[JLM]

How about the Primaluna DiaLogue Premium Integrated amp. One can use any of these tubes; 6l6GC/Kt66, EL-34/KT77, 6550/KT88 and KT120 power tubes. $3299 and I think it can be had cheaper! A nice amp for sure. Maybe not up to an ARC, but great for the money.

I think there are three audio manufacturers that give ALOT of tube amp quality for a hard working man's dime. I don't put them in order. Primaluna, Rogue Audio and Line Magnetic Audio. There I said it. Now everyone can beat me into the ground. Would I like to own a top of the line ARC? Yes I would. But those might be white collar amps, where the three I listed are blue collar amps.

Just ordered the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Integrated.  As a life long solid state guy, I'd tried a couple of tube amps and the image/tonal density I heard kept haunting me, so after (what for me was a very short research period, because I know next to nothing about tube stuff anyway, I called Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio).  Order it with the KT120 as they were supposed to provide tighter bass with more high frequency emphasis which should synergize with my speakers.  Modjeski has been slamming the amp here at AC lately, but it is Stereophile Class A rated and Dick Olsher's current benchmark for tube integrate amps.  I liked the price and feature set:  Auto-Bias (continually optimizes tube performance/life), output transformer protection, "AC offset killer", (all of which is outside the signal path), lots of tube rolling options, ultra linear/triode switch, EL34/KT88 bias option, remote, subwoofer output, even a HT bypass.  So it looks safe for a tube idiot and should last a long time.  It's supposed to arrive tomorrow, so hopefully we'll soon see.

[scottlowe]

hi my amp{  DYNACO VTA ST-120  USES 6550's,kt-88's kt-120's no problem. less than $900.00  .Excellent deal

[ASMAN]

I bought my Cary SLI-80 with EH KT88s installed. Went on to Gold Lions which was a major step up.
Tried TS 6550's for a while and then to KT120. The 120s are ones I am going to stick with for a while.
Of course it doesn't boost the power but has a different sonic character that I am pleased with.
More "balls" down low while still giving me the mids and highs that I like.
I am hoping to get better life than Gold Lions by not running them as hard.
BTW I bought the KT120's from Jim McShane.

[JLM]

How about the Primaluna DiaLogue Premium Integrated amp. One can use any of these tubes; 6l6GC/Kt66, EL-34/KT77, 6550/KT88 and KT120 power tubes. $3299 and I think it can be had cheaper! A nice amp for sure. Maybe not up to an ARC, but great for the money.

I think there are three audio manufacturers that give ALOT of tube amp quality for a hard working man's dime. I don't put them in order. Primaluna, Rogue Audio and Line Magnetic Audio. There I said it. Now everyone can beat me into the ground. Would I like to own a top of the line ARC? Yes I would. But those might be white collar amps, where the three I listed are blue collar amps.

So I've been listening to the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Integrated (review forthcoming) and have tried it with EL34, 6550, KT88, and KT120 (all matched & cryo'd).  Preferred the 6550, then EL34/KT88, and lastly the KT120 (a distant last, sounding like my nice solid state gear) in my system/room with my old ears. 

[geowak]

So I've been listening to the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Integrated (review forthcoming) and have tried it with EL34, 6550, KT88, and KT120 (all matched & cryo'd).  Preferred the 6550, then EL34/KT88, and lastly the KT120 (a distant last, sounding like my nice solid state gear) in my system/room with my old ears.

I had wondered how you liked this piece. Primaluna brings alot of quality to the table for the price. Im glad your happy with it. It seems to have robust transformers! I have been tube rolling in some NOS RCA and Sylvania tubes into the preamp section of my LM Audio integrated. Been really loving that tube sound! I only wish I owned a good simple reliable tube tester for those old tubes. Genelex Gold Lion KT88s sounded the best in my system

[ralpheburns]

After I posted that I talked to Mike Sanders about his Silver 88 monos....they seem like a great amp...Hopefully I will get to hear one.
                                                                                                                 Greg

FWIW, I got some Quicksilver Silver 88's with KT150's this summer.  I was able to home audition Gold Lion KT120's and liked the bass grip from the KT150's better.  Driving into SF Elipsa SE speakers.  These are my first tube amps, so take it with a grain of salt.  I'm using 1960 RCA 12BH7 and Amperex Bugle Boy 12AX7 and those are quite good.  I'm contemplating stocking up on additional NOS drivers and inputs, and figuring on the RCA again but wondering about some Mullard version for the 12AX7s.