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Question on PrimaLuna EVO 400 Amp: Fully Balanced (Differential), or No?

I've just taken delivery of new PrimaLuna (separates) EVO 400 amp & pre, and need some informed advice in re: hooking up my single REL S/812 sub. The REL manual shows different connection schemes for Differential (fully balanced), as opposed to standard.  I do have balanced (XLR) interconnects from DAC to pre, and from pre to amp, and there's a switch on the back to select for XLR connections, which I've engaged.

I've checked the PrimaLuna owner's manual, and searched online, but I can't find any indication of whether the EVO 400 amp is "Standard" or "Differential" (fully balanced). Does anyone know for sure? The REL cable has 3 terminations, and in standard amps, the black ground wire is connected, whereas in Differential, it hangs loose, or "floats."  Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated.

128x128zmann007
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russ69's avatar
russ69
3,506 posts
 

call Upscale Audio 

Ditto.

yakbob
469 posts
 

I have the Evo 300 power amp and I've connected my REL 212SE as shown on the REL website:
https://relsupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001493114-Tube-Amp-Connection-Methods

Although the 300 and 400 have XLR inputs I don't believe they are dual differential designs internally.

johnss
570 posts
 

while the evo 400s have XLR connectors, they are not fully differential designs. 

still a traditional design. 

a pretty easy way to measure it compare the black speaker output terminals reference to ground. if its at same potential cannot be fully differential. 

 

zmann007's avatar
zmann007 OP
19 posts
 

Confirming the above -- I heard back from REL yesterday, after they had reached out to the PrimaLuna Mothership.  The EVO 400 is a standard (not Differential) amp, and so -- at least in single sub, non-monoblock (stereo) configurations, the black ground wire is attached to (either) negative / ground binder post.  The REL does want the 8 ohm posts, though; Upscale was quire clear on that, and it seems to be working fine.

 

 

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