Considering switching from Audio Research to PrimaLuna, troube with VS115 amp
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.
upscaleaudio It's official. We will do an precise level-matched A/B comparison of the ARC VSI75 and the DiaLogue Premium integrated amps.This is interesting! Can you please tell us more about how the test will be conducted? Will it be double-blind? |
I want to work with the best time for everybody. Bob Levi says he will be here at 10AM. It's so blasted hot in California now it's hard to do anything during the day but stay in and listen to music. I would almost like to say 11AM so I can go for a motorcycle ride in the morning. I'm easy. Who can come, and what time is best? You guys tell me what works and I will ask Bob too. It's this Saturday. I'm going on vacation the next Saturday. I'm going to the Focal factory in France to take a tour which from what I hear is incredible, then after that meeting with Herman from PrimaLuna. As to filming the meeting we have here, not sure what you would like to see. Tell me and I can try. I don't have employees here Saturday but maybe I can get the wifey to do it. |
This is interesting! Can you please tell us more about how the test will be conducted? Will it be double-blind? The way I do an A/B is first I play music at a healthy volume suitable for listening and evaluating on one amp. Then I play a test tone and use an SPL meter to measure the volume. I then hook up amp B to the same source, play the same tone, and adjust volume on amp B where it's playing at the same volume as amp A within 0.1dB. 1dB is close, but 0.1dB or 0.2dB is the best if you can make them that close. Then while both amps are hot, 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. |
