PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC Black Reviews

5 Rating 22 Reviews

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909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

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2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
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Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

Scott Lamitie

Verified Reviewer

“I have had this DAC for a little over 3 months and figured I should finally say a few words. First I am surprised how amazing it actually sounds. I am usually strictly vinyl and have a considerable investment into that end, but I wanted to try and see if I could do anything more with my digital playback. This surpassed my expectations and I could not be more pleased. I am playing CD's almost exclusively now and am blown away at how much information I am hearing that I didn't even know was there, absolutely floored. I have this paired with an EVO-400 Integrated Amp and Tannoy Legacy Ardens and could not be more pleased. Just a side note it sounded excellent stock but I can't not tube roll so NOS tubes from Kevin as follows, some Philips 5R4GYS rectifier tubes, Radio Technique 12AU7's and Mullard CV4004's.”

6 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“I've always preferred analog for its relaxing and involving sound. CDs in contrast often sounded bright and flat to me. I splurged on a Bryston BCD3 a few years ago. It's a high quality, nice sounding, well-built player. Reviews called it "analog sounding". Not really IMO. Not bad, but analog still smoked it. So I read several amazing reviews of the PL DAC 100, and knowing what the PL HP integrated did for music, I gave it a go from the ever-helpful staff at UA. Really, there was nothing to lose with a 60 day trial. So on to the sound... Components and cables take time to "settle in". Still, from the second the DAC was inserted everything opened up. There was more "there there". More depth, clarity, dynamics, and richness which led to more engagement with music. Still. I thought it sounded more like digital on steroids than analog. I've had it for several weeks now, and decided to directly compare CD to LP, using the Acoustic Sounds Female Vocals (highly recommended) hybrid SACD and LP. I expected analog to win as I have about the same money in LP and CD playback. BUT NO! My wife picked up the differences immediately...more depth, warmth, dynamics and resolution. Better separation of instruments. I'd perhaps give a slight nod to analog being more relaxing, but the CD was more immersive. I'm happily surprised.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

Kevin Mayrer

Verified Reviewer

“Just an outstanding DAC, competes with anything two or three times it’s cost! Couldn’t be happier with my purchase.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

“Unsurpassed build quality and ease of set up. Paired with my NAD M50 steamer I heard a clear difference compared with my MacIntosh C2500 DAC; expanded and warmer soundstage with improved separation and musicality. Over about 1 week of use this just kept getting better. I couldn’t be happier with my choice!”