PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP User manual

PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP
PrimaLuna®
DiaLogue Premium HP
Poweramplier
Serialnumber ...........................................................
Herman van den Dungen: PrimaLuna 4in Italian language is “First Moon”. My grandfather was the
rst “Herman”. My grandmother, an aristocratic lady in a small Dutch village, had a special name for
her husband: “Maantje”, which means Little Moon (which is now also the name of our small dog),
van den Dungen. The people in the village adopted that name, and having a strong accent, they soon
called him “Maontje” van den Dungen. My father’s rst name was Cor, but in the village it was of
course “Cor from Maontje van den Dungen”. I was of course “Herman from Cor from Maontje van
den Dungen” …… etc. That’s why I thought of First Moon as a brandname and that’s why the logo is
how it is ……3
Loris Arrigucci: PrimaLuna 4believe it or not ... I discovered a small town located 50Km north of
Milano called Primaluna!!! Please get yourself a map from Italy. You’ll nd Primaluna town near the
upper-right corner. It is located 50Km north of Milano near the Lake of Como. This should eliminate
every doubt regarding “italian” origin of Primaluna name. I’ve read the “history” section of the
Primaluna village web site and found the following (literally translated):
One probable interpretation of the name of the village comes from latin “Primum Lumen”, which
means “First Light” of Christianism, since the very rst evidence of Christianism in this region
dates 495 Annus Domini. “First Light” translates into “Prima Luce” in Italian and this seems very
interesting to me: PrimaLuce (FirstLight) is the rst light that we, hi- lovers with small budgets, can
see in this world of darkness populated by way too expensive esoteric gears ……3
¯
Please contact us for registering your PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP Poweramplier. We will keep
you updated of upgrades or any other information related to your amplier. If you wish to comment on
your PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP Poweramplier, please do. If you want to send us a review of
your experience with the amplier, you are more than welcome to. If you have any technical questions,
please don’t hesitate to contact us. We thank you upfront for your time and attention.
Local distribution: Worldwide distribution:
Durob Audio BV
P.O. Box 109
5250 AC Vlijmen
The Netherlands
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.primaluna.nl
PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP

Table Of Contents
Thank You 3
Inputs & Controls 5
Warning - Package Contents - Initial Setup 6
Remote 7
Adaptive AutoBias™ - Protection Circuits 8
Tube Basics 10
PTS™ Premium Tube Selection™ 11
EL34/KT88 Switch UL-TR Switch 12
User notes 13
Specications 15
Troubleshooting 18
Warranty Information 19
Warranty Information
Two-year limited warranty
Six-month warranty on stock vacuum tubes
Terms & Conditions
1. Limited to original purchaser. This warranty is for the sole benet of the original purchaser of
the covered product, and may not be transferred to a subsequent owner.
2. Conditions & Limitations. This warranty is subject to conditions and limitations, as follows.
This warrantly is void and inapplicable if the product has not been used in accordance with the
instructions found elsewhere in this manual, or if it has been misused, abused, damaged by
accident or neglect, or in transport once in possession of purchaser. The warranty is also void if
the product has been tampered with or has been repaired or modied by anyone other than Durob
Audio BV or its specically authorized representatives.
3. Remedy. If this product contains material, manufacturing, or workmanship defects, it must be
packed in orginal packaging and returned to Durob Audio BV or its authorized representative
via insured freight, at the owner’s expense. Returned products must be accompanied by written
description of the defect, and a return authorization number (available from Durob Audio BV or
the authorized representative via e-mail). Upon receipt of the defective product, Durob Audio BV
or the authorized representative agrees to repair the product without charge for parts (except
vacuum tubes if the unit is more than 6 months old), or labor. The product will then returned via
prepaid, insured freight, with carrier at the sole determination of Durob Audio BV or the authorized
representative. This constitutes the purchaser’s sole remedy.
4. Design change. Durob Audio BV and its partners reserve the right to modify their products or
change specications at any time without obligation or liability to previous purchasers.
