THEODORE KASELER

“Kevin’s YouTube videos sold me on the Evo series of integrated tube amps. The product performed as advertised!!”

Posted 3 years ago

“It is everything that’s is in the video. But the amp itself is extremely hot. In the video it says it runs cool. But the sound is really good.”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Brian Hudson

Verified Reviewer

“Upgraded from an NAD 356BEE with a built in DAC to the EVO300 and. Schiit Bifrost DAC. Night and day difference with detail revealed in go-to recordings I’ve heard literally hundreds of times before. Such amazing soundstage and nuance on the EVO with half the rated wattage. I find myself not listening to music as loud as I hear more?!? Not placebo effect but my little Monitor Audio Silver 100s sing with detail I didn’t think possible. Like getting new ears...really.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“Primaluna EVO 300 Kevin is right, this is a fantastic unit. It is capable of making great music, limited only by the quality of your source components and media. That was not too surprising, but I was surprised how much I enjoy the conveniences of the EVO 300 compared to my classic tube gear it replaces. I do not miss crawling over the amp to bias the tubes, or flicking the 'standby' switch to let the amp warm up pre-music or cool down afterwards. Two things I did that made an immediate and essential difference: Tung-Sol EL34 quad, a fine quality power cord.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“PrimsLuna came as a surprise to me while looking to go back to tubes.Been away from hard core music listening for 30 years and didn’t know any of the players, a lot has changed. Upscale worked for me, no over selling , no BS ! Could’ve hooked me on more expensive speakers that I wanted but they explained why my Focals would sound great too., and they’re outstanding. Ended up getting a PL300. This unit bangs, no BS, straight up music, no issues. Deep, rich sound with all types of music. Can’t go wrong in my opinion! As for UA, they’ve have been there, Randall is outstanding CS and knows his stuff. I get that Kevin May me gruff but I don’t need him for a hug, I just need good, knowledgeable CS. So far not let down.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

Rafael Escobar

Verified Reviewer

“Tube newbie here, very well built, quality piece, came triple boxed, nice sound through Goldenear Triton Reference speakers in a acoustically comprehensively treated dedicated room. Difference between ultralinear and triode mode is subtle, but present. Ultralinear is closer to my Yamaha pre amp CX-A5100, MX-A5000 amp, clear, detailed, impactful but slightly warmer then the solid state preamp, amp. Triode is quieter, less dramatic, more rounded, warmer, a lusher sound. Fuller, wider, deeper soundstage, rock solid imaging, The Yamaha tends to be cooler, very detailed, neutral aImost cold. l purchased a Beresford TC-7210 selector switch from the UK to share the main speakers with the 2 amps. I am unable to tell if there's sonic ndegradation from this device. But, I'm glad I got it, have the best of both worlds, an enjoyable analog listening and an awesome HT viewing experience. Very glad I got the Evo 300 integrated amplifier, for me it hits the value, performance sweet spot. Plenty of power in either mode for my efficient speakers. Kudos to Ken at Upscale audio for his patience in answering my myriad questions. Thanks to Upscale Audio for an excellent product, highly recommended, best wishes for continued success.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

Greg Cannava

Verified Reviewer

“I made the “mistake” of watching Kevin’s PrimaLuna videos a while back, and needless to say, I was impressed. The build quality is absolutely top-notch, as is the sound quality. In spite of this I’ve already begun tube rolling because I wanted to get even more of the beautiful mids and holographic imaging, and I didn’t want to wait. Without turning this review into a review on tubes, let me just say that I replaced the two gain tubes with Brimar NOS, and that took the PrimaLuna to a whole new level almost immediately. Gold Lion kt77s are on the way next. This product is simply beautiful and I would recommend it to anyone seeking world-class sound at a great price!”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

David Niklasson

Verified Reviewer

“Others are more qualified and better informed to speak of the technical properties and qualities of the PrimaLuna Evo 300 Integrated Amp. I would prefer to speak of the PrimaLuna Evo 300 in the context of assembling a sound system which fits my particular needs having the help of the Upscale Audio team. In early September 2019, I began building an entry level audiophile system based upon vintage components: a 1976 Marantz 2270 receiver and a pair of 1979 Klipsch LaScala’s. I discovered Upscale Audio through a steady series of online searches for audiophile equipment, applications and advice. In October, I responded to Upscale Audio’s less-than-half-price sale on the Naim XS Bundle. It was a mistake. Despite the quality of each component, mixing digital equipment with vintage analog is risky. Even while the shipment was on its way, I discovered several forums recommending against mixing Klipsch and Naim equipment. Fortunately, Upscale Audio offers a solid, painless exchange and return policy. After speaking with Mike, I decided to exchange the Naim Bundle for a PrimaLuna Evo 300 Integrated Tube Amp, despite a price nearly double the sale price of the Bundle. While there was no pressure, Mike offered an informed comparison between the PrimaLuna Evo 100, 200, 300 & 400 integrated amps. Looking forward, he steered me away from considering separate PrimaLuna preamps and monoblocks, stating that my Klipsch speakers do not need power, they simply need a crystal-clear source. Since November, I have traveled from Missouri to their showroom in Laverne, California and have remained in contact with the staff at Upscale Audio. Randall has been particularly helpful as I added the PrimaLuna Evo 100 DAC in January and continued tuning each PrimaLuna component to my sound preferences through tube rolling. So far, I have replaced 10 of the high-quality OEM PrimaLuna tubes with NOS Cifte 12AU7's, NOS Mullard 12AX7’s and new production Gold Lion KT77’s. Interestingly, Kevin left voicemail for me in January, then stepped in and cancelled an order for Gold Lion U77/5AR4 Rectifier tubes that I had planned to install in the Evo 100 DAC. Kevin stated that their experience showed the OEM PrimaLuna tubes to be superior to any current replacements. He helped me to avoid a second mistake in building my current system. Separately, I upgraded my Klipsch LaScala’s to 1986 Klipschorns in early February. So far, all of my upgrades—inside and outside of Upscale Audio—have followed the trajectory suggested by Mike last November. The PrimaLuna line of components have provided a solid backbone to the analog system I envisioned late last summer. I had not even heard of PrimaLuna before encountering UpScale Audio. At this point, I can continue upgrading and improving, or I can simply enjoy the system now assembled with the help of Upscale Audio’s crew. Either way, the sound reproduction is already beyond anything I have experienced in a reasonably priced higher-end home audio system. While it is possible to simply order online and remain assured of a swift fulfillment backed by a solid return policy, I would highly recommend taking advantage of the expertise found within the Upscale Audio team. They have helped me gain a stronger understanding of the current market and products available, as well as avoid costly mistakes in the process, and remain on my permanent got-to list.”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube Integrated Amp Black Reviews