PrimaLuna ProLogue Classic User manual

Serialnumber ...........................................................
PrimaLuna®
ProLogue Classic
Integrated Amplifier
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 ProLogue Classic Integrated amplifier. We will keep
you updated of upgrades or any other information related to your amplifier. If you wish to comment on
your PrimaLuna ProLogue Classic Integrated amplifier, please do. If you want to send us a review of
your experience with the amplifier, 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®ProLogue Classic PrimaLuna®ProLogue Classic
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

211
Table of Contents
Thank you 3
Specifications 4
Warning - Package Contents - Initial Setup 5
Inputs & Controls 6
Adaptive AutoBias™ - PhonoLogue MM Option 7
Tube Basics 8
Fuse Protection - Electronic Protection 9
Troubleshooting 10
Warranty Information 11
Copyright Durob Audio BV – 2009. 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®ProLogue Classic
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®ProLogue Classic

10 3
THANK YOU!
We would like to thank you for choosing our PrimaLuna ProLogue Classic vacuum tube Integrated
Amplifier as the heart of your music system. The ProLogue Classic Integrated Amplifier is the newest
version of the original first members 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
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
firmly believe that our quality level will set the bar at a difficult height for other products to match.
This PrimaLuna Classic Premium Integrated amp 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, fully-vented steel chassis with a five coat finish. 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; ALPS
volume control; Nichicon and Solen capacitors; superfast Philips-diode-circuitry; gold-plated heavy
duty WBT style speaker terminals (all speakerconnectors 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.
• The ProLogue Classic Integrated Amplifiers come with an EL34/KT88 bias switch. This means that
with the flip 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!
• 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 amplifier.
• LIVE side of AC input connector indicated by aluminiumcolor screw.
• 4 line level inputs
We hope that the PrimaLuna ProLogue Classic Integrated amplifier 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 find 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
PrimaLuna®ProLogue Classic
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 amplifier 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) significantly 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 amplifier or the loudspeaker, and the high voltage power supply to
the output tubes is interrupted as a protective measure. The frontLED will turn red. To reset,
switch the amplifier’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 identified 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 9.
• Noise coming from one channel.
Noisy tube. First swap the two inner 12AX7 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.
• Noise/distortion coming from both channels.
Tubes may be in need of replacement. Read page 8 for tube basics and replacement options.
If you try these possible solutions and problems persist, contact us or your local distributor for further
investigation.
PrimaLuna®ProLogue Classic

4 9
Specifications
Power............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 / 40 Watts per channel (EL34 / KT88)
Frequency Response.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10Hz - 65 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD with AABB.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................0,25% @ 1W; less than 1% up to full power
S/N Ratio..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 89 dB
Input Impedance................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 65 kOhm
Input Sensitivity.............................................................................................................................. 265 / 285 mV (for rated power at maximum volume setting)
Maximum Gain ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37,0 dB
Power Consumption .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 285 Watts
Net Weight................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 37.5 lbs / 17 kg
Shipping Weight............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41.9 lbs / 19 kg
Dimensions ....................................................................................................................................... 15.5" x 11" x 7.5" / 395 mm x 280 mm x 190 mm (L x W x H)
Shipping Dimensions .................................................................................... 18.3" x 15" x 12" / 465 mm x 380 mm x 305 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 pairs RCA
Outputs...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 & 8 Ohm Speaker Taps
Tube Complement ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4 x EL-34 or 4 x KT-88
2 x 12AX7
2 x 12AU7
As of July 1, 2006 all PrimaLuna products are manufactured with RoHS compliant parts
PrimaLuna®ProLogue Classic
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 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 amplifier, just below the power
cord socket (see picture on this page). The fuse rating is 1 x Littelfuse®218
Series 2.5A Slo-Blo®5 x 20 mm fuse for 100-120VAC and Littelfuse®218 Series
1.25A 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.The IEC connector is mounted with 2 different color screws.
One silver, one black. The silver screw indicates the Live AC in the IEC
connector. It helps for the "correct" connection to AC. Nevertheless always check
the AC cable by measuring as not every AC cable is constructed the same way.
Electronic Protection
The PrimaLuna ProLogue Classic is equipped with SoftStart™, which brings the amplifier on line
slowly to prolong the life of internal components, including the tubes. This makes the PrimaLuna a joy
to own and operate.
The new generation Adaptive Auto Bias Board also comes with an extensive output stage protection
circuitry with +B relay to protect output transformers, resistors and high voltage power supply in case a
tube fails. The board also comes with a simplified BTI™ circuit. BTI™ stands for Bad Tube Indication
(by change of frontLED to red), making tube-life again a bit easier. The BTI™ circuit is totally inactive
during normal operation. However when one (or more) output tube(s) draw(s) significantly more current
than normal for a couple of seconds, such as when a loudspeaker terminal short-circuits with volume
turned up, or in the case of an output tube failure, the BTI™ circuit “reads” the changes as a potential
threat and as a protective measure, interrupts the power supply. To reset, simply turn the power off and
after two minutes, turn back on. HOWEVER, you do not want to repower the unit until the cause of the
failure has been identified and resolved. Switching the power back on too early also 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.
The PrimaLuna ProLogue Classic also comes with our new OTP™ circuit, which stands for Output
Transformer Protection circuit. Next to the general electronic protection in the amplifier,
each output transformer also has its own dedicated protection circuit.
As of 2009 all PrimaLuna powertransformers will come with our PTP™ circuit, which stands for Power
Transformer Protection circuit. When the powertransformer overheats due to overloading or some
problem in the unit, an internal thermal switch breaks the primary and the unit will cool down before
harm is done. When cooled down, contact will be restored and if nothing is broken, the amp will work
correctly again.
PrimaLuna®ProLogue Classic
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.

