PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three User manual

PrimaLuna®
DiaLogueThree
Preamplier
Serialnumber ...........................................................
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
Herman van den Dungen: PrimaLuna in Italian language is "First Moon". My grandfather was the
first "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 first 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 ……
Loris Arrigucci: PrimaLuna believe it or not ... I discovered a small town located 50Km north of
Milano called Primaluna!!! Please get yourself a map from Italy. You'll find 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 first 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 first light that we, hi-fi lovers with small budgets, can see in this
world of darkness populated by way too expensive esoteric gears ……

Please contact us for registering your PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three preamplifier. We will keep you
updated of upgrades or any other information related to your preamplifier. If you wish to comment on
your PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three preamplifier, please do. If you want to send us a review of your
experience with the preamplifier, 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.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
Local distribution: Worldwide distribution:
Durob Audio BV
P.O. Box 109
5250 AC Vlijmen
The Netherlands
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.primaluna.nl
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INSIDE

2 15
Table Of Contents
Thank You 3
Specifications 4
Warning - Package Contents - Initial Setup 5
Inputs, Controls & Remote Function 6
Remote Control 7
Stereo Home Theater Pass Thru 8
PhonoLogue MM Option 9
Tube Basics 10
Protection 11
Troubleshooting 12
User Notes 13
Warranty Information 15
Copyright Durob Audio BV - 2010. 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.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
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 benefit 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 modified by anyone other than Durob
Audio BV or its specifically 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 specifications 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 specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from country to
country and state to state.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree

14 3
THANK YOU!
We would like to thank you for choosing our PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three vacuum tube preamplifier
as an important part of your music system. The DiaLogue Three is the third member of the next level
up of our family 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 that it's time to offer a range
of affordable audio instruments that can easily compete with today's most expensive brands.
We firmly believe that our quality level will be a difficult standard for other products in the market to
match.
This PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three preamplifier features:
• Hand-made construction with the finest point-to-point wiring, using workmanship that is equal to
or better than any product you can buy at any price.
• A heavy gauge steel, fully vented chassis with a five coat finish. Each coat is hand-rubbed and
polished.
• Premium parts: separate toroidal transformers for left and right channel powersupply; ceramic
tube sockets; motorized ALPS volume control; Nichicon, Solen (including some tinfoils) and
Swellong capacitors; gold-plated panel mounted input and output jacks.
• SoftStart™ circuit for extended life of sensitive components, plus a reduced chance of tube
failure from thermal shock.
• No more 12AX7 tubes in the DiaLogue Three preamplifier. Instead of a 12AX7/12AU7
combination in each channel, we use a double 12AU7 combination. Lower distortion levels,
higher level of sound quality. Distortion levels in the first stage have dropped with a factor of 5 at
low levels to at least 20 at higher levels, above 1V.
• LIVE side of AC inputconnector indicated by aluminiumcolor screw.
• 5 line level inputs, 1 Stereo Home Theater Pass Thru.
• 1 pair rca tape out; 2 pairs rca pre out.
• Heavy metal system remote control included.
PrimaLuna SilverLabel tubes are pre-selected by us following our simple 60 out of 100 rule (PTS™ -
Premium Tube Selection) and as such already “special” if compared to other standard tubes on the
market. Next to that we have for certain models so-called GoldLabel tubes, which are available from
us and several parties if you wish to upgrade. In USA, Upscale Audio's inventory of New Old Stock
tubes -another thing you might want to experiment with- is the largest you can find. Elsewhere,
independent suppliers can assist you to make your best choice.
We hope that the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three preamplifier 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 reviewsites. On the www.primaluna.nl website you will find links to these and other websites.
Our prices are kept low by using word-of-mouth and customer feedback, and we would appreciate
hearing what you have to say about our product. If you need service during or after the warranty
period, please contact us.
Thanks again for your support!
Herman van den Dungen
DUROB AUDIO BV
User Notes
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThreePrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree

4 13
Specifications
Gain .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12dB (4x)
Frequency Response ............................................................................................................................................................ 10Hz – 130 kHz +0/-3dB
THD +N ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 0,15% at 2V output level
S/N Ratio.......................................................................................................................................................................................... >100 dB wtdA ref 2V output
Input Impedance ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 220 kOhm
Input Sensitivity .................................... 220 mV for full output power when coupled to DiaLogue Four or Five
Output Impedance .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2500 Ohm
Power Consumption .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 50 Watts
Net Weight ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 52.9 lbs / 24 kg
Shipping Weight............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 61.7 lbs / 28 kg
Dimensions .................................................................. 15.9" x 15.2" x 8.3" / 405 mm x 385 mm x 210 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 .................................................................................................................................... 5 pairs Stereo RCA, 1 pair Home Theater Input
Outputs..........................................................................................................................................2 pairs Stereo RCA (main); 1 pair RCA (tape)
Tube Complement ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................2 x 5AR4
4 x 12AU7
Remote control.......................................................................................................................................... Heavy Metal System Remote Control
As of July 1, 2006 all PrimaLuna products are manufactured with RoHS compliant parts.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
User Notes
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
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 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
if you wish to upgrade.

