PrimaLuna Evo 100 Tube Preamplifier - PrimaLuna
DUAL TOROIDAL POWER TRANSFORMERS
Power transformers generate two types of noise, magnetic and acoustic. That's why toroidal power transformers are used in the very best audio products. Compared to standard transformers, toroids radiate about 1/10 the magnetic field that pollutes music and obscures detail. Additionally, the absence of an air gap typically means toroids have an 8:1 reduction of acoustic noise. As transformers are the most expensive components in any audio product, manufacturers will even house cheaper C-core and EI-core transformers in an outboard power supply box with an umbilical cable rather than upgrade to an expensive toroid. The increased cost is significant, but PrimaLuna doesn’t cut corners. All PrimaLuna products use massive, potted toroidal transformers. PrimaLuna transformers are enclosed in a metal housing and then potted in a non-microphonic resin to further reduce noise and to protect the windings from moisture and deterioration forever.
TUBE RECTIFIED
In the world of preamps, experts agree that tube rectification is the gold standard. It’s quieter than solid state rectification, dropping the noise floor. And it offers the most natural, textured, and vibrant presentation because the circuit is now pure tube. But because it is expensive to implement, you’ll only find it in the top of the line models typically costing $10,000 or more. Finding a preamp using one rectifier tube is sweet. PrimaLuna goes even further using two 5AR4 rectifier tubes in a dual-mono design to present your music with a three-dimensionality that will give you goosebumps.
JAPANESE ALPS BLUE VELVET POTENTIOMETER
The best tube preamps use analogue volume controls. Not volume control chips. Look inside the most well-known brand of tube preamps and you will see a chip called a DS1666-10 Digital Resistor IC. At Primaluna, we understand the temptation to use this chip as they cost $4 each (half that in quantity!). The preamp will sound fine and be quiet, but true to “chips” it will add an electronic “sheen” to the sound. PrimaLuna prefers analogue. And we use the Gold Standard in motorized potentiometers: The iconic Alps Blue Velvet. Why? Because they track perfectly, stay quiet, and don’t sound like chips!
SUPERQUIET LINE INPUTS
Input selector switches leak noise and signals from other sources, as they never turn off the other inputs completely. And, they deteriorate with age, requiring the use of cleaners. Many are mounted on the front panel requiring long runs of wires to the back panel inputs. These wires pick up stray noise from RF and EMI. Instead of a switch, input selection is done using premium quality sealed relays mounted in the rear where you plug in your components. When an input is selected, that relay closes giving you the best connection possible. All the other relays are left open, so noise and signals from other sources can’t leak in. The signal path is now almost non-existent, so there are no wires to pick up noise.
Features:
- Vacuum Tube Rectified
- Super Quiet Inputs
- Dual Mono Topology
- Slim Remote Control
- Point to Point Wiring
- ALPS Blue Velvet Potentiometer
- Optional MM Phonostage
- Dual Toroidal Power Transformer
- Inputs: 4x Stereo RCA
- Outputs: 2x Stereo RCA, Stereo RCA Tape Out
- Gain:10.8 dB
- Frequency Response: 28Hz-50kHz +/- 1dB, 15Hz-80kHz +/- 3dB
- S/N Ratio: 93dB, 100dBA
- Input Sensitivity: 580mV
- Input Impedance: 220kΩ
- Output Impedance: 2800Ω
- Power Consumption: 52 Watts
- Standard Tube Complement: 2 - 12AX7, 2 - 12AU7, 2 - 5AR4
- Faceplate Options: Black or Silver
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 11 x 7.5 x 15.9”
- Weight: 30.8 lbs
Audiolab Stereo & Video Center
