“I have this paired with the PL Evo power amp, and they make a perfect pair - very clean but juicy sound signature. I also love the versatility of this setup with the "high/low" gain switch to match different power tubes, and of course the remote-controlled "Ultralinear/Triode" switch. The remote is especially well thought out with the volume buttons at the bottom by themselves and the Ultralinear/Triode button at the top by itself. Since I often listen in near darkness at night it is nice to not have to fumble around looking for these most often used buttons. The tubes these amps come with are decent, but I have replaced them all with vintage tubes I already had on hand because, for one thing, they are already broken in; and I was impatient to hear that. It sings especially beautifully. Compared to my previous lesser tube amp setup, the Primaluna allows for relaxing more deeply into the music because there is less "grain" and "glare" which I didn't really appreciate until I heard its absence. These amps are driving Cornwall 4 speakers flanked by Rel S812 subs using the "high level" connections. All in all a very fine match.”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

ANDREW FLETCHER Fletcher

Unverified Reviewer

“I have had the preamp for about a week now. I just finished running it in for about 72 hours. The improvement over my previous preamp is remarkable. It is far more quiet, detailed, and warm. This is an incredible piece of gear for an amazing price. I don’t think I can recommend it highly enough. By the way, I am running four GE 12AU7’s in the front with two Mullard 12AU7’s in the rear. The rectifiers are Mullards as well. I had one of those “lightweight”, overpriced preamps that Kevin talks about in his videos. I never really took the time to look inside my old preamp until I prepared it for sale and shipping. I had to get inside to remove the tubes, and I noticed how cheap it looked compared to the PrimaLuna products. The transformer looked like something a grade-school kid would wind as part of a science project. The circuit board, capacitors, etc., all looked cheap. Worst of all, it seemed to me that the vacuum tubes were totally incidental. I’m not really sure what purpose they served, because the preamp never sounded very warm. I lived with it for 5 years, because I was convinced it was good due to the brand name. I’m glad I finally came around and got a PrimaLuna. Big thanks too all the great people at Upscale! Now I’m off to upgrade my turntable…”

6 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Sounds good so far, Still needs break in period. Matches well with my Evo 400 Amp. I did expect a headphone Jack but that’s not included. I should have looked at that detail before purchase though.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

Rather than offering a small, cheap headphone amplifier board like so many manufacturers do, PrimaLuna uses the entire amp to power the headphones, hence this capability is available only on the integrated amps where there's a pre and power section. You would be far better served with an external headphone amp in this situation. Consider tube headphone amps from Feliks Audio!

Posted 4 years ago

“This replaces my VTL 2.5 preamp that I have loved for many years. This is my second Prima Luna Purchase (Prologue Premium integrated amplifier). I am still in the "burn in" phase of listening, but I am quite satisfied. I have the Evo 400 XLR outputs connected to a MC252, and on to some Bose 10.2's. I can say it's dead black between songs and the warmth and magic is already presenting itself in a rich, and inviting way. I also have a NAD C275BEE hooked into the RCA output driving some Tekton Double Impacts, and I can tell you the neighbors are not enjoying this as soundly as I am. I have been shopping for a new preamp for many years now, and I am glad I made this choice. I have some JJ Electronic tubes waiting in the wings to replace the tubes that came with the Evo. I am not in any hurry at this time, as the tubes it came with sound great. In a world that has of late been sucking a bit of donkey doo, this preamp has been one of the high points of the year. Cheers and thanks,”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Ok, I’m a WANNABE audiophile, and not the best with technology, but still trying to get better sound at 64 years old. As soon as I plugged this thing,(EVO 400 preamp) into my system, and started playing some music, I knew something special was going on here. Out of the box with no break-in, it was a little harsh and bright, BUT I STILL KNEW! It’s now a month and a half later, and it sounds SO GOOD! When friends and family come over, I have them sit in the sweet-spot in front of my system, and start playing an Elton John SACD, and everyone does the same thing-they look above my system at the blue curtains behind it and kinda smiling, looking like “how’s someone singing up there, but there’s no speaker up there!” My OPPO 105d, modified by Modwright electronics now sounds better than my VPI Scout jr TT. The rest of my system is Cambridge Audio 851w, (probably next to be changed out), and Furman Elite 15 power conditioner, PSB T3 speakers, AQ Gibraltar speaker cables, Kimber Kable Silverstreak, and Cardas Clear interconnects. I’m on a tight budget, and this might not be a High-End, Balls to the walls, best system out there, but since I added this Primaluna, EVO 400 preamp to it, it sure as hell is to me! I’m very happy with it. The only thing that could make it better is if it lasts a long time with no major problems.”

7 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Bought this unit from UA Nov 2020. 5ar4 rectifier tubes failed in 30 days. Not encouraging. UA replaced the 5ar4's and the fuse. Burn in 4 the next 15 days. Used 5 - 8 hours a day for 6mo. This a beautifully sounding preamp in my system. ( ss amp, w / streamer as a source). After 6 months getting used to the sound, I upgraded the 5ar4 rectifiers to Phillips, and the 12au7 (2) input tubes to RadioTechnique. This is the best I've heard my system. Soundstage width & depth & height, instrument placement + air around them. Vocals are awesome. I've never heard such sound out of my speakers. If you're vaguely interested, you must try the UA 60 day trial period in your system. Mine did not go back, and I still do not regret it .”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

Nathan Luetke

Verified Reviewer

Author didn't leave any comments.

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I was hoping to upgrade from my CJ ET3 or my CJ Classic SE in two different listening areas. My first impression was WOW! More of everything HT Width Depth openness Transparency bass etc. However there was a slightly irritating edginess to female voice on some cuts. Took about 200 hours for it to smooth out & settle down. Now its the best pre amp i have. I have only had tube pre amps in my systems since the late 60's.”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier Black / No Phonostage Reviews