5. Miscellaneous. Any implied warranties relating to the above product shall be limited to duration of
this warranty. This warranty does not extend to any indentical or consequential costs or damages
to purchaser or third-parties. Our liability will be no more than the amount you paid for the product
that is the subject of a claim. This is the maximum amount for which we are responsible. This
warranty gives you specic legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from country to
country and state to state.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP
2 19
Copyright Durob Audio BV - 2015. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part of text, logo, graphics or schematics is strictly forbidden
without permission, in writing, of Durob Audio BV
The information in this manual is subject to change without further notice.

Troubleshooting
Some tips:
• No output. Power is on, but power LED is off and tubes do not light up. AC cable makes bad
connection in IEC connector. Please check.
• No output. Power is on, but power LED is off and tubes do not light up. PTP™ protection may
have switched off power transformer. If so, the amplier will switch on again after internal
temperature of power transformer returns to normal. Overheating might be caused by higher
environment temperature than normal or heavy use
• BTI switch-off. BTI switched off the high voltage supply to the power output tubes. This can
happen when one (or more) output tube(s) draw(s) signicantly more current than normal, like
what can happen when a loudspeaker terminal is short circuited with volume turned up. Or, in
case of an internal output tube failure, the BTI™ circuit understands that there is a new situation
which can cause harm to the amplier or the loudspeaker, and the high voltage power supply to
the output tubes is interrupted as a protective measure. To reset, switch the amplier’s power off
for at least two minutes, then switch back on. Of course this should only be done after the cause
of the failure has been identied and resolved. Switching the power back on too early can fool the
BTI circuit into acting as though the problem has not been totally resolved and it may put the amp
back into protection mode again. So be sure to give it enough time to reset.
• No output. Power is on, but power LED is off and tubes do not light up. Mains fuse is out. Replace
fuse as per instructions on page 10.
• Noise coming from one channel in case of use as stereo amplier. The easiest is to try a full set
of new tubes and see if the problem disappears or stays. If that is not possible try to nd if there is
maybe one problematic tube.
• Noisy tube. First swap the two inner 12AU7 tubes left to right. If noise follows tube swap, than
you have found the problem tube. If noise does not follow, swap the two outer 12AU7 tubes left to
right.• Hum coming from one channel. Possible bad output tube. Swap the output tubes in pairs
from right to left. If hum follows the swap, swap the far left and far right tubes. If the hum returns
to the original problem channel, you have found the problem tube. If not, swap the inside output
tubes left to right. If still you did not nd a problematic tube, you retry the same with the power
tubes.
• Noise/distortion coming from both channels in stereo mode. Tubes may be in need of
replacement. Read page 11 for tube basics and replacement options.
• In case you use the amplier as mono amplier and have a hum problem, try to replace all tubes
by a new set and see if the problem goes or not. In case you want to try to nd the possible one
problematic tube, connect and use the amplier in stereo mode and follow the earlier described
procedure.
If you try these possible solutions and problems persist, contact us or your local distributor for further
investigation.
THANK YOU!
We would like to thank you for choosing our PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP vacuum tube
Poweramplier as the heart of your music system. The DiaLogue Premium HP Poweramplier is the
second member of the new DiaLogue Premium HP series of affordable, high-quality tube products. The
designers and builders of the PrimaLuna equipment all have a long history in high-end audio. We feel
we have shown with PrimaLuna that we are able to offer a range of affordable audio instruments that
can easily compete with today’s most expensive brands and assure you we will continue that way. We
rmly believe that our quality level will set the bar at a difcult height for other products to match.
This PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP Power amp features:
• Hand-made construction with the nest point-to-point wiring, using workmanship that is equal to or
better than any product you can buy at any price.
• A heavy-gauge, fully-vented steel chassis with a ve coat nish. Each coat is hand-rubbed and
polished.
