{"id":40405,"date":"2023-08-15T17:41:46","date_gmt":"2023-08-15T21:41:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/?p=40405"},"modified":"2023-08-15T17:41:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-15T21:41:46","slug":"primaluna-evo-400-tube-integrated-amplifier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/en\/primaluna-evo-400-tube-integrated-amplifier\/","title":{"rendered":"Primaluna Evo 400 Tube Integrated Amplifier"},"content":{"rendered":"

Musical Personality, Interesting Criteria And Technical Strength!<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been interested in tube amplification over the past decade, then you\u2019ve likely come across PrimaLuna<\/strong>. The company\u2019s name, PrimaLuna<\/strong>, is an Italian name, yet it\u2019s the Netherlands that the founder and the company has its origins. Look no further than PrimaLuna<\/strong>\u2019s European website (https:\/\/www.primaluna.nl\/) to find the company\u2019s story, in which it\u2019s revealed that the company name was inspired by the founder\u2019s grandmother\u2019s nickname for her husband\u2026 whom she affectionately called Little Moon<\/em>. Herman<\/strong> had this in mind when he came up with PrimaLuna<\/strong>, which translates to English as First Moon<\/em>\u2026and that too is why PrimaLuna<\/strong>\u2019s logo is, what it is.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been sometime since I\u2019ve had the chance to listen to a PrimaLuna<\/strong> product in my own home, the last time was back in\u00a02020 when I evaluated a PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO\u00a0200<\/em> integrated amplifier. I was living in Dublin, Ireland at the time and that integrated amplifier was the source of many enthralling and pleasurable hours of music listening. With such fond memories of my Dublin listening sessions, I reached out to PrimaLuna<\/strong>, to see if I could now put my ears to their flagship integrated amplifier\u2026 enter the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>, the subject of this review.<\/span><\/p>\n

PrimaLuna<\/strong><\/span>, as I just mentioned, is based out of the Netherlands, and was first established back in\u00a02003, with the release of two tube integrated amplifiers\u2009\u2013 the ProLogue One<\/em> and ProLogue Two<\/em>. These initial products aimed to deliver the highest value possible; you might say the most for the least. To meet that objective, PrimaLuna <\/strong>uses, what they refer to as, \u2018Western design and marketing, combined with Far East manufacturing under European control and Dutch-after-sales-service<\/em>\u2019 and this is just what the sticker on the bottom of the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> implies i.e.: \u2018Engineered In Europe\u00a0\u2013 Made in PRC\u2019<\/em>. This has been a most successful approach for the company, establishing PrimaLuna<\/strong> firmly in the market, as a high-end audio product manufacturer, providing real world prices. And the many accolades PrimaLuna<\/strong> has received from audio publications and customers alike, only further testifies to this success.<\/p>\n

Within PrimaLuna<\/strong>\u2019s EVO Series<\/em>, launched in\u00a02019, we do find a model hierarchy\u00a0– based on performance and price. The four levels of performance\/price are identifiable by the model number, from: 100 up to 400, the highest offering the greatest performance at the highest price point. PrimaLuna<\/strong> is one of the few and far between audio product manufacturers that continue today to offer both hand-assembled and point-to-point wiring for all their products. PrimaLuna<\/strong> distinguishes their integrated amplifier products from their competitors in a few ways, which I\u2019ll highlight now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nToroidal Transformers<\/span><\/strong>
\nPrimaLuna makes clear that the most important and expensive parts of a tube amplifier are the output transformers. Like few other companies, PrimaLuna designs and winds its own power and output transformers and use all toroidal transformers, given their lower noise. The transformers area also potted in oversized metal housings that are filled with non-microphonic resin to minimize noise and provide moisture resistance, adding to longevity. PrimaLuna clearly takes pride in the transformers they use, which allow their amps to deliver the highest bass control and quality.<\/p>\n

Adaptive AutoBias \/ Extended Tube Life
\n<\/strong><\/span>Most manufacturers of tube amplifiers, especially those with high wattage ratings achieve this with higher voltage through the tubes but that drastically reduces tube reliability and life. PrimaLuna<\/strong>, ensures just the necessary voltage is run through the tube to optimize performance. PrimaLuna<\/strong>\u2019s proprietary true Adaptive AudioBias<\/em> uses sensors to constantly monitor performance of each power tube, and adjust automatically in real time, instantly adapting and keeping the tubes within their operating tolerances. This yields very low distortion and dramatically extended tube life (up to 3\u00a0000\u00a0hours!) together with enhanced performance most recognized in power reserves, transparency and bass authority and control. Bad tube indicators LED<\/em>s are provided for each power tube and auto-protection guards the circuits from catastrophic tube failure. Adaptive AutoBias<\/em> also allows for an incredibly broad variety of tubes to be used, EL34<\/em> through to even a KT150<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Triode\u2009\/\u2009Ultra-Linear Switching, on-the-fly
\n<\/strong><\/span>Though Triode<\/em> amplifiers are praised for their warmer, fuller, and easy to settle into sound, it is Ultra-linear<\/em> amplification that provides greater frequency bandwidth and greater power, with larger dynamic swings from soft to loud. The PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO\u00a0300<\/em> and 400<\/em> integrated amplifiers offer both triode and ultra-linear, switchable remotely on-the-fly, at just the push of a button.<\/p>\n

