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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
3,955 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
372 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. 
newbee
4,775 posts
 
I've been using PL's for some years. I've found that so much of what I expect of my (integrated) amp depends on its tone, which in turn depends on tube selection. For example, if I want a full, warm tone, I'd use Tung Sol 6550's, and for a cooler tone, i.e. greater clarity etc, I use SED 6L6GC's. So if all you want to do is spend more money on your system maybe just some judicious tube rolling will keep you busy for a few years :-).

 But, FWIW, were I dedicated to going back into separates I think I would bite the bullet (cost wise) and go elsewhere.  
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
372 posts
 
@newbee tubes are of interest too! Considering the GL KT88 and Mullard 12au7's. I guess I need to go back to the drawing board and maybe start with some tubes. Recently picked up the Linear Power Supply for my Musical Surroundings Nova III and could not be happier. Maybe next I'll work on tubes and then a used PS Audio P10/P12 regenerator. 
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