• Premium parts that include a toroidal transformer for power supply; custom designed -in
conjunction with one of the most prestigious transformer designers in the USA- encapsulated
output transformers for lowest hum; wide bandwidth for great bass and extended highs; ceramic
tube sockets; Nichicon, DuRoch and Solen capacitors; superfast Philips-diode-circuitry; gold-
plated heavy duty WBT style speaker terminals (all speaker- connectors are solid shaft, without
hole, for better conductance, better sound and higher reliability); gold-plated panel mounted input
jacks.
• SoftStart™ circuit for extended life of sensitive components, plus a reduced chance of tube failure
from thermal shock.
• A new generation Adaptive AutoBias™ exclusive to PrimaLuna. This circuit monitors and smoothly
adjusts bias constantly and instantly, reducing maintenance and increasing performance due to
the dramatic reduction in distortion. It comes with a new extensive output stage protection circuitry
with +B relay to protect output transformers, resistors and high voltage power supply in case a
tube fails. In all DiaLogue Premium HP Amplier models the new generation Adaptive Auto Bias
Board comes with our new BTI™ circuit. BTI™ stands for Bad Tube Indication (by LEDs), making
tube-life again a bit easier.
• All DiaLogue Premium HP Ampliers come with an EL34/KT88 bias switch. This means that with
the ip of a switch you can choose for the optimum bias setting for EL34 type of tubes or KT88
type of tubes. No hassle with screwdrivers, no messing around with meters etc. Just switch tubes,
switch bias!
• This DiaLogue Premium HP Poweramplier comes also with a mono/stereo switch giving it the
functions of both the DiaLogue Premium Mono Amplier as well as the DiaLogue Premium Stereo
Amplier.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP
18 3

• SmartWatts design. PrimaLuna’s true-value, low stress design philosophy. Many manufacturers
fudge on their power ratings, claiming power that is mathematically impossible. Every seasoned
tube owners knows that 20 watts from a tube amp is a ton of power. What is really important is
that PrimaLuna runs their power tubes up to 40% easier than other manufacturers.
• No more 12AX7 tubes in the DiaLogue Premium HP range of products. Instead of a 12AX7/12AU7
combination in each channel, we only use 12AU7 combination. Lower distortion levels, higher
level of sound quality. Distortion levels in the rst stage have dropped with a factor of 5 at low
levels to at least 20 at higher levels, above 1V.
• All new PrimaLuna PTP™ (Power Transformer Protection) circuit. When the power transformer
overheats due to environmental circumstances, overloading or some problem in the unit, an
internal thermal switch breaks the primary, allowing the unit to cool down before harm is done.
After it’s cooled, contact is restored and if nothing is broken, the amp will repower and function
properly.
• All new PrimaLuna OTP™ (Output Transformer Protection) circuit which further protects the
amplier.
PrimaLuna SilverLabel tubes are pre-selected by us following our simple 60 out of 100 rule (PTS™ -
Premium Tube Selection) and as such, are already “special” when compared to other standard tubes
on the market. Additionally, for certain models we have our GoldLabel tubes, which are available from
us and several other parties if you wish to upgrade. In the USA, Upscale Audio’s inventory of New Old
Stock tubes (which is another thing you might want to experiment with) is the largest you can nd.
Elsewhere, independent suppliers can assist you to make your best choice.
We hope that the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP Poweramplier will make you want to follow our
next steps in expanding this new range of products. If you have any questions or comments, don’t
hesitate to contact us. You can also share your thoughts with others at www.audioreview.com or other
review sites. On the www.primaluna.nl website you will nd links to these and other websites. We keep
our prices low by relying on word-of-mouth and customer feedback, and we would appreciate hearing
what you have to say about our product. Finally, if you need service during or after the warranty period,
please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thanks again for your support!
