PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated

PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated – valve preamplifier stage and MOSFET power stage in one chassis

The best of valves and solid-state, genuinely combined

The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated is a collaboration between PrimaLuna and Floyd Design — both part of Durob. PrimaLuna designed the valve preamplifier stage; Floyd Design created the solid-state power stage. Since both teams worked together from the outset, the result is consequently a hybrid amplifier that genuinely delivers the best of both worlds rather than a compromise between them. Dick Olsher of The Absolute Sound described it as the integrated amplifier he had been waiting decades for. Above all, it delivers more than 100 W per channel while retaining the fluid, expressive midrange that valve amplification is known for.

Six 12AU7 valves and dual mono MOSFET power stage

The preamplifier stage uses six hand-selected 12AU7 valves — two as input valves and four as driver valves. Since this is a properly engineered valve stage rather than a token gesture, it consequently defines the sonic character of the amplifier throughout. The dual mono MOSFET power stage was developed by Jan de Groot of Floyd Design, who has been designing MOSFET amplifiers for 26 years. As a result, the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated combines the fluency of valves with the grip, dynamic range and bass control of solid-state. Furthermore, a damping coefficient of 160 far exceeds what any valve power stage can achieve.

Three separate power supplies and AC Offset Killer

Three separate power supplies are used — two for the valve preamplifier stage and a dedicated 500 VA transformer for the MOSFET power stage. Since all power supplies benefit from the AC Offset Killer, mains interference is thereby eliminated and transformer hum is prevented. Takman resistors, DuRoch capacitors and gold-plated 105 µm copper tracks on 2.4 mm thick PCBs moreover match the component quality of the pure valve amplifiers in the EvoLution range. Consequently, the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated is built to the same standard as every other PrimaLuna product.

Comprehensive connectivity and optional phono

Five stereo RCA inputs, Home Theater Bypass, stereo/mono subwoofer output, tape output and a headphone output make the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated suitable for virtually any system. The optional PhonoLogue EVO phono module furthermore fits into the shielded compartment on the base. Since the Slim remote handles volume and source selection from the listening seat, no manual adjustment at the amplifier is required. The Absolute Sound, Hi-Fi News, Stereonet Australia and TONEAudio have all awarded it prestigious distinctions.

Specifications

• Type: hybrid integrated amplifier (valve preamplifier + MOSFET power stage)
• Valves: 6× 12AU7
• Output power: >100 W / 8 ohm (typical 115 W), >150 W / 4 ohm (typical 170 W)
• THD: <0.2% @ 100 W / 8 ohm
• SNR: –105 dB A-weighted
• Damping coefficient: 160
• Frequency response: 10 Hz–80 kHz, ±3 dB
• Inputs: 5× stereo RCA + 1× Home Theater Bypass
• Outputs: 4 & 8 ohm speaker taps, tape, stereo/mono subwoofer, headphone
• AC Offset Killer: yes (all power supplies)
• Takman resistors: yes
• DuRoch capacitors: yes
• Power supply: 3× separate (500 VA power stage)
• Phono: optional PhonoLogue EVO
• Remote control: Slim remote
• Dimensions: 405×385×205 mm
• Weight: 31 kg

Frequently asked questions about the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated

What makes the EVO 300 Hybrid different from a typical hybrid amplifier?

Most hybrid amplifiers use a single valve as a token gesture in the signal path. By contrast, the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated uses six 12AU7 valves in a properly engineered preamplifier stage designed by PrimaLuna. Since the valve stage consequently defines the sonic character, the hybrid character is fundamental rather than cosmetic.

Which loudspeakers suit the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated?

With more than 100 W per channel and a damping coefficient of 160, the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated suits virtually any loudspeaker — including less sensitive models that a valve power amplifier would struggle to drive. Since the valve preamplifier stage is retained throughout, musical openness is consequently preserved in a way that pure solid-state designs rarely achieve.

Can the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated be used with a turntable?

Yes — the optional PhonoLogue EVO phono module fits into the shielded compartment on the base, thereby eliminating the need for an external phono stage. The module is suitable for MM cartridges.