What preamp are you using with Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP amp?

I’ll go ahead and mention what I have used to date. I bought the Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP amp a couple of weeks ago. Since I didn’t have a dedicated preamp at the time I used the preamp outputs of my Yamaha AS3000 integrated amp. Sounded very good but it didn’t have the same upper and lower end resolution and definition of the Yamaha used as an integrated amp. I chalked that up to the el34 tubes in the PL, but definitely got the attributes of a tube amp with strong solid sound, more space, texture etc. I still love the Yamaha buts it’s the difference between good SS versus good tubes.

My original intention was to pick up a matching PL Dialogue Premium preamp but I have read a number of user comments praising the PS Audio BHK Signature preamp and decided to pick up a used one (I also have the PS Audio Directstream Jr and love it). Wow, that made a substantial difference. It took the things I liked about adding the tube amp to the system plus it has bettered the things I liked about using the Yamaha as just an integrated.  There’s a really tight, textured sound throughout the audio band with the BHK that I wasn’t quite expecting. Thus far I’m really impressed with the Primaluna/BHK pre combination but we’ll see after the honeymoon period where’s off.

I would still like to hear the PL preamp though just to compare. I may end up grabbing one and doing some comparisons.

Whoops “wears off” 

I was at Axpona this weekend and listened to the new Primaluna Evo gear with Golden Ear speakers. Fantastic sound. Makes me want to pick up a Dialogue preamp to go with my Dialogue HP, but man I’m really dig’n the PS Audio BHK and PL combo. I was really surprised to see the new Primaluna Evo 100 DAC. I didn’t realize PL was even offering a DAC until I saw it on Friday. I may have to give that a shot. Great fun this weekend.