Herman van den Dungen
DUROB AUDIO BV
Specications KT120
Power Stereo Ultra-linear KT120 ...................................................................................................................................... 85 Watts per channel
Power Stereo Triode KT120 ..................................................................................................................................................... 45 Watts per channel
Power Mono Ultra-linear KT120 ..................................................................................................................................... 175 Watts per channel
Power Mono Triode KT120 ........................................................................................................................................................ 94 Watts per channel
Frequency Response Stereo / Mono ............................................... 9Hz – 59kHz +/- 1 dB / 8Hz – 69kHz +/- 1 dB
THD (1W/1kHz) @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power Stereo / Mono ......................................... < 0,1% / < 0,1%
S/N Ratio Stereo / Mono ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 99 dB / 99 dB
Input Impedance ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 100 kOhm
Input Sensitivity Stereo / Mono ..................................................................................................................................................... 1200mV / 1100mV
Gain (UL) Stereo / Mono ........................................................................................................................................................................... 26.5 dB / 29.6 dB
Gain (TR) Stereo / Mono ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 24 dB / 27 dB
Power Consumption ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 540 Watts
Net Weight ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66.3lbs / 29.5 kg
hipping Weight ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 72.7 lbs / 33 kg
Dimensions ....................................................................... 15.9” x 15.2” x 8.1” / 405 mm x 385 mm x 205 mm (L x W x H)
Shipping Dimensions ........................................... 22.7” x 18.4” x 12” / 577 mm x 468 mm x 305 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs Stereo / Mono .............................................................................................................................................................. 1 pair RCA / 1 piece RCA
Outputs Stereo / Mono ............................................... 4, 8 & 16 Ohm Speaker Taps / 2, 4 & 8 Ohm Speaker Taps
Tube Complement ................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 x KT120, 6 x 12AU7
Remote control .............................................................................................................................................. Heavy Metal UL-TR Remote Control
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417
All PrimaLuna products come with PrimaLuna SilverLabel tubes which are pre-selected by us
following our simple 60 out of 100 rule (PTS™ - Premium Tube Selection) and as such, are al-
ready “special” when compared to other standard tubes on the market. Additionally, for certain
models we have our GoldLabel tubes, which are available from us if you wish to upgrade.

Specications KT88
Power Stereo Ultra-linear KT88 ............................................................................................................................................ 72Watts per channel
Power Stereo Triode KT88 ........................................................................................................................................................... 43Watts per channel
Power Mono Ultra-linear KT88 ........................................................................................................................................... 148Watts per channel
Power Mono Triode KT88 .............................................................................................................................................................. 85Watts per channel
Frequency Response Stereo / Mono ............................................... 9Hz – 59kHz +/- 1 dB / 8Hz – 69kHz +/- 1 dB
THD (1W/1kHz) @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power Stereo / Mono ......................................... < 0,1% / < 0,1%
S/N Ratio Stereo / Mono ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 99 dB / 99 dB
Input Impedance ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 100 kOhm
Input Sensitivity Stereo / Mono ..................................................................................................................................................... 1200mV / 1100mV
Gain (UL) Stereo / Mono ........................................................................................................................................................................... 26.4 dB / 29.6 dB
Gain (TR) Stereo / Mono ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 24 dB / 27 dB
Power Consumption ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 480 Watts
Net Weight ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66.3lbs / 29.5 kg
Shipping Weight ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 72.7 lbs / 33 kg
Dimensions ....................................................................... 15.9” x 15.2” x 8.1” / 405 mm x 385 mm x 205 mm (L x W x H)
Shipping Dimensions ........................................... 22.7” x 18.4” x 12” / 577 mm x 468 mm x 305 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs Stereo / Mono .............................................................................................................................................................. 1 pair RCA / 1 piece RCA
Outputs Stereo / Mono ............................................... 4, 8 & 16 Ohm Speaker Taps / 2, 4 & 8 Ohm Speaker Taps
Tube Complement ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 x KT88, 6 x 12AU7
Remote control ............................................................ Heavy Metal UL-TR Remote Control
Inputs & Controls
PrimaLuna’s front panels are made from machined aluminum, nished to match the black/blue metallic
chassis. No controls are available from the front. The power switch is located on the left side of the
amp, just behind the front plate, the EL34/KT88 switch on the right side of the amp, just behind the
front plate.
