PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Preamplifier. DESTROYS SPEAKERS!!



A few months ago, bought TWO of the above mentioned preamps. ( I have 2 stereo systems)
Within 6 weeks of the purchase, the power supply of my speakers burns out!
I purchase and replace the power supply.
Three days later, the second newly replaced power supply is burnt out!
After much investigative work and heartache, I discover that the Pre amp is the problem.
It is defective and puts out DC. which burns out speakers.
After, testing the second unit, I find that it is defective as well, EXACTLY the same problem.
I return the units to my dealer, who returns them to Prima Lune.

I received a phone call from a Mr. Kevin Deal, big cheese at PrimaLuna.
Told me that the capacitors, on BOTH units had failed and the units were putting out DC.
He even THANKED me, for being a guinea pig, and discovering the flaw in his units.

He offered me a pair of tubes, as "compensation" for my troubles!! What a joker!!

WOW, a pair of tubes for blowing my $30,000. speakers!!

The height of arrogance and total disregard for the consumer of his product.
To all audiophiles, do yourself a favour, STAY AWAY for this brand, unless you want your speakers cooked.

TOTAL lack of quality control, MADE IN CHINA junk, what more needs to be said.


Mr. Deal, WAKE UP, and STOP selling defective products!!


If, you are using PrimaLuna, and your speakers fail, check the amp or pre amp.

George


Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
thorloki

Showing 5 responses by shadorne

Sorry to hear of your bad luck.

Unfortunately a Manufacturer will only reimburse you commensurate with the cost of their product. Replacement, shipping expenses etc.

You can’t expect a manufacturer to accept to take consequential damages.

The only way to resolve that is through court.

I think your testimonial is an important alert about the QC of PrimaLuna Dialogue, however, that you were not offered reimbursement for consequential damage to your speakers is quite reasonable.

Think about it

Amp cost $2500. Manufacturer made perhaps a margin after expenses of perhaps $300.

If he were to replace your speakers at $30,000 then he would need to sell 100 amps to make back his losses...
Oh dear. Another failure might begin to suggest a possible design fault. 

This thread got me interested in the build quality and I have watched online videos showing how the inside is built. I would call it scary. Sorry but I don't much like the way it is built.
@jaybe 

I saw electrical ties used to anchor large caps and a lot of heavy parts soldered together on their legs rather than mounted neatly on boards and anchored with clips. I would think this build would be fragile and not easily to be entrusted to the hands of a typical chuck It around courier. 
@fsonicsmith

Where was your GTI made - Mexico?

I drive a 2017 Golf R that was made in Germany and so far not a single issue in six months. I was a bit nervous given all the reports in the press about VW but this car is as solid as any vehicle I have ever owned except for perhaps my 20 year-old Toyota Land Cruiser that is totally indestructible and unbelievably problem free.

"But now the problem is not of Chinese origin but a high-end problem from diverse artisanal producers."

Yes this is always an issue with very small production runs. A multitude of manufacturers and designers with a bell curve of design quality. The safest approach is to go widely used reputable pro studio gear as these companies tend to test products more thoroughly before release, and they do not lightly risk tarnishing their reputation. It is one thing to have your personal home toys break down but if your equipment that you and a dozen others need to do your daily job is faulty then you are more likely to be super frustrated and never buy from that manufacturer again.