Any views on triode vs. ultralinear ?

[Ian]

The only reason I ask is that I have a PrimaLuna Prologue 5, which I adore. I understand the Dialogue 5 is the same thing but switchable between these two modes.
Thanks.

 

[Southeastern]

I have spent the last two years with an Prima Luna Evo 400, absolutely wonderful amp, which is now for sale after finally getting my bucket list Luxman amplifier.

It has the switchable Triode/Ultra Linear modes.

Depending on what valves you used - with the original PL valves I preferred Triode, with the NOS Mullards, I used Ultra Linear more. Triode is a much calmer more natural production, the UL is more dynamic and excitable, which can also be said the valve differences. The PL pnes - more yest and bite, the Mullards - more midrange sublimity.

Its a great function to have, as if the album is badly produced, the Triode setting makes it more listenable.

 

[audio_PHIL_e]

The only reason I ask is that I have a PrimaLuna Prologue 5, which I adore. I understand the Dialogue 5 is the same thing but switchable between these two modes.
Thanks.

Try swopping (temporarily?) the Prologue 5 for a Dialogue 5. Listen to your favourite music with the switch in both positions. Take notes. Your ears might tell you which they prefer.

 

[Southeastern]

Try swopping (temporarily?) the Prologue 5 for a Dialogue 5. Listen to your favourite music with the switch in both positions. Take notes. Your ears might tell you which they prefer.

Or just buy the amp with both?

 

[Ian]

It is indeed tempting to try one. If one pops up I might have a punt.

 

[Southeastern]

It is indeed tempting to try one. If one pops up I might have a punt.

My Evo 400 is up for sale as I mentioned if it's something that is interesting you.

 

[Ian]

My Evo 400 is up for sale as I mentioned if it's something that is interesting you.

Many thanks, just after a power amp and in the spend of a Dialogue 5

 

[Jules_S]

My Dialogue Premium HP is still available (as is the matching pre). If you fancy borrowing it for a listen Ian, let me know. Not sure whereabouts in the "United Kingdom" you are so logistics need to be considered (it's not light!) but at the moment it's just sat here doing nothing. PM me?

 

[Ian]

That's really kind Jules but 8 power tubes is too spendy for me. But thank you, sincerely.

 

[The Bish]

I've got a very similar setup to you Ian, Croft 25R, Falcon gold badges, and a primaluna - the dialogue premium. I find both modes are excellent and the differences are subtle but in summary:
- Triode - beautiful midrange and excellent for vocals, sweet and smooooooth, less meaty bass but probably better controlled, rounder than UL
- UL - bigger bass, bit more in yer face presentation, great for electronica. Maybe less ultimately defined/detailed but beefier sounding. more snap

When doing A/B comparisons, the volume obviously increases in UL mode so that might give the impression it's more dynamic than Triode as an immediate reaction. Triode mode definitely most effective imo with an EL34, and I spend most of my listening time with EL34s and triode mode engaged.

 

[Ian]

I've got a very similar setup to you Ian, Croft 25R, Falcon gold badges, and a primaluna - the dialogue premium. I find both modes are excellent and the differences are subtle but in summary:
- Triode - beautiful midrange and excellent for vocals, sweet and smooooooth, less meaty bass but probably better controlled, rounder than UL
- UL - bigger bass, bit more in yer face presentation, great for electronica. Maybe less ultimately defined/detailed but beefier sounding. more snap

When doing A/B comparisons, the volume obviously increases in UL mode so that might give the impression it's more dynamic than Triode as an immediate reaction. Triode mode definitely most effective imo with an EL34, and I spend most of my listening time with EL34s and triode mode engaged.

Thanks for that Bish, really helpful, especially as we have very similar set ups. I might keep a casual eye out for the triode mode 4 power valve model (I forget the name !). Cheers.

 

[DomT]

Thanks for that Bish, really helpful, especially as we have very similar set ups. I might keep a casual eye out for the triode mode 4 power valve model (I forget the name !). Cheers.

So much for I’ve finished after 43 years! Anyway hope that you are well and have filled both hard cases with valves!!

 

[Ian]

So much for I’ve finished after 43 years!

I knew that'd come back to bite me !! Cheers Dom

 

[DomT]

I knew that'd come back to bite me !! Cheers Dom

Well I am sort of about to do the same thing. I went to listen to a pair of speakers and saw an amp. I now have that amp on home demo. My wife likes it. Could be dangerous.

 

[Slightly Athletic]

Slight deviation from the op's post and forgive my valve ignorance but could someone tell me if the Prologue Premium power amp works in ultra linear or triode?

 

[Jules_S]

I mis-read your question to begin with and posted about the Dialogue, not Prologue. Not sure off the top of my head but will check

 

[Slightly Athletic]

Thanks Jules but are you sure? I know the 'dialogue' premium can be switched but I can't find anything on the 'prologue' premium model

 

[Jules_S]

Thanks Jules but are you sure? I know the 'dialogue' premium can be switched but I can't find anything on the 'prologue' premium model

Exactly, hence I rushed to change my original post, but I think you may have got to it before I did!

I can't actually find anything in the literature or any online reviews that specifically mentions the mode of operation for the Prologue. Gut-feel would say UL rather than Triode but I've no evidence for that I'm afraid, other than looking at the rated output per push-pull pair of EL34s and guessing that it sounds about right for UL?

 

[Slightly Athletic]

I think you may be right Jules. Looking on their website, the 35W (el34's) per channel seems a lot for triode so I assume UL too. Many thanks for looking If anyone knows better, let me know.

 

[Lurch]

@Ian
Don't know what your budget is but heres a Dialogue for sale on Audio Addicts.
https://audioaddictsforum.com/thread/2569/primaluna-dialogue-premium-power-silver?page=1#post-80853