Rear Panel
Looking at the rear panel, you will note the input section and the set of speaker terminals. The input
section can be used as mono input or stereo input. The speaker terminals also can be used as mono
or stereo output(s). Make sure that the mono/stereo switch is in the correct position. Do NOT use this
switch while the amplier is switched on. If the switch is in mono position, use the input and output
connections marked “mono”. If the switch is in stereo position, use the input and output connections
marked “stereo”.
In case of use as a mono amplier, attach the positive (+) from your loudspeaker to the 2, 4 or 8 ohm
terminal that most closely matches the average impedance of your loudspeakers according to their
manufacturer’s specications. In case of use as a stereo amplier, attach the positive (+) from your
loudspeakers to the 4, 8 or 16 ohm terminal that most closely matches the average impedance of your
loudspeakers according to their manufacturer’s specications.
The negative (-) cable from your loudspeaker attaches to the 0 Ohm terminal of the amplier.
Tip: It’s important to experiment with different positive terminals. If your speaker is listed as
8 Ohm, also try 4 Ohm. Speaker impedance rises and lowers. It’s never constant. The speaker taps
are there to help you to get the best sound. Trust your ears.
Some preampliers invert the audio signal. Check with the manufacturer. If your preamp does,
reverse the positive and negative speaker wire at either the amplier end or speaker end. PrimaLuna
preampliers are non-inverting.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP
16 5
All PrimaLuna products come with PrimaLuna SilverLabel tubes which are pre-selected by us
following our simple 60 out of 100 rule (PTS™ - Premium Tube Selection) and as such, are al-
ready “special” when compared to other standard tubes on the market. Additionally, for certain
models we have our GoldLabel tubes, which are available from us if you wish to upgrade.

Warning
To prevent serious injury, electrical shock or re:
• Do not operate with bottom plate removed.
• Keep away from rain and moisture.
• Always disconnect all cable connections to and from amplier before changing fuses and/or tubes.
• Do not replace fuses with any fuse other than the same type and rating as used by the factory.
• Do not replace tubes without reading instructions.
• Do not replace fuses or tubes if you have any doubt about your ability to do so. We accept no
responsibility for any personal or material damage due to incompetent use or users.
Package Contents
DiaLogue Premium HP Poweramplier ...........................1
Power Cord .................................................................................................................1
This Owner’s Manual ...................................................................................1
White Gloves ............................................................................................................1 pair
Tube Complement ............................................................................................8 x EL34
6 x 12AU7
Main Fuse .....................................................................................................................1 x Littelfuse® 213 Series 4A Slo-Blo® 5 x 20 mm
fuse for 100-120VAC and Littelfuse® 213 Series 2.5A
Slo-Blo® 5 x 20 mm fuse for 200-240VAC
Heavy Metal Remote Control ..........................................................1
Initial Setup
• Carefully remove the DiaLogue Premium HP Poweramplier from its packaging. Use the white
gloves to prevent ngerprint smudges.
• Remove the tube cage by carefully pulling it up and away from the amplier.
• Remove the protective foam surrounding the tubes.
• Tubes are already installed. Check that each tube is rmly seated in its socket. Use gloves.
• Replace cage back in its place if desired.
• Check to see the power switch is off (down).
• Connect output of preamp with input of power amp.
• Connect your speaker wires, positive to positive, negative to negative. This unit is non-inverting.
• Plug the power cord into the amplier, then into the wall socket.
• Switch the preamplier on and wait for 1 minute to stabilize the circuit.
• Switch the Poweramplier on.
• The tubes will be warmed up and ready to use in about 60 seconds.