5
Warning
To prevent serious injury, electrical shock or fire:
• Do not operate with bottom plate removed.
• Keep away from rain and moisture.
• Always disconnect all cable connections to and from preamplifier 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 Three Preamplifier.................................... 1
Power Cord.......................................................................................... 1
This Owner's Manual ............................................................ 1
White Gloves .................................................................................... 1 pair
Tube Complement..................................................................... 2 x 5AR4
4 x 12AU7
Main Fuse ............................................................................................. 1 x Littelfuse® 213 Series 1A Slo-Blo® 5 x 20 mm fuse for
100-120VAC and Littelfuse® 213 Series 0.5A Slo-Blo®
5 x 20 mm fuse for 200-240VAC
Heavy Metal System Remote Control......... 1
Initial Setup
• Carefully remove the DiaLogue Three from its packaging. Use the white gloves to prevent
fingerprint smudges.
• Remove the tube cage by carefully pulling it up and away from the preamplifier.
• Remove the protective foam surrounding the tubes.
• Tubes are already installed. Check that each tube is firmly seated in its socket. Use gloves.
• Replace cage back in its place if desired.
• Check to see the power switch is off (down).
• Connect each source to the corresponding plugs.
• Connect output of preamp with input of poweramp.
• Connect your speaker wires, positive to positive, negative to negative, to your power amp.
• Plug the powercords into the preamplifier and amplifier, then into the wall sockets.
• Switch the preamplifier on; the main outputs will be muted for 30-60 seconds while the tubes
warm up.
• Switch the poweramplifier on when the mute of the preamp is released.
• The tubes will be warmed up and ready to use in about 30 seconds. Other parts (capacitors) will
need more time to sound at their best, specially the first time you use the preamplifier.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
12
Troubleshooting
Some tips:
• 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 11.
• No output. Power LED is on and tubes do light up normally.
Check if preamp comes out of MUTE after 30-60 seconds.
Check input selector setting, input and output wiring; if all seems to be OK check power amplifier.
• Noise coming from one channel.
Noisy tube. First swap the 12AU7 tubes left to right. If noise follows tube swap, than you have
found the problem tubeset. Now swap 1 by one from left to right. If noise follows, you have found
the problematic tube.
• Hum coming from one channel.
Check rectifier tube 5AR4: swap L to R, if hum follows tube then replace faulty tube.
• Noise/distortion coming from both channels.
Tubes may be in need of replacement. Read page 10 for tube basics and replacement options.
If you try these possible solutions and problems persist, contact us or your local distributor for further
investigation.
Tube Selection
While matched tubes are not a requirement, it is still recommended if you want to get the very best
results. You can get the very best in replacement tubes as well as rare vintage NOS (New Old Stock)
tubes from us and other parties if you wish to upgrade. In the USA, Upscale Audio's inventory of New
Old Stock tubes is the largest you can find. Elsewhere, independent suppliers can assist you to make
your best choice.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree

Inputs and Controls Front Panel
The front panel of the PrimaLuna models is made from machined aluminium, finished to match the
blue metallic chassis. The volume is controlled with the knob on the left, source selection is on the
right. Both volume and source can also be selected by remote control. Your sources are labelled CD,
Tuner, Aux 1, Aux 2, Aux 3 (no functional differences between these) and HT (Pass Thru; volume
fixed!!). The heavy metal system remote control that comes with your PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three
Preamplifier can be used for selecting sources and adjusting volume. Also functions for PrimaLuna
cd-players are available. The power switch is located on the left side of the amp, just behind the front
plate.
Rear Panel
Looking at the rear panel, you will note you have 5 pairs of stereo inputs, 1 pair of HT Pass Thru, 1 pair
of tape outputs, 2 sets of preamp outputs,1 x ground connection (for optional phono).
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
611
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
PrimaLuna Special Protection Circuits
Soft-start™
Furthermore, the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three preamplifier is equipped with Soft-start™, which powers
the preamplifier up slowly to prolong the life of internal components, including the tubes. This makes
the PrimaLuna a joy to own and operate.
Fuse Protection
A note on fuses: If "someone who knows" tells you to wrap fuses with aluminium 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 preamplifier is plugged in. Turn off the
power amp first and after that the preamplifier. 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 preamplifier, just below the power
cord socket (see picture on this page). The fuse rating is 1 x Littelfuse®213
Series 1A Slo-Blo®5 x 20 mm fuse for 100-120VAC and Littelfuse®213
Series 0.5A 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
flat blade screwdriver.

