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PrimaLuna Preamp Upgrade Question

I have owned a PL Evo400 Integrated for the past few months. I love the amp, but am considering diving deeper into separates. I've been eyeing a Primaluna Evo Preamp to hopefully unlock more separation and presence.

I'm curious if anyone has any experience with owning a Primaluna Integrated and then adding a Primaluna Pre Amp using the HT bypass. I understand this is a possibility, but I'm curious of the added benefits and or drawbacks. Is there is a general consensus it would be greatly beneficial, I would eventually sell off the Evo 400 integrated and go full separates. 

If you don't have specific experience with PrimaLuna but have been in a similar situation using a bypass in an integrated I'd also love to hear some feedback. 


128x128j-wall
tablejockey
3,920 posts
 
Get the preamp with definite intentions of going separate amp later.
Subjective sonic upgrade. Lateral upgrade IMHO. You have a great integrated amp. The sonic presentation is the sum of components/room.
PL user for many years. I’ve heard the proposed "upgrade" It will sound different, but as mentioned subjective. "Better" is in the ears of the listener.
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
370 posts
 
@tablejockey thanks for the advice. So we can say it will sound "different", but does that suffice to say I should? I would rather not make a lateral move if the lateral move doesn't help to provide any more benefit and I can just wait longer to purchase separates. What I'm getting at is I know I could, but should I should? Hah!
tablejockey
3,920 posts
 
j-wall-

The PL is in a league to present great sources in their best light. Consider your sources and speakers/setup and room in the equation.

Cables,PLC, fuses and gizmos.....plenty of thread in the archives to drive your audionervosa

Their will be someone who will contradict my comment and say..YES!  it will be night and day, best upgrade I ever did!
tuberist
951 posts
 
PL owner here and agree with Tablejockey

j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
370 posts
 
Brand new Focal Aria 936's. Pleased with them, but they're not the end all be all's. I guess I'm stuck attempting to decide whether to spend money on a preamp or to spend money on a used PS Audio P10. I guess I would just like to spend money. 

I spoke to Upscale and they recommended the Evo Pre upgrade, but of course they would. Not that they shouldn't, I'm just looking for the best bang for the buck. 
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