Specications EL34
Power Stereo Ultra-linear EL34 .......................................................................................................................................... 72 Watts per channel
Power Stereo Triode EL34 ......................................................................................................................................................... 42 Watts per channel
Power Mono Ultra-linear EL34 ........................................................................................................................................... 148Watts per channel
Power Mono Triode EL34 ............................................................................................................................................................ 85 Watts per channel
Frequency Response Stereo / Mono ............................................... 9Hz – 59kHz +/- 1 dB / 8Hz – 69kHz +/- 1 dB
THD (1W/1kHz) @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power Stereo / Mono ......................................... < 0,1% / < 0,1%
S/N Ratio Stereo / Mono ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 99 dB / 99 dB
Input Impedance ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 100 kOhm
Input Sensitivity Stereo / Mono ..................................................................................................................................................... 1200mV / 1100mV
Gain (UL) Stereo / Mono ........................................................................................................................................................................... 26.9 dB / 30.6 dB
Gain (TR) Stereo / Mono ........................................................................................................................................................................... 25.2 dB / 28.5 dB
Power Consumption ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 470 Watts
Net Weight ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66.3 lbs / 29.5 kg
Shipping Weight ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 72.7 lbs / 33 kg
Dimensions ....................................................................... 15.9” x 15.2” x 8.1” / 405 mm x 385 mm x 205 mm (L x W x H)
Shipping Dimensions ........................................... 22.7” x 18.4” x 12” / 577 mm x 468 mm x 305 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs Stereo / Mono .............................................................................................................................................................. 1 pair RCA / 1 piece RCA
Outputs Stereo / Mono ............................................... 4, 8 & 16 Ohm Speaker Taps / 2, 4 & 8 Ohm Speaker Taps
Tube Complement ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 x EL34, 6 x 12AU7
Remote control .............................................................................................................................................. Heavy Metal UL-TR Remote Control
PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP
615
All PrimaLuna products come with PrimaLuna SilverLabel tubes which are pre-selected by us
following our simple 60 out of 100 rule (PTS™ - Premium Tube Selection) and as such, are al-
ready “special” when compared to other standard tubes on the market. Additionally, for certain
models we have our GoldLabel tubes, which are available from us if you wish to upgrade.

User notes Remote Control
The function of the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP UL-TR Remote Control is self-explanitory. The
remote controls Triode/Ultralinear switching.
The PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP UL-TR Remote Control has two high quality rubber rings on
each end to protect against damage of the remote control itself as well as your furniture. These rings
can be easily removed in case battery has to be replaced or if you plain just don’t like them.
In the event your remote control does not function, please check battery and if necessary, replace
with a new CR2032 model battery. To access the battery-compartment, remove the rubber rings and
unscrew the back plate. If the remote still does not function, contact your dealer for further assistance.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP PrimaLuna®DiaLogue Premium HP
14 7

AAB™ - Adaptive AutoBias™
Adaptive AutoBias™ is an exclusive PrimaLuna feature you won’t nd anywhere at any price. Superbly
engineered, It closely monitors power output tubes and adjust them instantly to perfection in real
time. You will never have to get a toolkit and meter out to adjust tubes yourself again. If one tube
fails, you just replace one, unlike some amps that require replacing a whole matched set of four.
NO MATCHING REQUIRED. In fact, in an emergency, you can even use a different tube type! Your
PrimaLuna can even run a single EL34, KT88, KT120, and KT150 all mixed together if you had to! (Not
recommended!)
The tubes operate in their perfect sweet spot. Musicality is improved dramatically and distortion levels
drop by over 40%. And since it operates outside the signal path, there is no sonic degradation. The
new, more developed Adaptive AutoBias™ circuit has another benet. It will actually TELL you if a tube
has failed. It’s called BTI, and it’s discussed below.
PrimaLuna Special Protection Circuits
Soft-start™
Furthermore, the PrimaLuna Adaptive AutoBias™ circuit is equipped with Soft-start™, which powers
the amplier up slowly to prolong the life of internal components, including the tubes. This makes the
PrimaLuna a joy to own and operate.
