PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP or PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium (integrateds)

Mdelrossi1, thanks for your input. I would add, though, that the 1008be2 has a specified minimum impedance of 3.9 ohms, while the OP’s 948 has a specified minimum impedance of only 2.5 ohms. And based on Stereophile’s measurements of the 936, which is more similar to the 948 than your speakers, the 948’s impedance probably stays in the vicinity of 3 ohms pretty much throughout the mid-bass region, where lots of energy is typically required. The interaction of an impedance that low with a high amplifier output impedance will weaken the bass, while the speaker’s impedance rise to much higher values in the lower treble region will add brightness, in combination with a high amplifier output impedance.

Also, since I hadn’t been able to find output impedance measurements of the non-HP version of the integrated amp I wasn’t saying that the non-HP would definitely be a poor match to the 948. Rather, I was saying that the HP version should be a reasonable match, based on the measurements I cited, while statements and measurements in reviews such as the one I cited of the non-HP DiaLogue Premium power amp suggest that pairing the non-HP integrated amp with the 948 would incur a major risk of poor results.

Regards,
-- Al

Although I have not heard any of the three components, I would strongly suggest that you to go with the HP. While I have no reason to doubt that the speakers and both of the amps are fine components, I suspect that the non-HP version of the amp would be a very poor match for the particular speaker.

The impedance specifications of your speakers are 8 ohms nominal and 2.5 ohms minimum. The Focal 936 has similar impedance specs (8 ohms nominal and 2.8 ohms minimum), and the impedance curve for the 936 which was measured by Stereophile, shown here, indicates a very low impedance of around 3 ohms throughout the mid-bass region, with a rise to more than 12 ohms in the lower treble region.

Many PrimaLuna amplifiers have output impedances which are much too high to provide good results with that kind of impedance variation. For example, the output impedance of the DiaLogue Premium power amp, as described in Stereophile’s measurements, would IMO be ridiculous to pair with such a speaker, the likely result being weak bass and excessive brightness.

On the other hand, the measured output impedance numbers for the DiaLogue Premium HP integrated amp, shown here, and described as being "significantly lower than with other PrimaLuna amplifiers I have measured," are suggestive of a reasonable match, especially if the amp’s 4 ohm tap is used.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

I am trying to make up a sentence with the words:
  have on nail head you hit the the 

I can't speak to the numbers, only the sound.  I just moved from the Prologue line to the Dialogue Premium and couldn't be happier.  It's pushing some highly modified (2-way made 3-way) ESS AMT 1b's (90dB efficiency) without even breathing hard.  The imaging, depth and breadth of soundstage and high/low reach are all light years beyond the Prologue.  Paired with the AMT and added midrange driver, the upper range clarity is fantastic, and I've not yet rolled in the Gold Lion gain tubes (but they're ordered). FWIW, I've heard from a few purchasers of the HP, that it loses some warmth.  I've noticed more HPs on the preowned market than non-HP, which tells me something anyway.  We know what opinions are like, but I, for one, am totally happy with the Dialogue Premium.  Good luck!