Point-to-Point Wiring
\n<\/strong><\/span>Though very rare in today\u2019s consumer electronics industry, given the higher cost and needed hand assembly, PrimaLuna<\/strong> integrated amplifier circuits are all point to point wired, across the entire audio signal path. The EVO\u00a0300<\/em> and EVO\u00a0400<\/em> models also use Swiss silver-plated OFC<\/em> cable with a Teflon dielectric. Ceramic tube sockets secured to ventilated frames made of steel, bolted to the chassis and hand-wired using heavy gauge cable are a defining feature.<\/p>\n

Top Quality Parts
\n<\/strong><\/span>PrimaLuna<\/strong> sources very high-quality parts, with the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> having Takamisawa<\/strong> relays for its inputs, an Alps<\/strong> Blue Velvet<\/em> volume potentiometer, Nichicon<\/strong> audio capacitors and Takman<\/strong> resistors, including carbon in strategic locations. PrimaLuna<\/strong> also employs an AC Offset Killer<\/em> that prevents mechanical hum due to line power, removing DC<\/em> from the line power and lowering transformer noise.\"\"<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Transformer-Coupled Subwoofer Output
\n<\/strong><\/span>Both the EVO\u00a0300<\/em> and 400<\/em> integrated amplifiers provide a transformer coupled subwoofer output, which is switchable from stereo to mono. Run off the loudspeaker taps of the wide-bandwidth output transformers to a voltage-divider network, it ensures a connected subwoofer gets the same signal \u2018flavour<\/em>\u2019 that the loudspeaker receive for maximum coherence and increased dynamics.<\/p>\n

Unique Headphone Amplifier
\n<\/strong><\/span>The built-in headphone amplifier is not discrete<\/em> nor an op-amp<\/em> design but rather, emulates some of the most expensive headphone amplifier designs around by utilizing a voltage divider network that lowers the direct amplifier output to a useable level for headphones. Unique to PrimaLuna<\/strong> is its ability to switch on the fly, at the press of a button, between Triode<\/em> and Ultra-linear<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s have a closer look at the unit
\n<\/strong><\/span>The EVO\u00a0400<\/em> comes equipped with six 12AU7<\/em> tubes in the preamp section and eight EL34<\/em> tubes in the output section. It provides through this tube complement, 38\u00a0W\u00a0x 2\u00a0(Triode<\/em>) and 70\u00a0W\u00a0x 2\u00a0(Ultra-linear<\/em>) into 8\u03a9 @\u00a01\u2009%\u00a0THD<\/em>. Five stereo RCA<\/em> inputs and 1\u00a0stereo RCA<\/em> HT<\/em> bypass are provided, along with, outputs that include: 4\u03a9 and 8\u03a9 speaker taps (5-way posts), an RCA<\/em> stereo\u2009\/\u2009mono Subwoofer<\/em> output, stereo RCA<\/em> tape output and a \u00bc\u201d\u00a0headphone jack, as well, an optional MM<\/em> phono stage can be added\u2009\u2013 my sample did not include this. The EVO\u00a0400<\/em> weighs in at a hefty 68.6\u00a0lbs.<\/p>\n

There are two finish options, silver or black for the faceplate, while the main chassis is slate metallic gloss grey, in either case. A black cast aluminum valve cage with glass side-inserts rounds out the neat and attractive profile of this amplifier. Build is very robust and unfaultable, and the same goes for the paint quality. Switches and controls have solid positive feel, using relays for the input selector. The IR<\/em> remote is of billet aluminum with metal buttons and is both attractive and built to last a generation and then some. Nothing about the EVO\u00a0400 suggest it is anything but a true high-end valve amplifier, irrespective of its attainable price$\u20095,595\u2009US. The overall appearance is austere with a shot of personality that will surely instill pride in its owner.<\/p>\n

