PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated Tube Amp In-Depth Look w/ Upscale Audio's Kevin Deal

[@dr.jamieadamspleasantph.d.1609]

Just bought this amp. Best sound I have ever heard in my life.

[@xzing7]

Good evening Professor, what was you using before your purchase.

[@dzemoski45]

What speakers are you running with it?

[@benjaminvdwalt6666]

I think these amps puts the rumors that valve amps lack top and bottom end (macro dynamics), to rest

[@paulmcparland3311]

So good I bought two Evo 400’s for my two systems. Brilliant in both set ups. Amps to last a lifetime. Go on and treat yourself!

[@davidgerald285]

Got this amp yesterday, my first tube amp, I'm shocked how much better, CD, vinyl and dab radio sounds through it, with my Dynaudio heritage special speakers, a really great sounding combination.

[@d.allemeersch5428]

Hi David, I too am looking for a better amplifier for my Heritage Special speakers. I read very favorable reviews about the sound quality of the Evo 400, do you think it has enough power to drive the power hungry Dynaudio's?

[@BiggestApple]

Great breakdown Kevin. I'm very happy with my EVO 400 Integrated. Highly recommended.

[@EUK007]

What is your speakers and hows the sound with your EVO400?

[@ducabee]

@@EUK007 I just auditioned the KEF R7 speakers, Focal ARIA 926 and the Klipsch Forte III with the Primaluna 300 (15min. warm-up) and the Marantz Model 30 integrated amp. The Primaluna took the highs, vocals and smoothed them out. The bass was a little more reserved with the Primaluna and didn't get loud enough for me with the volume knob at 12'oclock, except the Klipsch. (harder hitting songs) Kef and Focals sounded good, with the Focals having a fuller soundstage. The bass was deeper and more pronounced with the Focals too. Because I wanted a greater volume of sound I tried the Klipsch, it did that but I thought they left a hole in the mid kHz range. I can see why some people love horns, they are very engaging but are not for me. The Primaluna 300 didn't have the power to play certain songs loud enough. I'm going back to try the Primaluna 400 and the Luxman L505uXII. I played: Billy Joel, 70's Heart, Dave Matthews band, Avenged Sevenfold, John Secada, Stevie Ray Vaughn.

[@gavjack]

Correction to the statement at c 12 minutes - "the Primaluna is the only brand that allows you to switch between ultralinear and triode modes..." The Cayin A-88T integrated tube amp also does exactly this.

[@johnbarsby8382]

Just love your in-depth review of these products and what makes them special.

[@philbarone4603]

I LOVE my 400 and Upscale. They’re the best!

[@V1ralB1ack]

Seriously an amazing amp. Highly recommended

[@hushpuppykl]

Christmas is coming! Dear Santa ...

[@tombillard5264]

sweet would love to hook that up to some autograph minis

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

Amazing! Superior Quality!

[@estebannemo1957]

I started my tube amp obsession with Prima Lunas, but found them wanting. Then I switched to Cary. The difference in sound quality was significant. I never looked back The Cary amps were FAR better. Of course, I am talking about the flag ship models in Cary- the SLP05, etc but the difference was night and day. Of course, that was 10 years ago.

[@kevind2760]

Yea you should look at the new models. It's another level altogether from 10 years ago. The selector switch in the video is from an SLP05. It's a fine preamp, but in a level-matched comparison to the EVO300 or 400 you will find they are very close but the nod would go to the PrimaLuna, Reason? Thermal noise is super low. The relays make a big difference. And there's no PCB's in the signal path. And while the SLP-05 is tube rectified, it's not dual-mono. And the PrimaLuna is only 10dB of gain. But once you get to a certain level in preamps, they are super close. Parts are parts.

[@estebannemo1957]

Kevin Deal Thanks, Kevin. If it beats the SLP05, then it must be good.

[@colinhathaway9493]

Loving my Dialogue HP integrated. Just going to pick up some Harbeth Super HL5 Plus today so I can get listening again. Can’t wait

[@rumbold101]

How is shlp5 and primaluna combo ? I I have now the same and not connected up yet 🌞

[@paikiah77]

If I lived in the US, you'd be my main audio dealer!

[@michelhaineault6654]

it's well built.

[@Taladin1234]

What you say at 5:07 means that I should not plug in my Chord Hugo 2 because it has a low output impedance? Thanx

[@williammorales8204]

This is the only store I'm actually afraid of entering, terrified that my martin logan 60xt will fade to the sounds of the sopra 2 and out comes my credit card. The only question will be, will they fit in the pilot?

