Wolfgang Winzer

“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 3 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

Sandamal Silva

Unverified Reviewer

“I run my Evo 400 via a Don Sachs model 2 preamp. They sound glorious driving my new Tannoy Turnberry GRs. Lots of effortless bass…the sort of bass that’s soft yet authoritative. I bought my Evo 400 in 2020 but am only writing this now because I had some reservations about this amp. Turns out it wasn’t the Evo 400…it was my Salk Songtowers. They were great sounding speakers but there was just a little resolution missing on certain tracks that I’m very familiar with. I assumed it was the amplifier. So my strategy was to get the Tannoys and then look for a better amp. Well I’m glad to say that Primaluna and Tannoy are a great pairing and the Evo 400 is staying. I’m getting rich timbre and texture with this combination. The Primaluna sound signature is on the sweet side while the Tannoy are a bit dry. Together, they really balance each other out kind of perfectly. The Tannoy/Primaluna match has already been established but I’m here to say that it’s, at best, an understatement! So very happy with this amp.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Richard Potekin

Verified Reviewer

“All my electronics have been tubes since around 1970. I have multiple listening areas with lots of vintage stuff. I am using this EVO 400 power amp to compliment my EVO 400 preamp I recently bought. I was using a Mac 275 to drive a pair of vintage Klipsch Chorus ll’s. The new EVO took around 200 hours to calm down from being way too bright & edgy. It is a more upfront & detailed, & clearer amp then my Mac. However on some horns it’s still a little too bright & edgy at 300 hours. The Mac just softens everything. On most songs I listen to I just love the EVO. Can I live with it is the question or can I live without it! The jury is still out. Lol I listen every day now for hours. I think the solution to some harshness on some cuts is to listen more in triode mode.”

3 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Noel Richards

Verified Reviewer

“Perfect. Don't know you get better than this unless you get a Kevin system. Which has elephants turning a generator powering 10 amps built by fairies with boots. I put in KT-88s and have upscales' Wrinkled Glass Mullards up front. P.S. - tell Kevin to stop making fairies wear boots”

Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

“Let me say this simply. The Primaluna EVO 400 power amplifier is the real deal. Seriously no BS it's a end game component. Forget specs and hand waving it's proof is in the performance. After going through many amplifiers over the years I finally have the magic and emotional connection with music again. I will be purchasing a second EVO 400 power amplifier and the EVO 400 pre amplifier in the near future. Build quality is second to none and the fact it's jam packed with high quality parts, point to point wiring and not a empty box makes me rest easy that I got great value for my money. Sincere thank you to Kevin Deal for his informative and entertaining videos that introduced me to such a fine product line. Highly recommended!”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Poweramp Black / Stock EL34 Only Reviews