Equipment used for the review
\n<\/strong><\/span>I reviewed the PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO\u00a0400<\/em> with my Bryston<\/strong> BR20<\/em> as the digital source (DAC<\/em> + streamer) with music streamed from Qobuz<\/strong> & Tidal<\/strong> HiFi<\/em>, as well as CD<\/em>, via my Rega<\/strong> Apollo<\/em>, as a transport. For vinyl, my VPI<\/strong> Scout\u00a01.1<\/em> turntable with Dynavector<\/strong> 10×5 HO-MC<\/em> and Gold Note<\/strong> PH10\u2009\/\u2009PSU10<\/em> combo. The loudspeakers used were primarily my Dynaudio<\/strong> C2 Signatures<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s see what it can do
\n<\/strong><\/span>First up was a comparison to my Rega<\/strong> Elex-R<\/em>. The Elex-R<\/em> is a remarkable sounding product, even more so, given its modest price. The PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO\u00a0400<\/em> is a significantly more expensive integrated amplifier, about three times the price. The Elex-R<\/em> is built around a quasi-MOSFET<\/em> amplification circuit, while the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> is a full tube design. Comparing their sound, the PrimaLuna<\/strong> was clearly able to reveal more details and add nuance, exposing additional harmonic colours and musical textures. Though the Elex-R<\/em> has a full and commanding sound, it sounded a little thick and opaque when compared with the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>. The PrimaLuna<\/strong> while delivering scale, solid bass impact and concussive dynamics, sounded more defined and articulate and offered up more midrange realism, along with an endearing top end brilliance and finesse.<\/p>\n

How does it do musicality wise?
\n<\/strong><\/span>It\u2019s all about the bass<\/em>, right? The PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO\u00a0400<\/em> is an integrated amplifier to break any preconception one might have about tube<\/em> amplifiers providing compromised bass. Though the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> is a tube amplifier, running EL34<\/em> power tubes out-of-the-box, it would be wrong to presume it can\u2019t deliver great bass performance. Listening to one of my favorite electronic bass tracks, Loveless<\/em>, by Lo Moon<\/strong>, the subterranean deep bass and dynamic swings were handled with unwavering control through the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>. The sound was crazy rich and full, while also very dynamic, the electronic bass notes having wonderful depth, along with their visceral growl. Bass was tactile, articulate with a full sense of weight. While focused on the bass, I couldn\u2019t ignore the juxtaposition of guitar sweetness as well as the ethereal quality of the vocals, with their accompanying reverb.<\/p>\n

On the track Dark Black<\/em> by Kristrina Train<\/strong>, the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> was wonderful with rendering Kristina<\/strong>\u2019s delicate, yet powerful phasing and vocalization. There was precision in the vocals coupled with a most effective capture of the reverb in the recording, I found this also the case with Z\u00f6e Kratvitz<\/strong> song, Don\u2019t<\/em> from Big Little Lies<\/em>. Here, the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> demonstrated its ability to separate massed voices, separately calling out a half dozen vocalists and separating them in space from Z\u00f6e<\/strong> lead vocals.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Next up was the track, Keep the Wolves Away<\/em> by Uncle Lucius<\/strong>. The low percussion hits were cavernous, the strikes rolling echoes taking their time to naturally decay, all the while maintaining their audible composure. There was a dead weight solidity to the bass, manifesting in presence, scale and dynamic capacity. Moving to a track like Black Crow<\/em> from Angus<\/strong> and Julia Stone<\/strong>, the bass guitar plucks were surprisingly impactful and dense and convinced me that with the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>, PrimaLuna<\/strong> has achieved a goldilocks balance between bass articulation and weight that will undoubtedly satisfy the music lover and analytic.<\/p>\n

So, how\u2019s the midrange on the PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO\u00a0400<\/em> you might ask? Now, well designed tube amplifiers, will typically deliver a very pleasing midrange. When the design is good, then the tubes add an inherent smoothing, sweetening and holographic effect. That doesn\u2019t mean that all tube amplifiers will deliver midrange beauty; the lesser ones can sound vague, opaque, and fuzzy, as if lacking focus and essential detail, which sounds unengaging and boring. In this regard, the PrimaLuna<\/strong> 400<\/em> stands out in the former camp, as a well-designed tube amplifier that exemplifies the advantages of tubes \u2018tube magic<\/em>\u2019, along with delivering on clarity, focus and engaging midrange detail. Listening to The Panhandlers<\/strong> song, West Texas in My Eye<\/em> the male vocals sounded just beautiful, through the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>. Vocal details were evident, tonal colour was abundant and there was a natural quality to the voices given the revealed inflections and intonations. The EVO\u00a0400<\/em> was able, through its revealing presentation, to communicate the emotion of the singers most effectively.<\/p>\n

Moving on to the track Angel<\/em> by Sarah McLachlan<\/strong>, the sultry sadness of Sarah<\/strong>\u2019s vocal delivery was nothing short of moving. Sweet, solemn, and dimensional was the vocal rendition of the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>. The piano notes carried a lovely bloom and note sustain. The liquidity of the midrange was exemplified on this track, and I sank so deep into the music that I found it hard to keep focussed on my evaluation.<\/p>\n

