Early Impressions of Lab12 Integre4
I just purchased a Lab12 Integre4 and have been listening every chance I get for about a week now. I wanted to share my experience because there seems to be very little info out there on the brand. It is replacing Primaluna Dialogue Premium seperates in my living room system. The intent wasn’t to necessarily improve sound but it definitely has. The reason I did the swap was to simplify things for the wife and also to reduce the tube count in the system. Rest of setup is a Auralic Aries into a Tubadour III and my Harbeth C7es3 xd.
I’m not very good at describing sound but will do my best. I will say for starters this has been as big or bigger than any upgrade I’ve made since starting in this hobby. I don’t have a ton of experience but I’ve had probably 20-30 pieces come through my hands in the last 10 years. I’ve been using el34s in the Lab12 mostly, which are the same as used with the Primaluna. I played the kt150s for a while but just wasn’t really getting into it so swapped to my trusted el34s. From that moment on I’ve been in love. I will play with the kt150s more eventually, but I’m not in a hurry right now.
It’s really hard for me to pinpoint what is making it such a better sound to me. Honestly I think it’s superior in most every way. I’ve been trying but haven’t really come up with an area the Primaluna setup was better. The midrange may be a touch warmer but I wouldn’t say smoother. The treble is probably where the two are closest but I feel the Lab12 is a bit more delicate. The bass is where the the Lab12 is really smoking the Primaluna for me though. I honestly think trying to break it all down to treble, bass, etc just doesn’t do it justice though.
It’s really the sound as a whole that I’m in love with. It’s just so cohesive and fluid. PRAT is the best I’ve personally experienced in my system. The Lab12 is a fair bit snappier and quicker when asked to be which I think is a big part of the improvement to PRAT. Clarity is also a step up, as well as separation. Maybe most important to me is the improved soundstage and the ability for the vocals and instruments to just separate themselves from the speakers and hang in air.
Anyways, I really could go on and on but hopefully you get the just. Everyday when I turn it on I wonder if it will be the day it’s sounds less amazing and I realize I got a bit carried way. So far that just hasn’t happen. I’m hoping the brand can pick up some momentum and continue to grow. I definitely recommend anyone who can to take a listen and report back. Very curious to hear if other people find the sound as satisfying as I have. Also would love to hear any experiences people have had with the brand.
P.S. sorry for my less than stellar writing skills. Also these are just my opinions in my room with my ears after maybe 40 hours of listening.