8 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 amplifier 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
ProLogue Classic Integrated Amplifier ...... 1
Power Cord .......................................................................................... 1
This Owner's Manual ............................................................ 1
White Gloves .................................................................................... 1 pair
Tube Complement..................................................................... 4 x EL-34 or 4 x KT-88
2 x 12AX7
2 x 12AU7
Mains Fuse ....................................................................................... 1 x Littelfuse® 218 Series 2.5A Slo-Blo® 5 x 20 mm fuse for
100-120VAC and Littelfuse® 218 Series 1.25A Slo-Blo®
5 x 20 mm fuse for 200-240VAC
Initial Setup
• Carefully remove the ProLogue Classic Integrated Amplifier from its packaging.
Use the white gloves to prevent fingerprint smudges.
• Remove the tube cage by carefully pulling it up and away from the amplifier.
• 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) and the tube-selector switch is in correct position.
• Connect each source to the corresponding plugs.
• Connect your speaker wires, positive to positive, negative to negative.
This unit is non-inverting.
• Plug the powercord into the amplifier, then into the wall socket.
• Switch the amplifier on.
• The tubes will be warmed up and ready to use in about 30 seconds.
PrimaLuna®ProLogue Classic
Tube Basics
The 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes will have a life of about 5,000 to 10,000 hours. However, the life span of
power tubes is more difficult to predict. It greatly depends on how "gently" or "roughly" you use your
amplifier. In general, under normal conditions, you can figure between 2,000 and 3,000 hours.
Here are some guidelines 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.
To do so requires you to turn your amplifier off and on and you never want to cycle 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 a day.
• Do not leave the amplifier on 24 hours a day. Just a short warm-up is required for the PrimaLuna
to get into its groove.
• Break-in yields improvements. Every tube, when new, needs to be left alone for a little while. So,
when your amplifier is new, or when you re-tube it, allow 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 amplifier and void your warranty.
Common replacements:
• For 12AX7: ECC83, ECC803S, E83CC, 7025, CV4004. You can also use a 5751, but please note
that the 5751 is a lower gain tube than a 12AX7 and the sound will be altered.
• For 12AU7: ECC82, ECC802S, E82CC, 5814, 6189, CV4003
• For EL34: 6CA7, E34LS, E34L. You may also use 6L6GC, 7581A and KT66 though power will
drop slightly.
• For KT88: 6550, KT90. You may also use EL34, 6L6GC, 7581A and KT66 though power will drop
slightly.
Top view picture or ProLogue Classic Integrated Amplifier
PrimaLuna®ProLogue Classic
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
amplifier!!

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. Your sources are labelled CD, Tuner, Aux 1 and Aux 2, but all are interchangeable. There is no
functional difference between the inputs. The power switch is located on the left side of the amp, just
behind the front plate. The tube-selector is located on the right side of the amp, just behind the front
plate.
Rear Panel
Looking at the rear panel, you will note you have four inputs and the pair of speaker terminals. Attach
the positive (+) from your loudspeaker to the 4 or 8 ohm terminal that most closely matches the
average impedance of your loudspeakers according to their manufacturer's specifications. The
negative (-) from your loudspeaker attaches to the 0 Ohm terminal.
Tip: Experiment using the 4 or 8 Ohm positive (+) terminal to find what's the best match with your
speakers. Do not make any assumptions. Trust your ears.
PrimaLuna®ProLogue Classic
6 7
AAB™ - Adaptive AutoBias™
Our PrimaLuna exclusive Adaptive AutoBias™ circuit monitors and smoothly adjusts bias constantly
and instantly, reducing maintenance and increasing performance due to the dramatic reduction in
distortion. The genius of this design is that the Adaptive AutoBias™ actually improves the overall
sound quality and performance of the amp. Between 12 and 30 Watts, measured distortion levels drop
by over 40%. In addition, tubes do not have to be matched, and there is no bias (re-)adjustments
needed, ever. The new generation Adaptive AutoBias™ circuit 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.
PhonoLogue Phono Stage (Optional)
Your ProLogue Classic Integrated Amplifier 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:
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz
Input Impedance: 50 kOhm
Gain: 42dB (127x)
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®ProLogue Classic