Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: PrimaLuna DiaLogue Two Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by dtz

Model:	DiaLogue Two
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2,625
Description:	Adaptive Auto Bias means no user adjustments and tube are kept in their
Manufacturer URL:	PrimaLuna
Model Picture:	View

Review by dtz on December 22, 2008 at 18:48:00
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for the DiaLogue Two

I bought the Primaluna Dialogue2 1 year ago and have been listening to it on a nearly daily basis. I like this amp a lot. The auto-bias is a great feature. But do not underestimate the flexibility and importance of the wide assortment of tubes that can easily be swapped. As your system evolves and your tastes and whims change, the Primaluna is there to accomodate your needs. More than most amps this unit can be tailored to your system now and in the future.

Nice balance and tonality with plenty of juice for my 14x16 office. I listen in ultralinear 98% of the time but on occasion I flip to triode mode. My former integrated was an AMC CVT3030. There really is no comparison. The Primaluna is superior in every way and is just plain fun to listen to. With the AMC I listened from time to time. With With the Primaluna I listen daily.

The built in phono stage is OK if LP's are only a minor distraction. But if vinyl is a major source of your music, you may find a higher quality phono preamp more to your liking. My Acoustech PH-1 sounds more natural and seems a better match to the Dialogue2. But for 200 bucks, the built-in will do.

My biggest gripe is the volume control. If you adjust it manually, you can fine tune it as precisely as you care to. But when using the remote, the adjustments at lower levels can be coarse. The volume knob has a slight indent to show volume level. This indent can only be seen if you stick your face right on it. Pretty poor for such a nice amp. I have a cheesy piece of tape as a marker. I have the black unit and once again input markings can only be seen up close. Also, when turning the unit on, it always defaults to the CD input. I would rather it stay at the last used input. Minor complaints...major league sound.

I don't know if others perceive value in an almost $3000 integrated but I do. Perhaps there are other better values. But who cares? I'm happy in my music. Isn't that what counts?

Product Weakness:	Poor labeling of volume knob and inputs (black model). Coarse remote volume adjustment.
Product Strengths:	Dynamic and well balanced. Auto Bias. Easy tube rolling.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Primaluna Dialogue2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Modwright Transporter/1968 Sony TTS3000 turntable-Grace 707-Denon103R
Speakers: Usher BE-718; ProAc Tablette50 Sigs
Cables/Interconnects: Audience AU24
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Mostly jazz and classical
Room Size (LxWxH): 14 x 16 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Chang Lightspeed
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Primaluna Dialogue2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Modwright Transporter/1968 Sony TTS3000 turntable-Grace 707-Denon103R
Speakers:	Usher BE-718; ProAc Tablette50 Sigs
Cables/Interconnects:	Audience AU24
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Mostly jazz and classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 16 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Chang Lightspeed
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner