Sometimes, things go right with impulse purchases.

My 10 year old tubed phono is in the shop, taking a surprisingly long time to get repaired.

To hold me over, I was looking at the Sota Pyxi. I bookmarked an Ebay listing for a tubed phonostage a month ago, because I found the asking price unusually low- a 'if it seems too good to be true-it is" kinda deal.

Before deciding to hit the "buy now" for the Sota, I checked to see how the listing was doing. It was still unsold.

For kicks, I submitted a ridiculous lower offer-immediately countered. Did a hail Mary "final offer" which was still quite low...seller accepted! 

Even with sales tax/shipping I won big time.

3 days later-It's hooked and I'm spinning my latest bin findsdd. WOW!

I'm usually reading about someone else finding an amazing score for a really low price. I finally got my turn!

Props to USPS-no shipping drama.

This was released earlier this year, so it's relatively "new".

PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono Preamplifier | Hi-Fi News (hifinews.com)

Typical PL build. Dual mono tube rectified, tube MC gain. 

Out of the box-quite nice, perhaps a little more run-in time for the tubes. Even with few hours, the familiar "organic" tube presentation. Very quite(for a tubed unit) more so than my other "quiet" tube phonostage. 

10 tubes-could get pricey for NOS tweaking. Fortunately, the "money" tubes are just 2 each -12ax7/6DJ8 which I have for my other unit.

The ONLY negative- black finish...MY PL HP is silver. Not fond of black finished gear, but the performance/price more than make up for it.

MY reference was a Fosgate all tube( tube MC gain/rectifier) and I've mentioned in past threads NOT hearing a few  other popular tube units that convinced me enough to give up on the Foz.

Once I get it back, I'll let someone else enjoy it for a smokin deal.