PrimaLuna EVO 100 Phono Tube Preamplifier - Black

The PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono Preamplifier was created to enhance vinyl listening experience, combining the musicality of tube technology with the solid construction that has always characterized the brand. It is the first tube phono preamplifier developed by PrimaLuna and embodies the experience of a team deeply rooted in the world of high fidelity.

The project aims to offer high-level sonic performance in an intuitive and accessible device, capable of competing with products in significantly higher price ranges. The configuration is deliberately essential: rather than adding marginally used functions, PrimaLuna has prioritized the quality of the signal path and ease of adjustment.

The EVO 100 allows you to connect a turntable and adapt its operation to both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. Dedicated settings allow for easy adjustment of gain and loading, as well as capacitance for MM cartridges, to ensure the correct match with different types of cartridges.

Handcrafted construction and selected components

Each unit is assembled by hand within a solid steel chassis, designed to ensure effective ventilation of the components. The external finish consists of five layers, applied, refined and polished by hand to offer an elegant and long-lasting aesthetic result.

Inside, a refined point-to-point wiring is used, made in air without the use of extensive printed circuit boards. This solution allows for short connection lengths and preserves the integrity of the delicate signals coming from the cartridge.

The components include ceramic tube sockets and selected Nichicon and DuRoch capacitors, chosen to guarantee a wide and balanced response, with an authoritative low range, natural midrange and extended high frequencies. The power supply also uses 5AR4 tube rectification, contributing to smooth, three-dimensional, and nuanced reproduction.

The gold-plated RCA connectors are fixed directly to the panel to ensure a stable connection and accurate signal transmission. The most sensitive areas of the circuit are protected by careful shielding, designed to limit noise, electromagnetic disturbances, and interference.

Tube protection and long-lasting reliability

To increase the life of the tubes, PrimaLuna has integrated the SoftStart™ circuit, which gradually manages the start-up phase, reducing thermal and mechanical stress on the components. This technology promotes greater reliability and allows the device to reach operating conditions in a controlled manner.

The power transformer is protected by the PTP™ – Power Transformer Protection system. If excessive temperature is detected, due for example to an overload or unfavorable environmental conditions, the device automatically interrupts the primary power supply. When the temperature returns to safe values, the connection is restored and the preamplifier can return to normal operation.

A phono preamplifier designed for vinyl enthusiasts

The PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono Preamplifier is designed to become the reference point of the analog section of a Hi-Fi system. The valve circuitry, the wide range of adjustments and the handcrafted construction allow it to deliver a natural, engaging and accurate reproduction.

It is a solution designed for those who want to rediscover their vinyl collection through a device that is carefully designed in every detail, simple to set up and built to guarantee reliable performance for many years.

SPECIFICATIONS

General

Dimensions (W x D x H): 405 x 280 x 190 mm

Net weight: 12.7 kg / 27.9 lbs

Technical

Maximum output voltage: 26.3 dBV / 20.6 Vrms

Inputs: 1 pair stereo RCA (MM/MC)

Outputs: 1 pair stereo RCA

Curve deviation RIAA: < 0.5 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)

Bandwidth: 0 – 20 kHz (+0 / -3 dB)

Phase Response Error: < 1°

THD+N (A-weighted) MM/MC: < 0.40% @ 2V

Output Impedance: 100 Ω @ 1 kHz

MM / MC Section

Gain: 40 dB (MM); 60 dB / 56 dB / 52 dB (MC - High/Mid/Low)

Input Impedance: 47 kΩ (MM); 50 / 100 / 200 / 500 / 1000 Ω selectable (MC)

Input capacitance (selectable): 47 pF / 100 pF (MM); not applicable (MC)

Input sensitivity: 2.5 mV (200 mVrms @ 1 kHz, MM); 0.104 mVrms (200 mVrms @ 1 kHz, MC)

Maximum allowable input (@ 0.1% THD): 180 mVrms (MM); 14 mVrms (MC)

Channel separation (@ 1 kHz): > 75 dB (MM); > 60 dB (MC)

Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted) @ 23.8 dBV: > 90 dB (MM/MC)

Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted) @ 6.0 dBV: > 75 dB (MM/MC)

Tubes

V1, V4 (power supply, rectification): 5AR4

V2, V3 (power supply, stabilization): EL34

V5, V6, V7, V8 (MM section): 12AX7 low noise with aluminum shielding

V9, V10 (MC section): 6922 low noise with aluminum shielding

MC board: mechanically decoupled