[@abguy4]

Uncle KEV--VINNN ~! I've been waiting ever sooo patiently for this EVO 400 review. Yur great as always. BUTT damn~!! I was waiting for a description of what that "HT" feature is all about, and why its there. You didn't mention it, even though it seems to be sorta unique to Prima Luna Integrated. My system has to do double duty as a HT and as a audiophile Stereo. I'll bet 90% of your customers have the same set-up. I want to add a tube amp to drive the main KLIPSCH speakers, whether I'm doing stereo or 7.1 HT. "Tubes+KLIPSCH = Nirvana", so said Kevin. What's the best way to go? Stereo Amp or Integrated? Main channels, "Pre-amp Out" from receiver to Stereo Amp ? Or "Pre-amp Out" to a EVO 400 Integrated "HT" input so that I get more volume control than just the (+ or - )10db from the receiver HT set-up? The Prima Luna website does not really give the description I am looking for, so I'll bet I'm not the only one with this question. Thank YOU~!

[@stevec3537]

ABGuy, it looks like nobody replied. So, I will share. First, I disagree about the 90% factor. I'm betting it's likely the other way around. I don't know anyone with a higher-end stereo that also does double-duty as a surround setup. in my home, these are in two different rooms. That said, from the manual, here is what it says about the HT feature. Also, I'm a PL owner for over 8 years, and very happy. I have the Dialogue HP Integrated. Stereo Home Theater Pass Thru The PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier is equipped with a home theater pass thru that allows you to enjoy your stereo source material and the 2 main channels of your separate home theater processor. This is a true pass-thru circuit. Most integrated amps that advertise having home theater pass thru circuits are only “unity gain” circuits. This means the volume is set at a pre-determined level, but the preamp section is still active and can introduce unwanted noise and coloration to the sound. The home theater pass thru of the DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier completely removes the preamp section from the signal path. This is a “direct-line” circuit that results in a lower noise floor, and less coloration. Connecting Your Surround Sound Component To The DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier To avoid damaging your equipment, always make sure everything is turned off and unplugged from the wall before connecting your components. Connect your stereo sources and speakers to the DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier as normal. To integrate the DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier into your home theater system, take the front left & right preamp outputs from your A/V processor or receiver and plug them into the “HT” input on the back of the DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier. When you want to watch a movie, simply turn the DiaLogue Premium HP Integrated Amplifier on, and switch the input to “HT.” Now control the volume via your home theater processor as normal. We recommend you go into the setup menu of your processor to match the levels of the front Left & Right speakers to match the volume of your center channel. Consult your processor’s manual for more information.

[@henrym78]

Herman is a genius

[@weezydeezy9854]

I have yet to do business with you Kevin but I really dig your videos. You could easily sell me a bag of dog sh!t and then upsell me from Poodle to Labrador and I would be a happy customer. Keep up the great work.

[@abguy4]

- you put my feelings into words - No shit~~!!

[@jsmctch]

Sheep

[@davidm-1965tb]

I bought the evo200. Still running in, but now wish i bought the 400. Dont know why :)

[@statestreetboxingclub2607]

Hi. Do you have any thoughts as to how the Evo 400i would drive a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Specials, which are 4 ohm 85 db sensitivity speakers? Dynaudio recommended a minimum 80Wpc of good (their word) power. I'm very interested in the Evo 400 but am concerned the Dynaudios might be a bit too heavy a load for it to get the most out of them. I'd very much appreciate any thoughts you might have regarding this. By the way, I purchased a Manley Chinook from you in May of 2014 and it has been working flawlessly since the day I hooked it up. Let's hope I didn't just jinx it. So, thank you for that, for the great reviews, and for your time.

[@davidstein9129]

Hi, I have a question about the EVO product line. I currently own a used PrimaLuna DiaLogue Two. I am thinking about upgrading. I learned that the EVO 100 is the 3rd generation of my unit. IDK for an extra $1,000. If it's worth it. The EVO 200, is $1,600. more than my used unit. I am confident that the EVO 200 will be a better overall performer than my current model. But I'm wondering if the new EVO 100 will provide an 'appreciable difference' in sound performance Both the new EVO 100 & 200 come with an amazing headphone amp which my current model doesn't have & that costs money. Any thoughts regarding the costs of these products vs their Performances? Thanks!

[@EUK007]

What is the damping factor of this amp?

[@ErnestoDelAguilaIII]

heard this at my local dealer today, it's legit...

[@HAL9007]

Will this amp pair well with my Tannoy Cheviots?

[@atishaysingh5114]

Preamp output?

