2. amps-preamps
  3. 169031-164817

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
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
 The tubes are EL34’s.

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My  favorite tube, as price is lower than the 88's, and as i am a  cheap scape right now, after WASTING< so sooo much cash in audio past 2 years,, EL34's are IMHO the best power tube
I've heard 120, 34.88, the 3 ,,add SET 250 tube,, they all sound near identiacl..

I did try the very popular Gold Lion KT88's and I did not like them


I had a  PL pre amp bouught used,, in the 1st few minutes I know it was not what I was looking for..

Yes it is made in the very same plant as my fav tube amplifier, CAYIN...
THey look close same build,, but for soem reason they do not sound the same.
I returned it and gave the guy a  gracious restock fee of 20% (I do this on all my returns).

Not saying all PL designs have issues,  just adding my 2 cents. 
It was a  older preamp model, still its my belief PL and Cayin sound different
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
I have an Primaluna EVO 100 intgrated with Bluesound node 2i, innuos mini Mk III. The sound is breathtaking

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Well goes to show, not all PL amps are equal, 

Cayin is consistently best sounding. 
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
- at least not until you give the KT120 or KT150 tubes a shot.


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My friend  lent me his Allan Organ monos, with KT120's, He says it is his fav tube.
Honestly I can't tell the dif from a 34,88,120, They all sound pretty much thev same..
What we all need to know is what
preamp tube
is he using.
Preamps tubes make a  huge ,,well lets say a  nice nuance dif.
I've done shootouts with 3 or 4 brands of pretubes.
Tele;'s always come out clean winner.
I am speaking of the AU's. and note,  the NEW Tele AU prices....sky rocketing,,.,,, word has gotten out......
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
I would try the KT150 tubes. The EL34 tubes will give you a fantastic midrange but not the extreme bass or highs.


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Even though I've not acutallu heard a  150,,I am saying your comment is snakeoil

THe 34,88,120's sound almost identical in my system, dif amps,.
The EL34 has  just as good bass, highs, as any other power tube
34=88=120
My friend who uses 120's says he did not care for the 150.
So tahts that.

Its the preamp slot that makes ALL the difference.

If a Tele in the pre slot does not help  out,,then we know  this amp  is not his cup of tea..
I will also add
Yes get rid of the chinese 34's. 
Try EH. again this might help.

I bought a  olde model PL preamp,,,and pluged  in  6 Tele.s 12AU7's , did not like the sound,, back it went.
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
I should say, after thinking about the 150, My friends vote does not count, Why?
If Jadis designs a  amp, specifically for the 150, you know its a  great power tube.
IMHO the 34 vs88 vs 120 vs150, good luck on a  blind test.
Even SET's sound very close to PP amps,
Minus the 300 B tube which was made for telephone companies back when.
Pre amp tubes make the dif, 
Wish to single out the Gold Lion 88's. I did not care for that sound. too mushy...

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