PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono v2

PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono v2 – MM/MC valve phono preamplifier with switchable MC valve stage

PrimaLuna's first standalone valve phono preamplifier, significantly upgraded

The PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono v2 is built to the same standard as every amplifier in the EvoLution range — no compromises, no cost-cutting. Four 12AX7 valves handle the MM stage, and two 12AX7 valves the MC stage, with an internal switch allowing changeover to 6922 valves. Consequently, the v2 offers tube rolling flexibility that no other phono preamplifier at this price can match. Furthermore, the 12AX7 MC stage delivers 2 dB more gain than the 6922 — a meaningful improvement for low-output MC cartridges. Dick Olsher of The Absolute Sound called it a sonic masterpiece and saw no reason to spend more on a phonostage.

Switchable MC valve stage — 12AX7 or 6922

The v2 introduces an internal switch allowing the MC stage to operate with either 12AX7 or 6922 valves. Since the 12AX7 provides three MC gain settings of 62, 58 and 54 dB — versus 60, 56 and 52 dB with the 6922 — it consequently suits a wider range of MC cartridges than its predecessor. Since the two valve types use different heater voltages, switching between them also requires flipping an internal 6.3V/12.6V heater switch. Compatible valve types include 12AX7/ECC83, ECC803S and 7025 for the 12.6V mode, and 6922/E88CC, 6DJ8/ECC88 for the 6.3V mode.

Five MC impedance settings and two MM capacitance values

MC input impedance is selectable in five steps from 50 to 1000 ohms — thereby making the EVO 100 Tube Phono v2 compatible with virtually any MC cartridge on the market. Two MM input capacitance settings of 47 pF and 100 pF are furthermore available for optimising the MM stage to the specific cartridge. Since the MC valve board is mechanically decoupled from the main chassis via rubber dampers, microphony is consequently minimised. Two 5AR4 rectifier valves and two EL34 stabiliser valves provide a quiet, valve-rectified power supply that dramatically lowers the noise floor.

Internationally recognised as a reference

Jeff Dorgay of TONEAudio awarded it an Exceptional Value Award and compared it favourably to phonostages from ARC, Backert Labs, BAT, Pass Labs and VAC. Ken Kessler of Hi-Fi News described its sound as all-tube warmth and air that can only be called cosseting. Above all, The Absolute Sound recognised the EVO 100 Tube Phono v2 in both 2025 and 2026, and the Golden Ear Award 2024 confirms its reference status at its price point.

Specifications

• Type: valve phono preamplifier, MM and MC (v2)
• MM valves: 4× 12AX7 (with aluminium shielding)
• MC valves: 2× 12AX7 switchable to 6922 (with aluminium shielding)
• Power supply valves: 2× 5AR4, 2× EL34
• MM gain: 40 dB
• MC gain with 12AX7: 62/58/54 dB (H/M/L)
• MC gain with 6922: 60/56/52 dB (H/M/L)
• MM input impedance: 47 kΩ
• MC input impedance: 50/100/200/500/1000 Ω (selectable)
• MM input capacitance: 47 pF / 100 pF (selectable)
• RIAA curve deviation: <0.5 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz)
• THD+N: <0.40% @ 2V
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
• Max. output voltage: 26.3 dBV / 20.6 Vrms
• Channel separation MM: >75 dB
• Channel separation MC: >60 dB
• SNR: >90 dB A-weighted
• MC valve board: mechanically decoupled
• Input: 1× stereo RCA (MM/MC)
• Output: 1× stereo RCA
• Phono chassis: 100% shielded
• Dimensions: 405×280×190 mm
• Weight: 12.7 kg

Frequently asked questions about the PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono v2

What is the difference between the v1 and v2 of the EVO 100 Tube Phono?

The v2 introduces an internal switch allowing the MC stage to operate with either 12AX7 or 6922 valves. Since the 12AX7 delivers 2 dB more gain — 62/58/54 dB versus 60/56/52 dB with the 6922 — it consequently suits a wider range of MC cartridges and offers more tube rolling flexibility.

Which MC cartridges are compatible with the EVO 100 Tube Phono v2?

Since MC input impedance is selectable from 50 to 1000 ohms in five steps and two gain levels are available, the EVO 100 Tube Phono v2 is consequently compatible with virtually any MC cartridge — from low-output models of 0.1 mV upwards. The choice between 12AX7 and 6922 in the MC stage furthermore allows fine-tuning to the specific cartridge.

Is tube rolling possible with the PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono v2?

Yes — with care. For the MM stage, 12AX7 variants such as ECC83 and ECC803S are suitable. For the MC stage, 12AX7 variants work in 12.6V mode, while 6922/E88CC, 6DJ8/ECC88 and related types suit the 6.3V mode. Since switching valve types requires flipping the internal heater voltage switch, the two modes cannot be mixed.