10 7
Remote Control
The functions of the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Remote Control are self-explanitory. The remote controls
source selection, Triode/Ultralinear switching, volume & mute functions. The DiaLogue remote will also
control the basic functions of the PrimaLuna CD Players.
The PrimaLuna DiaLogue Remote Control has two high quality silicon 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 batteries have to be replaced or if you plain just don’t like them.
In the event your remote control does not function, please check batteries and if necessary, replace
with new (1.5V AAA-size). 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®DiaLogueThreePrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
Tube Basics
The 12AU7 and 5AR4 tubes will have a life of about 10,000 hours.
Here are some tips on using 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 never want to cycle (pre)amplifiers on and off rapidly. They should be left off for at least
five minutes. Further, every time you insert a tube, you stand a chance of loosening the tube
sockets. It's okay to have fun, and we support that, but don't go crazy and swap tubes in and out
twenty times in a day.
• The DiaLogue Three has a warm-up time of just a few minutes. While it is not wise to leave tube
power amplifiers on 24 hours a day, you may leave this preamplifier on though it will result in more
frequent tube replacement. Through experimentation come to a conclusion that fits comfortably
with your lifestyle.
• Break-in yields improvements. Every tube, when new, needs to be left alone for a little while. So,
when your preamplifier is new, or when you re-tube it, it may take a little time to settle in. There is
however no fixed "time rule" for break-in.
• Please note that tubes can vary electrically, and by plugging in the wrong type of tube you can
damage the preamplifier, and void your warranty.
Common replacements:
• 12AU7: ECC82, ECC802S, E82CC, 5814, 6189, CV4003
• 5AR4: GZ34, CV1377 are equivalent. 5V4G, 5T4, and 5Y3 will also function fine with small sonic
changes that you may want to experiment with. Do not use other types as damage may occur.
Topview picture of DiaLogue Three
Some tubes and tube sockets
have a “center key” which
must correspond! If you use
“brute” force and misalign, you
will damage important and
expensive parts of your
amplifier!!

PhonoLogue Phono Stage (Optional)
Your DiaLogue Three preamplifier comes without a phonostage, but we have a high quality optional
internal phono stage available. The PhonoLogue phono stage can be installed at any time by your
dealer or any qualified person.
The PhonoLogue MM phono stage with RIAA equalization, requires no extra plugs or connectors. It
fits (by soldering) on the existing RCA's of one of the inputs. It provides superior sound quality on a
tiny footprint. We use Surface Mount Technology implementation for shortest signal paths as well as
minimum parasitic capacitances and inductances. Excellent parts throughout, selected on sound
quality as first priority: miniature film capacitors, minimelf resistors, superior opamp for highest
accuracy, lowest noise, highest speed and most robust drive capabilities into the RIAA correction
stage, resulting in a very detailed, open and lifelike sound from any LP record. Low impedance
electrolytics, super low-noise powersupply. Dimensions: small as a big stamp!
Specifications:
Input Impedance: 50 kOhm
Gain: 42dB (127x)
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz
RIAA accuracy: <0,5B 20Hz - 20kHz
Overload Margin: >20dB rel 5mV
Harmonic Distortion & noise: -83dB
Size: 3,2 x 3,8 cm (1.26" x 1.5")
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree
8 9
Stereo Home Theater Pass Thru
The PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three preamplifier is equipped with a home theater pass thru that allows you
to enjoy your stereo source material and the 2 main channels of your separate home theater
processor.
This is a true pass-thru circuit. Most preamplifiers and integrated amps that advertise having home
theater pass thru circuits are only “unity gain” circuits. This means the volume is set at a
pre-determined level, but the preamp section is still active and can introduce unwanted noise and
coloration to the sound. The hometheater pass thru of the DiaLogue preamplifier completely removes
the preamp section from the signal path. This is a “direct-line” circuit that results in a lower noise floor,
and less coloration.
Connecting Your Surround Sound Component To The DiaLogue Three Preamplifier
To avoid damaging your equipment, always make sure everything is turned off and unplugged from the
wall before connecting your components.
Connect your stereo sources to the DiaLogue preamplifier as normal. And your speakers to your stereo
poweramplifier. To integrate the DiaLogue preamplifier into your home theater system, take the front
left & right preamp outputs from your A/V processor or receiver and plug them into the “HT” input on
the back of the DiaLogue preamplifier. When you want to watch a movie, simply turn the DiaLogue
preamplifier and your stereo power amplifier on, and switch the input to “HT.” Now control the volume
via your home theater processor as normal. We recommend you go into the setup menu of your
processor to match the levels of the front Left & Right speakers to match the volume of your center
channel. Consult your processor’s manual for more information.
PrimaLuna®DiaLogueThree