BTI™ - Bad Tube Indication™
Adaptive AutoBias™ keeps tubes in perfect tune. But now, it does much more. If a tube shows signs of
failure, perhaps due to drawing excessive current, the BTI™ circuit may put the amplier into protection
mode. In other brands, this may be the part of the story where you get the soldering iron out or take the
amp to the shop for repair. And of course then you have to gure out which tube failed, which can be a
real chore. But in your PrimaLuna, you are not only protected, but informed where the trouble tube is.
The amplier will protect itself from damage by opening a relay shutting off the sound. A red LED
mounted next to the trouble tube will light up. Simply turn off the amp, let it rest two minutes, replace
the bad tube next to the red LED, and turn the amp back on. That’s it. Nothing is simpler.
Note: At power on and power off, one or more of the LEDs may light up for a second. This does not
indicate anything at all. Tubes can often “burp” during this time. If a tube has a true problem, the LED
will stay on, and the sound will mute.
PTP™ - Power Transformer Protection™
Continuing with PrimaLuna’s impeccable reputation for reliability, we’re constantly searching for ways
to improve on what is arguably the best track record for dependability in the industry. Our PTP™ circuit
is a demonstration of that commitment. In the unlikely event that the power transformer’s internal
temperature becomes too high, a thermal switch will cut off the main AC voltage. Once cool, turn the
amplier back on, and see if it functions normally. If it does not, have it checked immediately by your
dealer.
User notes
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8 13

EL34/KT88 Switch
The DiaLogue Premium HP Powerampliers—as well as the Dialogue Premium HP Integrated
Amplier—come with an EL34/KT88 bias switch. This means that by the ip of a switch you can
choose the optimum bias setting for EL34s or KT88s. No hassle with screwdrivers, no messing around
with meters etc. If you swap tubes, simply ip the switch for optimum bias!
And should you use the “wrong” bias setting for the tubes in use, don’t worry. It just means you
did not choose the “optimum” bias setting as decided by the PrimaLuna design team. Some
PrimaLuna owners even like to “play” with this switch to see what is the optimum bias setting for their
circumstances and some go even further and play with this switch while having a mix of EL34 and
KT88 within one channel. All is possible due to the PrimaLuna Adaptive AutoBias Circuit.
Ultralinear – Triode Switching
Your DiaLogue Premium HP Poweramplier affords you the opportunity of switching between
Ultralinear and Triode modes by remote control. You need not turn off the amp to do so; you can switch
while the unit is operating. Although a faint click might be heard through your speakers, it is in no way
harmful.
Your DiaLogue Premium HP Poweramplier always starts in Ultralinear mode when powered up.
Centered on the front panel aside from the IR sensor are two-color LEDs which indicate the mode in
which the amp is functioning: Red—Ultralinear; Green—Triode.
The choice between Ultralinear or Triode modes is a matter of taste, inuenced by your speakers and
the recording.
Ultralinear Mode
The term ultralinear applies quite literally here. The design exerts a tighter grip on the speakers and
produces music more likely to be described as accurate, dynamic, with great inner detail. The top and
bottom end take on more “pop” and excitement.
Triode Mode
Take your KT-88 or EL-34 and wire it like a 300B! Triode sound is best described as warmer on top
and bottom, a little compressed, with the midband now slightly more pronounced. Your shoulders drop
as the sound is more relaxed. In absolute terms it will not play as loud as maximum power drops by
roughly half compared to Ultralinear.
So Which Is Better?
Decide with your ears but we will leave you with this thought: On the surface it would appear that if
you wanted to play music louder, you would use the higher-powered Ultralinear mode; conversely, you
would use the Triode setting for soft listening. Not always true! At low listening levels, you may need
the “pop” that Ultralinear provides for top and bottom extension so the music sounds full. At higher
listening levels, Triode operation will start to “compress” and allow you to crank it up more with less
fatigue. The point is: have fun with it and never let people tell you what sounds right.
