PrimaLuna EVO 400: Extremely powerful integrated tube amplifier

PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated is the oldest of the integrated amplifiers, delivering 2 x 38 W in triode mode or 2 x 70 W in ultra-linear mode using EL34 tubes. The ability to switch operating modes in the PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated also extends to...

PrimaLuna EVO 400
PrimaLuna EVO 400

PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated is the oldest of the integrated amplifiers, delivering 2 x 38 W in triode mode or 2 x 70 W in ultra-linear mode using EL34 tubes.

The ability to switch operating modes in the PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated also extends to the headphone amplifier. The fact is that all powerful lamps work for it, and the voltage divider reduces the signal power to a level acceptable for headphones. The elegant and well-designed circuitry also allows for instant switching between speakers and headphones, which can vary widely in impedance.

The proprietary adaptive auto-bias system – PrimaLuna Adaptive AutoBias uses an array of sensors to monitor the condition of the lamps and smoothly adjust modes in real time. But most importantly, this is a one-of-a-kind circuit that is truly “adaptive”, in that it solves the problem of non-linear behavior of tube characteristics at the highest volume levels, and therefore reduces distortion by more than 50%, while significantly extending life. Tube Life AutoBias is completely passive and stays out of the way of the audio signal, resulting in virtually maintenance-free amplifiers, long tube life, and the lowest distortion for amazing sound quality.

Evo400_blk 78И.jpg

Adaptive AutoBias also provides unparalleled flexibility by using virtually any bulb available on the market today. It even has a switch for fine-tuning modes with lamp types: EL-34 and KT88/KT120/KT150.

PrimaLuna engineers wanted to make life easier for tube amp owners so that they would never have to give up the tube dream. So they came up with a lamp failure indicator. In such a situation, the Adaptive AutoBias system immediately puts the amplifier into protection mode, so no parts can fail. The red LED lights up in front of the lamp that needs replacing. Just insert another lamp and listen again.

The PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated amplifier circuit uses only selected high-quality components, such as musical and especially linear Japanese TAKMAN resistors with low noise levels, custom toroidal power transformers in massive housings, self-wound wideband output transformers, ; ceramic lamp sockets; ALPS volume control; capacitors from Nichicon and DuRoch; Philips superfast diodes; massive gold-plated column terminals of the WBT design (all terminals are milled from copper and have no internal cavities – for better conductivity and increased reliability); Gold-plated RCA input connectors on the panel.

All PrimaLuna transformers are equipped with PTP™ (Power Transformer Protection) circuitry. If the power transformer overheats or is overloaded, this circuit cuts off power to the primary winding, allowing it to cool before damage is done. When the transformer cools down, the connection is restored and, if nothing has failed, the amplifier will turn on again and work correctly.

Evo400_rearИ.jpg

In all of its products, PrimaLuna uses point-to-point wiring and carefully thought-out component placement. The entire signal path, including resistors and capacitors, is painstakingly soldered by hand with a thick cable by masters of their craft. The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Integrated and EVO 400 use Swiss-made, silver-plated, oxygen-free copper (OCC) cables with Teflon dielectrics in the critical signal path. This provides superior signal processing speed and increased sound clarity.
With PrimaLuna amplifiers, you can freely select the type of tubes that sound best to you.

Try the 6L6G, 6L6GC, 7581A, EL34, EL37, 6550, KT66, KT77, KT88, KT90, KT120, and even the huge KT150. The design of PrimaLuna amplifiers is future-proof – that is, it is compatible not only with existing ones, but also with new types of tubes that are just being conceived today!

For the convenience of the owner, the operating mode can be switched from the remote control while sitting comfortably in a chair. No need to get up and stop listening to music, you can instantly compare your impressions and choose what you like best for a particular song or album.

Characteristics of PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated

Output power: 2 x 70 W in ultra-linear mode (EL34), (8 Ohm, 1% THD), 2 x 38 W in triode mode (EL34)
Inputs: 5 pairs RCA / 1 pair RCA – HT Bypass ,
Outputs: 4 Ohm and 8 Ohm speaker terminals, RCA Stereo/Mono Subwoofer, Tape – 1 RCA,
Headphone output: 6.35 mm (1/4″) Headphone
Frequency range: 9 Hz-50 kHz, +/- 1 dB, 8 Hz -68 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD Distortion: <0.1% at 1W, <2% at rated power
S/N Ratio: 93 dB,
Input Sensitivity: 320 mV, (EL34)
Input Impedance: 100 kOhm
100% shielded phono chassis for mounting optional MM PhonoLogue circuitry
SoftStartTM circuitry to increase the longevity of sensitive components and reduce the likelihood of tube damage from thermal shock
Elegant, heavy-duty metal remote control
Hand-polished faceplate in black or silver
Quick-release cage for lamps
Lamps: 6 – 12AU7, 8 – EL34
Consumption: 255 W
Dimensions (WxHxD): 385 x 205 x 405 mm
Weight: 31 kg

Francis Adamiak
Author: Francis Adamiak

Francis Adamiak is a passionate audiophile and expert in high-fidelity audio equipment, with a focus on amplifiers and speakers. Drawing on years of experience and a deep love for sound quality, he shares in-depth reviews and insights on the latest audio technology.