Login
Start Free Trial Are you a business?? Click Here

PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube Integrated Amp Black / No Phonostage / Stock EL34 Only Reviews

4.9 Rating 53 Reviews
Read Upscale Audio Reviews
Visit Product Page

Phone:

909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

Location:

2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

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
Jonathan Reddish
Verified Reviewer
super cool integrated!!! sounds excellent!
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Gerald Celano
Verified Reviewer
Author didn't leave any comments.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
This is a substantial piece of equipment and it sounds great, but most importantly is the support before and after I received from Upscale Audio. Thanks Mark listening to my needs.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
The Primaluna EVA 300 equals or exceeds much more expensive ARC separates that I previously owned. Could not be more satisfied, also with service of Upscale audio.
Helpful Report
Posted 5 years ago
Kevin, it is everything you talked about in you videos. Very dynamic, quality build, bass slam, dead quiet. It is so much better than any amp I have owned and as good as any amp I have heard. Thanks
3 Helpful Report
Posted 5 years ago
Mike Steffenson
Verified Reviewer
Outstanding tube amp never heard anything better sounds terrific at low or high volume great bass slam I have paired with klipsch Cornwall 4 speakers is a match made in heaven high end reference gear is what this is also Randall from upscale audio was a terrific help in helping me decide and I’ll be buying again from upscale A++++++
2 Helpful Report
Posted 5 years ago