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

The Rogers stuff is guaranteed for life, but less expensive amps (my Inspire SEP was around 1200 bucks) would have to be repaired 8 times or so to make up the difference in cost. I don’t care how "precious" the "parts in a box" are claimed to be, an amp is still "parts in a box," and both my Single Ended Hand Wired guitar amp (Burriss Royal Bluesman) and my Single Ended Hand Wired SEP stereo amp list for a little over a grand (although newer Inspire stuff is around 1600 bucks or so), with bespoke USA assembled bits including groovy wire and transformers and things, and the guitar amp includes a preamp and spring reverb. No reverb in any Rogers or ARC amp I can see…maybe the Primaluna has reverb (note to the humorless: that was a joke). This post is guaranteed for life.

This is a really interesting discussion. I am in Minnesota, so ARC is a local company. They are well represented in the area by some big dealers. I’ve heard so many good things about the sound quality, but haven’t really auditioned them due to the cost.

So, this discussion is an eye opener. I’m really surprised how many have commented that the gear is unreliable (stated in different ways above, but still meaning unreliable). It sounds like ARC is hard on tubes, and when tubes fail, it causes other things to break, and then requires it to be sent back to ARC, or taken to a repair shop. I cannot believe that a tube failing means you need service! And, even more strange to me is that so many people say these issues are "normal" and seemingly acceptable in very expensive equipment. I don’t agree, no matter how good it sounds.  

I had a PrimaLuna Dialogue One for about five years. In that time, it never had a reason to go back to the shop. I did have a few tubes wear out. For example, some NOS 12AU7 that didn’t last very long. When it happened, I heard something odd in the speaker, the unit shut down, and I was able to test and replace the bad tubes. No problem after replacing tubes. I’d have been pissed if I had to send it back for that reason.

Now, I have a PL Dialogue Premium HP. I love it. It’s so very flexible, easy to swap tubes, rock solid in terms of performance and build quality. I don’t want to jinx it, but I have no reason to think I’d ever take it back for repairs. In my mind, I spent a lot of money... $4k is nothing to sneeze at. But, I got a ton of quality and good value.

Just within the past few days, a friend was here and heard my system for the first time. We weren’t "listening" to music... we were hanging out playing pool. After a short while, she said, "I’m coming back next week, and you are taking me shopping to get ... THAT. It’s awesome!". To me, that’s enough said right there.

I could easily have the ARC equipment, but I’d have paid more. And, I’d be worried that if something goes wrong, I’d be driving it over to Plymouth MN for repair. Plus, they only suggest their own tubes, at twice the cost of everyone else. I may get a bit better sound quality, but realistically, how good can it get? I love my PrimaLuna! I’ve upgraded on the PL path, and would have no qualms about buying it again. Plus, PL is so easy on tubes (they last) and it’s easy to roll tubes. I don’t see a reason to take the chance on the ARC unless it’s truly a night and day difference in sound quality, and the higher cost doesn’t matter to your budget.

Hi guys....I was looking for some info on Google and saw this thread.  I wanted to respond to the post that said in my videos I don't talk about how ARC sounds to PrimaLuna and that I only speak of parts and engineering.  The reason is everybody says their gear sounds good.  And it would be unusual if it didn't.  But the way something is engineered and built is black and white.  

Is anybody on this thread in the Los Angeles area?  I would like somebody independent to come here and we will do a level matched within .1dB A/B instant comparison between a bone stock $3399 PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium and a fresh but broken in $8500 VSI75 we just had traded in.   That person can report here.  Or maybe a few of you guys.  I'll even come in on my day off.  It would be fun!

I want to make a comment that will stir up a hornets nest.  I'm just waiting for ICE to come down on some audio companies that claim made in USA, Japan, or Austria that are made in China.  I can look at parts and see through it, and privately people are honest with me so I know.  I've been to the factories in China and seen the names.  Kits are made in China where the PCB's are stuffed and the chassis are made, they get shipped here and the boards are screwed into the chassis.  Others imply being made somewhere else by putting a country with their name like Triode Japan, they have no country of origin sticker at all.  

My Iphone is made in China.  That's where electronics are made.  But for Americans that think they get a leg up in quality with made in USA they need to be careful to not be complacent.  It's your money.  Look at how it's built.  Hence my videos.   

My Fire Bottle amp is made by an old man who's stuck in North Carolina (it's really hot there a lot of the time, and he's not getting any younger) forcing himself to make this stuff by hand and sell it cheap…sad, just sad…*sniff*...

((((Is anybody on this thread in the Los Angeles area?  I would like somebody independent to come here and we will do a level matched within .1dB A/B instant comparison between a bone stock $3399 PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium and a fresh but broken in $8500 VSI75 we just had traded in.   That person can report here.  Or maybe a few of you guys.  I'll even come in on my day off.  It would be fun! ))))
 Hey Kev
 Be Careful
It can go the other way!
 How bout you come to Jersey and run up against the Made in USA Quicksilver Mono blocks? We already did this one for you.
 So Sorry u no makey sale.....
 And Kevy why must you pretend you carry Aesthetix on your website as a brand when you are not a dealer? Bait and switch y man?
 JohnnyR
Audio Connection