PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Poweramp Black / Stock EL34 Only Reviews

4.8 Rating 22 Reviews

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Phone:

909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

Location:

2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

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Greg Casamayor

Verified Reviewer

“I’m still breaking it in, but after roughly 40 hours I am truly enjoying the sound. I bought 2 and I’m using them as monoblocks. So far very happy with the EL34 tubes, which I was not familiar with. Can’t say enough good things about the EVO 400s!”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 6 months ago

“I bought the EVO 400 preamp and power amp and could not be more pleased. They have taken my system to the next level in a significant way. The music flows more effortlessly into the room and seemingly just "appears", while the speakers disappear. I am hearing things I haven't heard before, making all the music much more alive and real ... the clarity is remarkable. And, they are cool to look at.”

5 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

Douglas Jones

Verified Reviewer

“Give a great tube amp a try; it amazed me, maybe you too will be amazed. Large speakers or small; it changed the character of my system in a positive way that is hard to describe. I will try; the sound, timbre and almost spooky sound that was eerily amazing. It was like I was alone, and watching a scary movie. It was that eye opening. I am again addicted to spending time listening to my system because of this amp.”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 1 year ago

Charles Baker

Verified Reviewer

“I have used it for about 4 weeks, it's built very good. I have looked underneath of dozens of other amps and the build quality is amazing. I am having trouble pairing it with my Klipsch Forte IVs speakers which is my fault, a little bright even in Triode mode which does help a little. You can't go wrong buying this trouble free amp.”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

Wolfgang Winzer

Verified Reviewer

“Looking for a replacement for my 28 years old T+A Integrated amplifier I called Upscale. Despite some initial skepticism about Tubes, I followed Sean's recommendation to give the EVO 400 a shot. Driving my B&W 804s I have been more than satisfied from the moment I first listened to some of my favorite recordings - I am enjoying a much wider and deeper soundstage and discovering details for the first time. I am most impressed by the amps "musicality".”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“I have this paired with the PL Evo preamp, 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.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“Upgrading my 20+ yr old vintage system this past summer 2021, I purchased a bi-amped EVO 400 system and EVO 400 preamp based on reviews and especially Kevin's videos. Initially, the sound was very open and detailed especially compared to what I currently had. But very quickly I became subject to what I would and my audiophile friends experienced as minimal volume. I was driving a pr of Maggie 1.7's and testing with 2 meters the sound level made it to 88 dbl. Also, one amp produced a high level hum and the other amp made a distinctive audible thump turning it off. Per Upscale's technician. I swamped amps, rolled tubes and no change. I inserted my previous vintage preamp and could easily produce > 90 dbl. Overall a very disappointing experience and > $400.00 return shipping cost. In my quest to upgrade I now have PS Audio BHK preamp and 250 amp. I'm now very pleased and impressed.”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Thomas Scheidig

Unverified Reviewer

“This is probably pure luxury, but 2 months after getting my first Evo 400, I got a second Evo 400 amp to run them in mono mode. I didn't really need more power, but wanted that last bit of control. This set up now rules my Lawrence Audio Cellos with an iron fist and I feel I am all set for whatever speakers I might get in the future, including ultra-inefficient Maggies. I am certain I future-proof'd myself and cannot see myself making a change in the amp department for a really long time. The threatened price increase did its part as well in helping me make that decision, but I am not looking back. I am driving the two Evo 400's with a Supratek Chardonnay Pre-amp, making this a magical combination. One Evo 400 was awesome, two are ludicrous (Elon would not approve due to the analog nature, I am sure.....). I am now waiting for a Hifi Rose RS150 and my system revamp will be complete.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago