2. amps-preamps
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PrimaLuna Evo 200 underwhelming

Hi all, I wonder if someone can help or advise. I bought an ex. Display Primaluna Evo 200 a couple of weeks ago, mainly based on all the rave reviews and excellent comments on various forums. I must say, that vocals are terrific but overall, the sound seems muffled. There seems to be a hole where the mid range detail should be. I have tried the 4 and 8 ohm settings and there doesn’t seem a great deal of difference. I am using it with a Linn Genki CD player and Robson Acoustics Opulus speakers, also Vintage Tannoy Mercury speakers. I haven’t messed with the tubes because I have no idea how to do that. I so want this amplifier to sound beautiful but there is something missing. Can anyone help please?
golfnut2
tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
610 posts
 
+noromance
before I went off  buying new speakers I would try some tweeks.  The 3 tweeks that I saw the most significant improvement in my tube amp system was using:
#1-NPS enhancer on all the connections.  It makes no logical sense but this really improves sound more than any of my tweeks. Crazy…
https://highfidelitycables.com/
#2- Qsa yellow fuse in the amp. Another crazy improvement defying logic. https://www.tweekgeek.com
#3- Tubes.  Vintage 12au7 preamp tubes make a big difference.  Rca blackplates, Rca cleartops, GE blackplates from 50’s-60’s are affordable, available and good place to start before getting into more exotic rarer tubes.  Switching to 6L6GC / 7581 is a good choice.  It’s a very musical tube with adequate power. Talk to Brent Jesse for advice.  http://www.audiotubes.com
Good luck with your improvement.
rockyboris
40 posts
 
Golfnut2

Before you spend more money I would call Joel at Upscale Audio, he has a Prima Luna integrated and Tannoy speakers and he’s their amp and speaker guy. 

Just like when your golf game starts to fall apart you go see the pro.

Good luck.
tennisdoc56
128 posts
 
If you like the tannoy sound, look a bit towards Scotland to Fyne Audio.  My 702 are powered by a 30 wpc class a solid state amp.  Tried amp with paradigm while waiting for the Fynes 
same efficiency and ohm as Fynes and it was a mess.  Fynes make beautiful non hi fi music with just a wee bit of power
mid-fi-crisis
71 posts
 
Wondering if it was ex display or a return.
I can't see bad pairing being enough to cause the problem you mention in a significant way. You could also try the headphone output to see how that sounds. 
I wonder if the tubes are nearing end of life. If it's been on display it could have also been running day in day out every day....
luis223344
13 posts
 
I have an Evo400 (upgraded from PL integrated HP). Have large KEF speakers and sound is fabulous (old rock, male and female voice, and some jazz). Upgrading center preamp tubes to NOS 12au7 make the most difference. Tried KT120 but went back to EL34 with fancy Sophia Electric. To me Gold Lion KT66 are far more musical (and cheaper than KT120 and Sophia EL34). Since you have PL and Tannoy, I would call Upscale Audio; They carry both and will suggest best tubes for that combination. 
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