PrimaLuna Premium HP or Music reference RM-200

[cocovinyl176]

Torn between purchasing one of these two amps. I’ve read great things about both. Anyone have any experiences with both or either? Placing aside (which may Be hard to do) the applications you’re running themnwith, what do you guys prefer? Understand the MR is hybrid, the PL runs triode and ultralinner. With KT150s, I can get the Pl to about 90wpc, while the MR claims 100wpc into 8olm. Interested to get your opinions.

 

[mswanson65]

Hi, Can't help with the Music Reference but I do have a PL Dialogue Premium HP power amp that I been enjoying with no issues since buying it used about 2 years ago. Best feature is probably the autobias circuitry, makes it kinda like tubes for dummies. Also has led lights that indicate which power tube is having an issue (hasn't happened yet). Prior to this I had various vintage tube units including Heathkit W-5M and Sansui 1000A and they weren't nearly as bullet proof as the PL. I have run EL34 (sweet midrange), KT-120 (not so much) and have settled in with KT-150. The amp drives my JBL 4315 speakers with authority, plenty of power. As to the triode or ultralinear feature, i change it depending on the music I am listening to. Kinda wish there was a button on the amp itself for that instead of just the remote with the one button. Another minor annoyance is when you are running KT-150s you can't used the cage. Some people have figured out how to raise the cage but I just don't use it. Overall pretty happy with it.

 

[mcgjohn]

am not familiar with the RM 200. but I would look at the transformers. 10 watts difference will be tough to hear. The size and quality of the transformers would be more important.

I have the PL HP and non HP amps. they are tough to beat, and have run them against some pretty high dollar comparisons.

 

[mswanson65]

Interesting that the MR RM-200 achieves 100 watts with only 4 power tubes. Another good thing about the PL is that with 8 power tubes it can run them easy to obtain simillar output levels, adding to tube life. Of course its expensive when they do eventually need replacing.

 

[cocovinyl176]

Interesting that the MR RM-200 achieves 100 watts with only 4 power tubes. Another good thing about the PL is that with 8 power tubes it can run them easy to obtain simillar output levels, adding to tube life. Of course its expensive when they do eventually need replacing.

Thanks for the feedback. The MR is a hybrid with SS input and KT88 output power tubes. I’d like to drive a set of Inefficient AR3a with tubes, which is why I’m looking for the power. I believe the DB is 86 or 88. How’s the power with 8 EL34s? I just picked up 4 of the best el 34s I’ve heard and like to grab another quad for PL should buy it.

 

[mswanson65]

When I ran it with 8 EL34s it wasn't so much a lack of power but more a lack of low end bass. I really liked the sweetness of the EL34s and preferred them over the KT-120s but then I eventually got the KT-150s and have settled on them.

 

[cocovinyl176]

When I ran it with 8 EL34s it wasn't so much a lack of power but more a lack of low end bass. I really liked the sweetness of the EL34s and preferred them over the KT-120s but then I eventually got the KT-150s and have settled on them.

Interesting. I’m rolling a quad of winged C SED in my st-70 and it completely transformed the amp, gave it way more tight bottom end.

 

[subtlebeast]

I just picked up an Evo 400, whicn is the newer version for the HP and I am extemly satisfied. This amp is an upgrade from a HP Integrated, which was used for 4 years without issue. I have the Evo 400 coupled with the PL dialogue Premium and I am loving it so far. I am running Kt 150s with Brimar CV 4003 on the amp amp it’s wonderful so far...

 

[cocovinyl176]

Thanks guy for the input. Just picked up the premium HP. Are you guys using the stock power cord with it?