OTP™ - Output Transformer Protection™
In rare circumstances, it’s possible to damage one of the two output transformers by improper hook-
up, or other mistakes like changing speakers with the amplier on. PrimaLuna’s Output Transformer
Protection™ circuit is designed to minimize the chances of that happening. And the best news is, it’s
not in the signal path so it does it’s job with no sound degradation.
Soft-start™
When a failure occurs with a light bulb, or anything electrical, it’s usually when you turn it on. To help
guard against that PrimaLuna has a feature called Soft-start™ which will turn on power to critical
components and tubes gently and slowly rather than with a hit, with the goal of making your PrimaLuna
last a lifetime.
Fuse Protection -
A note on fuses: If “someone who knows” tells you to wrap fuses with aluminum foil to avoid wasting
money on new ones, it’s best not to take his advice. Fuses are safety valves. They should always be
replaced with the exact same value and type.
Warning: Never attempt to check or replace a fuse while the amp is plugged in. Turn it off and unplug
all speakers, components and AC cords before continuing. Wait 10 minutes to let tubes cool down and
the circuit to fully discharge.
Mains Fuse:
The mains fuse is located on the rear of the amplier, just below the power
cord socket (see picture on this page). The fuse rating is 1 x Littelfuse® 213
Series 4A Slo-Blo® 5 x 20 mm fuse for 100-120VAC and Littelfuse® 213
Series 2.5A Slo-Blo® 5 x 20 mm fuse for 200-240VAC. Replace with the same
type and value fuse! The fuse holder can be snapped out using a small slotted
at blade screwdriver.
PrimaLuna recommends Littelfuse® for the best performance at a reasonable cost. There are more
expensive audiophile grade fuses on the market, and PrimaLuna has no opinion on who is best. But
no-name fuses may or may not be made to the most exacting standards.
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Tube Basics
Small-signal tubes such as 12AU7 will have a life of about 5,000 to 10,000 hours. Power tubes
like EL34, KT88, etc are typically 2500 to 3000 hours, but we have reports of much longer due to
PrimaLuna’s low-stress designs
Here are some other guidelines about tubes:
• Do not use treatments on tube pins or in sockets.
• If you decide to experiment with other tube types, it’s best not to swap tubes in and out
repeatedly as you can loosen tube sockets and cycle the amp on/off too quickly. Try a tube for
a few days, then compare them to another for a few days playing the same music and same
volume. Just relax.
• Do not leave the amplier on 24 hours a day. Just a short warm-up is required for the PrimaLuna
to get into its groove.
• Every new tube needs break-in time. This typically takes about 50 hours for large tubes and 200
hours for small tubes.
• Please note that tubes can vary electrically, and by plugging in the wrong type of tube you can
damage the amplier and void your warranty.
Common Replacements:
• For 12AU7: ECC82, ECC802S, E82CC, 5814, 6189, CV4003
• For the KT88 switch position: 6550 and KT88. You may also use KT90, KT120, KT150
• For the EL34 switch position: 6CA7, E34LS, E34L. You may also use 6L6GC, 7581A and KT66
though power will drop slightly.
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PTS™ - Premium Tube Selection™
Our “standard” PrimaLuna SilverLabel tubes are pre-selected using our simple 60 out of 100 rule and
as such, are already “special” when compared to other standard tubes on the market. Out of 100 tubes
which have passed the nal quality control from the manufacturer, we are allowed to select and keep
the 60 best pieces. The other 40, which are in no way defective (these just do not belong to the best
60), go back to the manufacturer and are used to supply other clients.
Additionally, we keep an eye on all tubes still manufactured today and if special, high quality tubes
become available, we consider them as candidates for our GoldLabel tubes. Normally these are tubes
which are still in production—we don’t want to offer minor quantities of N.O.S. (New Old Stock) tubes
as PrimaLuna GoldLabel tubes.
Currently we have available 12AX7 and 12AU7 GoldLabel tubes.
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Some tubes and tube sockets
have a “center key” which
must line up! If you misalign
them and use brute force, you
will damage important and
expensive parts of your
amplier!!