The Article
EVO 100 Integrated From Primaluna
18th April 2019
It has been nearly a decade since PrimaLuna has introduced an entirely refreshed product line. The new EvoLution series – including this EVO 100 – shares the previous line’s DNA, featuring upgraded transformers and internal components, “improved aesthetics” (i.e. rounded faceplate edges, roll-top tube cages on all models and more) and headphone amplifiers on all integrated amplifiers with, “…true-balanced, transformer-coupled XLR inputs and outputs on upper-end models,” said the company
What remains is point-to-point wiring and cutting-edge Adaptive Auto-Bias circuitry. So, if a valve fails, Adaptive AutoBias will instantly put the amplifier into protection mode so no parts can get damaged. A red LED will light up in front of the tube that needs replacing. (ProLogue Classic illuminates an LED on the front panel.) You just need to plug in another valve and you’re off and running.
A toroidal power transformers is used within this model, “Compared to standard transformers,” said the company, “toroids radiate about a tenth of the magnetic field that pollutes music and obscures detail. Additionally, the absence of an air gap typically means toroids have an 8:1 reduction of acoustic noise.”
All PrimaLuna products use large, potted toroidal transformers, enclosed in a metal housing and then potted in a non-microphonic resin to further reduce noise and to protect the windings from moisture and deterioration.
The 40W EVO 100 amplifier uses two 12AX7, two 12AU7 and four EL34 valves, spans 279 x 190 x 404mm and weighs in at 18kg. Price is $2,299.
To see more, click www.primaluna-usa.com
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Paul, I own a Primaluna Dialogue Premium pre-amp & Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP amplifier. the only difference being mine do not have XLR connections, & the new “EVO” series does. There is no sonic difference between the 2 series what-so-ever. I was told this by the top guy’s at Upscale Audio, THE dealer for Primaluna USA. It’s a matter of connectivity, not of sound quality being the reason for the new series. I know my rig, with a little tube rolling, sounds excellent! Driving Focal Aria 926’s with Marantz SA8005 sacd player.Clean & Musically natural, Dynamic, Powerfull sound. Very good.
Thanks for the info, Mike.
Hi Paul,
I run a Prima Luna Dialogue HP mainly with Monitor Audio Gold 200 speakers and Audiolab 8300CD. I also run a Quad Vena/Artera/S2 system, and a Naim Superuniti in another room. I move speakers around sometimes for comparison. I can say that Prima Luna valve (tube) amps are not mushy. They are clear, smooth, very nuanced, picking up details in all instruments, and able to track dynamics, very solid with bass instruments, and with a huge sound stage. They have a hard to describe creamy quality (‘natural’?) compared to transistor amps. I prefer valves but I still enjoy transistor amps. A lot depends on your taste in music and other items in the rig. But I turn to the Prima Luna most of the time. I hope you will test a Prima Luna one day.
Thanks for the valuable comments Mike – I hope so too 🙂
I have a Prima Luna Prologue Classic and it a really excellent amp and now I have found Nirvana I have 4 PL KT88s , 2 RFT and 2 Telefunkans in signal and gain positions I do not as much as I love PL need to upgrade my Amp but recommend Prima Luna to everyone they are great amps