[@sergioj55]

I wonder how it compares with Cayin CS 55A?

[@serg2963]

This compares to the Cayin CS100... not the 55. Either way, great amps, made in the same factory.

[@Ali_ReBORN]

Anybody know how to best connect the KEF KC62 subwoofer to the Primaluna Evo 400 preamp/power units? I’m new to this midway in life lol.. appreciate the expertise folks 🙏🏼

[@msilv8335]

There are left and right sub outputs. If you have one sub, set the selector switch to mono and connect your sub to the right output.

[@Ali_ReBORN]

@@msilv8335 thanks, should i connect to the preamp with the rca or on the power amp (which output socket on the evo though)?

[@msilv8335]

I think you should call your dealer for support. That’s what they’re there for.

[@Ali_ReBORN]

@@msilv8335 you are right, thanks. Unfortunately they are not responsive. I got this sorted though. Basically have to use the RCA on the preamp for the subwoofer and connect the preamp to the power with XLR.

[@thecaptain2000]

One question, shouldn't also the amplifier get the 5AR4 rectifiers tube? in my, admitted limited, understanding they should be as important in the amplifier as they are in the preamp.

[@joeygonzo]

wow

[@bernarddussault2365]

I have a question !! can I match a primaluna prologue five to my audio research D-100B to bi-amp my speakers ?? can I ?!

[@GeoffParsons1469]

After 23 seconds, shut up and take my money...

[@philippebab887]

+1 at 8:53 / 9:06

[@scarysham]

would it drive Totem Forest 87dB's

[@martinboivin6177]

I have the same question for the Forest. i don't know if it is an upgrade from my current CJ MV60SE/Dac2SE Wyred 4 sound ?

[@billbrandon5936]

i guess this guy doesnt sell mcintosh!

[@wamgoc3637]

If the PT costs more than the output transformer you have already screwed up. Toroids have advantages but they are intolerant of any DC offset and they have high inrush currents so you add on a DC blocker circuit and a soft start BUT those are more parts. For the DIYer that is ok but if you are going to ship the amp back every time some thing breaks then no.

[@SKarlsson]

Yeah-- Chineseum, but high quality Chineseum. I still have an early Jolida-- SJ 801 that is doing fine 20 years on. Guud transformers.

[@hushpuppykl]

S Karlsson ... in China its simple. You get what you pay for. Many manufacturers want to pay cheap cheap so they get cheap cheap quality 😂 Looks like PL decided to put in quality components and not go for a huge profit margin only. 👍👍

[@hushpuppykl]

Pete is never wrong ... and Jadis ain’t cheap at all. 😢

[@hushpuppykl]

Pete is never wrong ... and I have always eyed the Jadis. Now I learn something about them. TQ!

[@hushpuppykl]

Pete is never wrong ... that would be nuts if you are running NOS valves. 🙈 I did audition the PL Dialogue integrated a couple of times. It sounded nice. Kinda like a SS amp with some tube sound. So can understand why so many like the sound. But not tried any that has rolled the stock tubes. Those who done it says it’s super good. You are right to say PL really gives value for money. 😬👍👍

[@kajak012]

relays in a signal path big no no imho

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

Stereo sub out 😨 what is this witch craft.

[@bazzaar1869]

er.. tin foil capacitors have gorgeousness and humanity ? ooooooookay whatever

[@commane21]

LOL! That was my reaction, too. He seems to know what he's talking about, and he seems to believe what he's saying, but exaggeration makes one wonder about whatever else "fake news" he's spreading.

[@thecaptain2000]

One question, shouldn't also the amplifier get the 5AR4 rectifiers tube? in my, admitted limited, understanding they should be as important in the amplifier as they are in the preamp.

[@thecaptain2000]

@Tom hi, tx for your answer, but so am comparing the primaluna preamp to the power amplifier. They both need to rectify current, one use the 5AR4 the other one does not and it is not using solid state rectification AFAIK. The question was : Kevin speaks highly about tube rectification, why doesn't the power amplifier have rectification tubes?

[@jsmctch]

@@thecaptain2000 Good catch Renato. Kevin likes to point things out when they help his sales pitch. Otherwise that goes unmentioned. Case in point, he dogs Audio Research for using ribbon cable in their amplifier, however the Primaluna Evo 100 DAC uses ribbon cable and he likes it, no negative comment in the review. BTW I own Primaluna Dialogue Premium preamp and the HP power amp, and have dealt with him in the past.....for what its worth

[@serg2963]

@@thecaptain2000 That tube rectifier (5AR4) would absolutely not have enough current for this size amplifier.