PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube Power Amplifier

PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube Power Amplifier – Swiss Made wiring, XLR inputs and triode/ultra-linear switching by remote

The step up to premium components in the power amplifier range

The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube Power Amplifier introduces Swiss Made wiring, Takman resistors and the AC Offset Killer to the EvoLution power amplifier range for the first time. Furthermore, balanced XLR inputs and remote-controlled triode/ultra-linear switching set it apart from the EVO 100 and 200. Since all these features combine in a single chassis, the EVO 300 consequently offers both component quality and musical versatility that no lower model in the range can match. Alan Sircom wrote in hi-fi+ that he was excessively diverted by the EVO 300 — high praise from one of the most respected reviewers in the industry.

Triode and ultra-linear switching by remote

In ultra-linear mode the EVO 300 Tube Power Amplifier delivers 2× 44 W stereo or 85 W mono. Since the triode switch reduces output to 2× 22 W stereo or 45 W mono, the amplifier consequently sounds softer, more direct and emotionally engaging in this mode. As a result, two fundamentally different musical experiences are available without changing a single component. Since switching is handled by the Slim remote, no manual intervention at the amplifier is required. Tube rolling is moreover straightforward thanks to Adaptive AutoBias and the high/low bias switch.

XLR inputs and comprehensive connectivity

The EVO 300 is the first model in the EvoLution power amplifier range to offer balanced XLR inputs alongside the standard RCA connections. Since balanced connections reject common-mode noise, they are thereby preferred when the source component offers XLR outputs. Speaker taps cover 2, 4, 8 and 16 ohms, consequently ensuring compatibility with virtually any loudspeaker. Furthermore, the stereo/mono switch allows two EVO 300 units to be configured as monoblocks, each delivering 85 W in ultra-linear mode.

Premium construction and lasting quality

Swiss Made wiring, Takman resistors, AC Offset Killer, DuRoch polypropylene capacitors, Adaptive AutoBias and Bad Tube Indicator are all present throughout. Above all, each unit is hand-assembled and finished in PrimaLuna's characteristic five-coat hand-polished lacquer. Since every transformer is fully encapsulated, hum and interference are thereby minimised regardless of the listening environment.

Specifications

• Type: valve power amplifier, push-pull, switchable ultra-linear/triode, stereo/mono
• Output power UL stereo: 2× 44 W (EL34)
• Output power UL mono: 1× 85 W (EL34)
• Output power triode stereo: 2× 22 W (EL34)
• Output power triode mono: 1× 45 W (EL34)
• Valves: 4× EL34, 6× 12AU7
• Valve compatibility: EL34, KT88, 6L6G, KT66, KT77, KT90, KT120, KT150
• Inputs: 1× stereo RCA + XLR, 1× mono RCA + XLR
• Outputs: 2, 4, 8 & 16 ohm speaker taps
• Triode/ultra-linear: yes, via Slim remote
• Swiss Made wiring: yes
• Takman resistors: yes
• AC Offset Killer: yes
• XLR inputs: yes
• Adaptive AutoBias: yes
• Point-to-point wiring: yes
• Bad Tube Indicator: yes
• Remote control: Slim remote
• Frequency response: 8 Hz–75 kHz, ±3 dB
• THD stereo: <0.1% @ 1W
• THD mono: <0.17% @ 1W
• SNR: 91 dB (105 dB A-weighted)
• Dimensions: 405×385×205 mm
• Weight: 30 kg

Frequently asked questions about the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube Power Amplifier

What does the EVO 300 add over the EVO 200 power amplifier?

Swiss Made wiring, Takman resistors, AC Offset Killer, XLR inputs and remote-controlled triode/ultra-linear switching are all added. Since the transformers are furthermore heavier and the dynamic range is greater, the EVO 300 is consequently a significant step up from the EVO 200.

How does the EVO 300 differ from the EVO 400 power amplifier?

The EVO 400 uses eight output valves versus four in the EVO 300, consequently delivering considerably more power. Furthermore, its transformers are heavier still. Both models share the same premium components including Swiss Made wiring, Takman resistors and AC Offset Killer.

Which valves are compatible and how easy is tube rolling?

Compatible types include EL34, KT88, 6L6G, KT66, KT77, KT90, KT120 and KT150. Since Adaptive AutoBias and the high/low bias switch handle all adjustments automatically, tube rolling requires no test equipment or technical knowledge.