On the track Dark Black<\/em> by Kristrina Train<\/strong>, the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> was wonderful with rendering Kristina<\/strong>\u2019s delicate, yet powerful phasing and vocalization. There was precision in the vocals coupled with a most effective capture of the reverb in the recording, I found this also the case with Z\u00f6e Kratvitz<\/strong> song, Don\u2019t<\/em> from Big Little Lies<\/em>. Here, the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> demonstrated its ability to separate massed voices, separately calling out a half dozen vocalists and separating them in space from Z\u00f6e<\/strong> lead vocals. On other tracks, the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> proved its ability to present instruments like guitar, saxophone and piano with realism, detail, and authentic timbre and tone.<\/p>\n

This brings us to the treble. With a track like Amnesia<\/em> by Dead Can Dance<\/strong>, the treble of the PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO\u00a0400<\/em> is crisp and clear but not cold. The openness of this track and its superb clarity was made evident by the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>; however, there was a sultry delicacy and smoothness to the upper frequencies.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nI found a similar strength in treble quality of the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> with Earned It<\/em> by The Weekend<\/strong>, from the Fifty Shades of Grey<\/em> soundtrack. This track, especially at higher volumes can reveal treble bite and dryness but that was not the case with the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>. This sound possessed clarity in the treble, along with the leading-edge attack; however, the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> kept all well-mannered. Does the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> embellish the upper most frequencies? Perhaps, there is some taming, just a slight roll off of the uppermost frequencies. There is just a touch less air and sense of space than the best amplifiers I\u2019ve heard but the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> never leave one wanting, always delivering detailed and exciting sound.<\/p>\n

I usually spend a fair bit of time talking about image and soundstage and though I\u2019ve alluded to it I haven\u2019t yet quite said it. The PrimaLuna<\/strong> 400<\/em> images very well. It clearly separates images across the soundstage and holds in place. It\u2019s not in any way a cookie cutter presentation but rather, a three-dimensional and holographic visualization of the musical recording, with front to back layering and distinct placement. Soundstages are generous in width and have surprisingly good depth, which I would attribute to the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>\u2019s low noise, rated with a 93\u00a0dB signal-to-noise-ratio, which is quite amazing for an all-tube amplifier.<\/p>\n

I gave the EVO\u00a0400<\/em>\u2019s headphone output a spin with my Grado<\/strong> 325e<\/em>\u00a0headphones. And much to my expectation, it was glorious\u00a0\u2013 not only did it meet my recollection of experience with PrimaLuna<\/strong>, but it was even better. The headphone output mimicked the sonic qualities of the PrimaLuna<\/strong> 400<\/em> very closely, which is not something you typically get with an integrated headphone output. I compared its performance to my Bryston<\/strong> BR20<\/em> and through the BR20<\/em> is great\u2009\u2013 dead quiet, very neutral, and smooth, I\u2019d have to say that the EVO\u00a0400<\/em> headphone output was my preference, given its vivacious presence coupled with harmonic colour.<\/p>\n

Conclusion
\n<\/strong><\/span>The PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO 400<\/em> integrated amplifier is one superb amplifier. Given its low-maintenance tube design and high-quality build, it is that much more desirable. It brings a level of musical personality, bundled with practicality and technical strength that is very rare in amplifiers. For many, a PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO\u00a0400<\/em> might be that last step in the journey to finding a lifetime amplifier\u2026it\u2019s that good. Myself, despite me having more than enough audio equipment already, find myself justifying a way to keep it here, as music through the PrimaLuna<\/strong> EVO\u00a0400<\/em> is nothing less than MUSIC<\/strong> to my ears.<\/p>\n

GENERAL INFORMATION<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Price: $\u20095\u00a0595\u2009US; $\u20097\u00a0665\u2009CA
\nWarranty: 90\u00a0days, parts and labour.
\nThe warranty period is extendable to 3\u00a0years with product registration.
\nThe tubes are guaranteed for\u00a0 6\u00a0mois.
\nFor more information, visit: https:\/\/www.primaluna-usa.com\/warranty<\/p>\n

Distributor: Upscale Distribution<\/strong><\/span>
\nT.: 1. 909.931.0219
\nhttp:\/\/www.upscaledistribution.com<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\n https:\/\/www.primaluna-usa.com\/<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Musical Personality, Interesting Criteria And Technical Strength! If you\u2019ve been interested in tube amplification over the past decade, then you\u2019ve likely come across PrimaLuna. The company\u2019s name, PrimaLuna, is an Italian name, yet it\u2019s the Netherlands that the founder and the company has its origins. Look no further than PrimaLuna\u2019s European website (https:\/\/www.primaluna.nl\/) to find […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":154670,"featured_media":40391,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2723,1359,2725],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40405","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hifi","category-headline-en","category-whats-new","entry","has-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40405","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/154670"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40405"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40405\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40408,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40405\/revisions\/40408"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40391"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40405"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40405"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40405"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}