2. amps-preamps
  3. 159001-144705

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
3,953 posts
 
j-wall-

I use an ancient model with good results.
https://www.stereophile.com/powerlineaccessories/ps_audio_power_plant_premier_ac_regenerator/index.html

Got it here, for cheap. Yet another polarizing subject. It's actually getting refreshed at PS Audio as we speak. Soon as I took it out and turned the system on....the "veil" came back. Few days later my ears adjust, and it sounds fine, but I'm anxious to get it back in a couple of weeks.

I plug EVERYTHING into it with no problems. Opinions on plugging the amp into it is divided. The Audioquest Niagra has good reviews.

I would recommend the dedicated line and tweaky outlet also. Clean power seems to be a solid upgrade to my ears.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,476 posts
 
Are you getting any noise in your system?  If not, I would concentrate on getting the basics dialed in before I dropped a lot of coin on a power conditioner.  What is it you do not like about your Focals?  If it were I, I would experiment with speaker placement and live with the final results for a bit before spending more money.  At this point, getting a preamp to use with the Integrated is a waste of money.  Your Integrated is an excellent amp already!  If your system doesn’t have many hours on it, it would be foolish to dish out more money right now.  Let the system burn in and get your speaker placement right.  Then and only then would I spend more money. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
372 posts
 
@tablejockey so the p300 you have can handle the PrimaLuna? I was under the impression I would have to move up to the newer P12 (or older P10) to be able to handle the power requirements of my Evo400. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
372 posts
 
@stereo5 I'm not sure how much noise I have in my system to be honest. I know I should be investing in steady and cleaner power. We're renting so dedicated line isn't an option. I think the wiring in our house needs to be checked because with the house not drawing more than a light you can see the light flicker. Which happens in multiple rooms even with the lowest draw of power.
tablejockey
3,953 posts
 
P300? I have the PP Premier. It was long discontinued, but powerful enough to handle a modest system. I have the HP-essentially the same amp.

Check the listings for a P3/5. They are becoming cheap on the used market. They will handle an modest system with amp.

As mentioned, you might want to look into the dedicated line first. It's an inexpensive(relatively speaking) Just find a legit electrician.
More to discover