Why is there no love for Prima Luna?

tablejockey  Really, this was not a promo in disguise. I was considering the PL Evo line and wanted to understand why I was seeing mixed comments about PL.  Perhaps my subject line could have been reworded, but I was really trying to get at what were the specific reasons from people with first hand experiences with them. I’m happy to hear about the technical and sound quality aspects - both pros and cons. The “don’t buy Chinese” point has been made, now let’s talk about audio itself. 

cincyhound-

it was a goof. I’m just getting the point across that the PL could possibly be a great choice.

As mentioned I’ve been using PL gear for 10 years. With the right set of speakers, it will be just as "good" as any other brand. PL also appears to be a launching point for tube devotees.

Disregard the bashers and let your ears decide. There isn’t anyone here qualified to give you anything more than tech specs which doesn’t guarantee what your ears will like.

Hmmm Prima Luna was formed by Kevin Deal (Upscale Audio) & Herman v an den Dungen of Durob Audio (Netherlands) in 2000.

OK, I guess I should have said it is made in "collaboration" rather than "partnership" with the Chinese government.  Those who would like to bypass the middleman and buy directly from the Chinese government might consider Cayin.  That company is owned 100% by the PRC.  Also said to be very good quality.
I don't think these issues are peripheral as they relate to long term satisfaction and future resale value as more people decide to reject products made by a repressive government. 

I think Primaluna as a brand gets much respect in the aggregate. Maybe it doesn't get as much on these forums? --I don't know.  

I think it's fair to assume the sell a ton of their units.  Price to entry is lower than say, Mac, Jadis, Luxman tube gear.  

The build quality, while not the best possible, is really substantial for the price.  The labor they have (most likely experienced folks in the Cayin factory) is great.  If you look at the construction it's superb.  Parts quality is A-, in my mind, and is better than some big household audiophile names selling at higher prices.  

I have a few nits to pick about them--yet none is substantial.  With the same budget, could they make the units look a bit slicker?  I don't think they are particularly eye-catching or have anything special to draw the eye in--compare with Luxman, Line Magnetic, Mac.  The PL remotes look way better than their amplifiers--IMHO.  What gives?

Also, the company says XLR is not an ideal input, then adds XLR as, arguably, an ideal input when they release the EVO line.  The company uses a sales point of "we run our tubes more evenly and below tolerances so they last a long time."  Yet, I don't know if that makes a difference as re-tubing or rolling is not cheaper as you have soooo many tubes in the higher models to replace.  Also, I suppose they made design choices and found certain capacitors and parts to sound better than others, but I'd pay more for the option of having different parts options.  It would be really slick if they could make the units easy to cap roll.  I get confused about the science of their autobias.  See Doge Audio's explanation of how and why bias is checked at certain times. 

Customer service is excellent.  Sound quality is certainly superb, even if subjectively it might not make the grade in every system. 

Finally, the higher output Primaluna amps and integrated can drive many speakers--even those of arguably less efficiency.  

I bounce back and forth between a PL HP integrated and a 300B amp.  There are so many things right about PL and nothing that is truly wrong or a problem.  As far as the forums go, I haven't had much push back or adverse opinions about using a PL, but that's one guy's experience.  

China is not making just junk these days.  While I agree with much of the political stuff above, it is important to note that as incomes rise in China they have a booming hifi market. They have some really great home grown brands that deserve our attention--i.e. Kinki Studio, Doge Audio, and Line Magnetic.    I think we have to be careful about saying "Made in X = Y" and judge products and companies individually.  

One more thing..... I think it would be really great if PL would post factory tour videos and interviews.  I'd like to learn about that Cayin factory and I'd feel better about stuff if folks working there were paid well, had great working conditions, pride in their work, etc.  For now, we can hope/assume.