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PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21

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Posted on May 27, 2017 at 08:57:48
Hiendmuse
Audiophile

Posts: 171
Joined: August 9, 2009
 I am seriously considering trading in my Mystere CA-21 for the Dialogue and was wondering what differences in sound there are. Is this a move upward or sideways sonically, and what improvement(s) did you hear, or is it just a different presentation? I'm very happy with the sound of the Mystere but am drawn to the high quality parts of the PrimaLuna, dual mono design, AC noise killer, and remote control. Thanks.

 

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RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on May 29, 2017 at 04:08:34
gordguide
Audiophile

Posts: 302
Joined: January 20, 2002
 You have Audiophilla Nervosa. The cure is to be satisfied with what you own.

Maybe the PrimaLuna is better, maybe it isn't. Either you audition the PrimaLuna and prefer it, or you stick with the excellent Mystere. This is not rocket science.

But, seriously ask yourself why you are considering a change. Both manufacturers have similar philosophies, similar build quality, even similar price points.

One is liked by Stereophile reviewers and loved by Absolute Sound reviewers, and one is liked by Absolute Sound reviewers and loved by Stereophile reviewers. How different do you expect them to be?

If it's about the gear and not the music, you will never be satisfied, which is a bigger problem.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on May 29, 2017 at 10:08:14
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3365
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 On the face of it, it looks like you're setting yourself up for a substancial move sideways. The only way you'll ever know the answer to your question would be to bring the Dialogue in for an audition and compare. I certainly wouldn't part with any money without an audition.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on May 29, 2017 at 12:08:47
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Audio madness has it's grips on you. Be careful. Actually Mick's advice is spot on.

You seem happy with your gear but just want a new toy. Yeah, like we ALL haven't had that itch.

Look into sources, cables, stereo subs, etc.. see if there is any room for improvement there.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on June 7, 2017 at 05:45:48
slippers...
Audiophile

Posts: 340
Location: UNITED STATES
Joined: June 20, 2011
 I assume you didn't know both brands are made in the same factory's.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on June 7, 2017 at 13:29:06
Jeffrey Lee
Audiophile

Posts: 708
Location: Louisville
Joined: September 24, 2002
 They are sister brands, designed by the same guy, so yes, the two companies do have similar philosophies because in many ways they are one company.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on June 12, 2017 at 14:19:31
Coach
Audiophile

Posts: 64
Location: MI
Joined: June 23, 2006
 Hiendmuse, My Mystere took a dump when the transformer burned up.
I found a Modwright SWL 9.0 at a local dealer and haven't looked back. The Modwright, in my opinion, delivers more then Mystere. Soundstage is wider and more populated. Micro and Macro detail are more pronounced and bass is tight and tuneful. The Prima Luna would be a lateral move, but if you still want tubes, check out Modwright.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on July 16, 2017 at 08:47:00
Hiendmuse
Audiophile

Posts: 171
Joined: August 9, 2009
 Just saw this post Coach. Surprised to hear you had a problem with the Mystere, but glad to hear you are enjoying the ModWright.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on July 17, 2017 at 12:41:50
Coach
Audiophile

Posts: 64
Location: MI
Joined: June 23, 2006
 Yeah, it really bothered me when I began to smell this odor coming from it and this rushing sound in the speakers. Kevin, at Upscale wasn't much help in the repair dept. I still plan on getting it fixed, but in the meantime I needed my music. The Modwright is a great preamp and I haven't lost a step.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on July 17, 2017 at 20:48:11
Hiendmuse
Audiophile

Posts: 171
Joined: August 9, 2009
 Did Kevin offer to fix it or is there an issue with getting this repaired?

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on July 18, 2017 at 09:46:11
Coach
Audiophile

Posts: 64
Location: MI
Joined: June 23, 2006
 Kevin did send a transformer to the shop I had taken it too. But that one blew as well. Trying to get another one proved to be impossible. I spoke with Kevin myself. I sent emails to the the manufacturer in the Netherlands. He told me to send him the model number and the serial number and he would build me another one. I never heard from either one them again. When I spoke to Kevin, he was absolutely useless.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on July 20, 2017 at 02:17:46
Hiendmuse
Audiophile

Posts: 171
Joined: August 9, 2009
 That's upsetting and I'm surprised to hear that Kevin and the manufacturer did not repair your preamp. They should have done whatever was necessary to make this right.

 

RE: PrimaLuna Dialogue vs. Mystere CA-21, posted on July 20, 2017 at 14:34:31
Coach
Audiophile

Posts: 64
Location: MI
Joined: June 23, 2006
 Well, you would think. It has left a bad taste in my mouth with respect to upscale audio.

 

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