2. amps-preamps
  3. 166641-9486

PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium amplifier or Audio Research Ref 75?

I own a Dialogue Premium (DP) amp and really like it. What's not to like? Build quality, easy tube rolling, auto biasing, great sound. I also owned the DP preamp, and it was equally as great, but I recently replaced the DP pre with an Audio Research Reference 3. At nearly triple the price when new, the ARC should sound better and it definitely does.

I have owned ARC gear in the past including the VT100 Mkii, and the VT200. Both were great amps, but I had to downgrade a decade or so ago, and now I am scaling back up. I have long been impressed with the reviews of the Ref 75 amp, and now I'm considering acquiring one, but I'm not so sure it will improve the sound quality for me. I don't need the extra power, and the DP has autobias and allows for tube rolling. I'm even wondering if changing from the KT77 I'm using to KT120 or KT150 would close the gap if there is one between the DP and the ARC.

Does anyone have experience with both? I don't need to be told that the DP or the ARC sounds great. I'd like to know if anyone has first hand experience with both?
audiojerry

Showing 1 response by tuberist

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tuberist
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Jerry,
I have owned a PL Dialogue Premium Integrated about 2.5 years. I tube rolled With KT77s then KT120s and settled on the KT150. 77s had lean mid bass, 120s were too cold sounding, The 150s have no downside to me. They are powerful, tonally neutral and create a presence I really like.
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