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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.

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zmann007 OP
19 posts
 

I know this is quite a while later, but I thought I'd follow up & close the loop. I ended up returning both the amp & pre to Upscale, who were very gracious about taking them back. They tested both, and could find nothing wrong. Before sending them back, I hired an electrician to go over our entire TH; he, too, could find nothing amiss. I did order a PL EVO 300 Integrated Hybrid "Floyd" from Upscale, and have been very (very) happy with it. All's well that ends well....

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bhvf
209 posts
 

@zmann007 My dealer has that EVO 300 Hybrid. I've listened to it for many hours on multiple speakers and really, really enjoy it.  Congrats on the purchase!

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zmann007 OP
19 posts
 

And yet another blink in Geological Time goes by, when I finally respond by saying...

 

The Floyd is still going strong, and I've rolled the tubes to some very sweet NOS 60s & 70s RCA tubes, which has taken it to a whole new level. That, and the more recent addition of a pair of YG Carmel 3 speakers, has changed things up in the best possible way. For anyone considering a speaker upgrade or change, I'd suggest checking out the YGs, and perhaps a pair of Stenheim Alumine Two.Fives. We have the latter at Alma Music and Audio in Sterling, VA, where we're also authorized YG resellers. The YGs are a bit more detailed, but I have to say, the Stenheims have a charm all their own, and sound perhaps a bit more "organic." Both have the distinct advantage of solid aluminum enclosures and an incredible marriage of materials & engineering; it really comes down to what sounds best to your ears. To me, they're first cousins, and either pair will take an already solid mid- to upper-line system right over the top. Of course, the Hana Umami Red I added earlier this year has certainly brought me to a place where I'm starting to wonder how much further I really need to go. I think a DAC (perhaps Bricasti M1 Series 2) is next, but will have to wait 'till my savings catch up a bit.  So with apologies for the long stretches between the [binding] posts, I bid you happy listening!

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