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
 
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...

kingbarbuda
515 posts
 
@holmz My comments above are all within ultralinear. I have not tried triode yet. But I certainly will. Thanks. 
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