Raymond Kats: When I bought the PrimaLuna ProLogue One, I was asked to
put my experiences on paper. After several weeks of playing, and listening to my
own music on this setup, I gladly oblige.
My current setup is:
PrimaLuna ProLogue One 2 x 35 Watt integrated tube amplifier
- Harman Kardon HD760 CD-player
- Wilson Benesch Orator speakers
- AH! AS Direkt KB 8 interlink with Bullet connectors
- AH! LS Direkt KB 8 speaker cable
The English-made Wilson Benesch Orator speakers demand amplification quality
beyond my Harman Kardon amplifier. From an economical perspective, I started
looking for an used amplifier at the quality level of a Krell, Primare, Copland,
or the like. Moreover, I prefer tube amplifiers for their warm sound and great
detail, which, I figured, would do justice to my speakers.
A friend tipped me off to go to The HifiShop in Tilburg again and listen to the
PrimaLuna ProLogue One. Despite hearing completely different and, to me, often
unfamiliar music, my interest was aroused to the point where I wanted to
experience the improvement this amp could make in my own listening space, with
my own familiar music. In the end, that listening session made me buy the
PrimaLuna ProLogue One.
So why the PrimaLuna? I was, after all, looking for an used amplifier. This has
got everything to do with the price-quality ratio of this amp! If I were to buy
an used amp of similar quality, it would simply cost a lot more. So, does the
PrimaLuna sound that good? I think it does. At home, we listen to very different
musical genres, ranging from Curtis Mayfield to Sara Brightman and from Mike
Oldfield to the Buena Vista Social Club. No matter what we play, it all sounds
good. Especially when the music is very detailed, like a Fourplay recording.
With sparkling highs and deep, tight lows, this amp more than delivers what I
had been hoping to get in the end.
My first reaction to the design was: "what an ugly piece of
equipment", but after unpacking it at home, I haven’t put the protective
cage back on the tubes. This puts the eight tubes on display. The glow of the
tubes, together with the stylish black piano veneer, give the amp that special
attraction that makes everyone realize right away that they are looking at a
thing of beauty.
My audiophile vocabulary is limited. The important thing for me was the feeling
of getting clear, detailed and warm music, regardless of genre. Given my wishes
and my budget, I feel I have made an excellent purchase, which is confirmed by
my listening pals.