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Which would you pick? PrimaLuna

I currently have a PrimaLuna Dialogue 1 that was upgraded a bit to almost be a Dialogue two. I'm using it with KT120s and I'm very happy with it powering my B&W N805s. But I recently hot a great deal on a set of 803s that I've always wanted. I'm thinking a bit more power may wake them up even more. Now I have a shot to move up to PrimaLuna Prologue three and Prologue sevens for a thousand bucks difference.

If you've heard both, what do you think? It's a step down from Dialogue to Prologue series. But it's a step up to separates and more power. Overall is it a step up? And is it enough of a step up to justify a thousand bucks?

By the way-- I went to a local dealer today and listened to the prologue premium compared to the Mcintosh 6300. The difference wasn't nearly as much as expected. The PL had a sweeter midrange with its EL34 tubes and handled the speakers really well. The Mc was very nice too and had a touch more control in the lower bass, but it wasn't as dramatic as I expected. It was not worth the extra $1000 (the Mc was a demo model listed at $3k) IMO.
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Showing 3 responses by soundermn

soundermn's avatar
soundermn OP
344 posts
 
Newbee, this is exactly what I was looking for. So, if I read you correctly, making the swap will give me more power, but generally lower sound quality? I suspected that... this must be the big difference from Prologue to Dialogue. Thank you!
soundermn's avatar
soundermn OP
344 posts
 
Thanks so much! Exactly what I was wondering. I've been using Gold Lions and thought the bass was lacking. So I got the kt120s to try. I haven't had enough listening time yet, but can report back later. It just so happened that the dealer where I got the tubes has this 3/7 setup he wants to sell. It's in like new condition. But if it's not a step up, i will keep saving my beans for the future.

It was really eye opening, both for me and the Mcintosh dealer to listen to the prologue and the 6300 next to each other. We both expected a big difference and it just wasn't there. The Mac sounded a bit fuller in the low midrange, but overall the sound was really similar. We were using a Mac CD player, so maybe that's part of it. But either way, for half the price the prologue premium really held its own. I think prologue premium is very similar to dialogue 1/2 in overall build, but perhaps with smaller transformers. Is that correct? Or at least close?
soundermn's avatar
soundermn OP
344 posts
 
Thanks Newbee! I think you are correct that the Premiums have better parts, so probably sound more refined. I'm convinced that the Dialogue series is generally better than the Prologue, if only because of the larger transformers.

Given the choice, I'd go with the Dialogue Premium separates or even the Dialogue Premium integrated. But, the cost is way high, and I think the overall improvement will be incremental, not a transformation. So, to trade up from Dialogue One to Dialogue Premium Integrated would cost $1500 or so. That's a lot higher cost, for what may only be a little improvement.

So, I'm going to stick with what I've got and spend a little money on some new interconnects and some vinyl.
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