VS115 amp?
upscaleaudio
...  play a track on amp A, move the source and speaker to amp B, and listen.  Simple.  Same cut.  Same volume. Don't even turn off the amps.  Instant.

I suspect that the difference will be quite noticeable, so double blind really isn't needed like you do with cables and tweaks. 
If you're seeking to conduct a valid test of this type - which isn't my preferred way of evaluating components, btw - then it has to be done double-blind.  Otherwise, your bias that "the difference will be quite noticeable" can influence the results of the test.

"I wonder how a PL preamp would go with an ARC VS115 amp?"

Pretty much any preamp or amp is universally compatible with other brands. Having said that, I am a big proponent for components synergy. When I was building my system, I tried couple of pre's with VT-80 amp and nothing came close to LS28. This combo allowed me to hear better imaging and bigger / wider soundstage.  

If possible, I would suggest you find a way to hear both PL and ARC pre in your system and decide for yourself.  

Should you choose to go with ARC pre, you can pretty much cherry pick LS17SE, LS27 or LS28 off Audiogon.