PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three Stereo Pre Amplifier

Continuing with PrimaLuna’s founding principle of offering sophisticated components with advanced features for an exceptional price, the DiaLogue Three Preamplifier is yet another winner in PrimaLuna’s string of first place finishers.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Three is its size: the dual-mono designed preamp weighs in at a hefty 24kg... that’s some serious iron! Much of that comes from its new, heavy-duty, DiaLogue class power transformers–already recognized as a reference in the industry–that provide increased control and detail. And in the unlikely event that one of the transformers should overheat, DiaLogue’s innovative new PTP-circuit cuts the primary power, allows the unit to cool down, and then resets itself.

The preamp also features another protective measure, a SoftStart circuit that powers it up gently and extends the life of tubes and other sensitive components.

However, unquestionably the most significant feature is DiaLogue Three’s front end, a complete re-design of the award winning ProLogue Three. Utilising all 12AU7s, it combines with the new transformers to lower noise and increase low level resolution in ways not thought possible. In fact, distortion levels in the first stage have dropped by a factor of five at low levels, to at least 20 at higher levels, above one volt.

The DiaLogue Three is tube rectified, utilizing two 5AR4 vacuum tubes. And it employs all premium parts, including a motorized Alps Blue Velvet potentiometer; Nichicon, Swellong and Solen capacitors (including some tinfoils); fast-recovery diodes; ceramic tube sockets; and gold-plated, panel mounted input and output jacks that provide a more secure connection.

Further, the DiaLogue Three has five line level inputs for maximum versatility, one RCA tape out and two RCA pre outs as well as a home theater pass-thru circuit that promises to keep everyone in the family happy. Finally, it comes with a stunning, heavy-gauge, anodized aluminium remote that controls all functions of the preamp as well as those of the Prologue Eight CD player and the DiaLogue Eight CD player (coming soon).

All these exceptional features come encased in the exquisite DiaLogue chassis, with its five-stage, hand-rubbed, high-gloss, black sapphire finish.

PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three Stereo Pre Amplifier Reviews

Stereophile by Art Dudley August 2011 
PrimaLuna has impressed me and other reviewers with their innovative circuits and very high build quality, not to mention a level of performance that, nuances aside, can be summed up in three beautiful words: classic tube sound.

I hope not to make too many published statements that stink of audio-review cliché, but I was surprised at how good this moderately affordable preamplifier sounded. More to the point, I was struck by how big it sounded—and not just big, but huge.

I used to have an idea of what sort of performance an audio consumer could expect from a US$2600 tube preamp, but I don't anymore: The PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three, whose only major failing may be the excessive use of uppercase letters in its name, exceeded that preconception by a healthy margin.

It's simple: For the person with a taste for tubed electronics, and whose budget hews closer to Labouré-Roi than to Romanée-Conti, the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three is a shoo-in, a must-hear, and a potential hand-me-down

The Absolute Sound by Jim Hannon - January 2012
The DiaLogue Three has a tremendous wow factor ... it’s difficult to believe that such engaging, gorgeous sound, coupled with a wonderfully expansive soundstage, can be had for such a relatively modest price.

PrimaLuna DiaLogue Three Stereo Pre Amplifier Specifications

Freq. Response: 10Hz-130kHz +/- 3dB
Gain: 12dB
THD: 0.15% at 2 Volts
S/N Ratio: >100dB A-weighted @ 2 Volts
Input Sensitivity: 220mV
Input Impedance: 200k Ohms
Output Impedance: 2.5k Ohms
Power Consumption: 50 watts
Tube Compliment: 4 - 12AU7, 2 - 5AR4
Dimensions: 405mm x 385mm x 210mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 24 kg
Inputs: 5 pair RCA, 1 pair HT bypass
Outputs: 2 pairs of preamp outputs + tape monitor out

2 Years on Parts & Labour; 6 Months on Valves. While online registration isn't required for your warranty, it's recommended that you register at the Australian Prima Luna distribution website to ensure you get important technology updates related to your model. It's also a great way to record your serial number safely for insurance purposes.