PrimaLuna EVO 100 tube DAC


Hi.  I am running a Wiim Pro Plus into a Yamaha A-S801 into Wharfedale Linton Heritage.  I want to tinker with my setup and possibly add some tubes.

I've come across the PrimaLuna EVO 100 tube DAC for a very discounted price at a going out of business sale.

This would get me tubes but would also be an upgrade to my Wiim DAC.

I'd need to purchase it without hearing it in my setup, so it would be a bit of a risk, but again, it's heavily discounted which is why i'm considering it. 

I suspect I would have some noticeable sound difference from the tubes, but what about from the upgraded DAC?  Thank you.

 

 

steam_engine

If you are considering upgrading your entire system then starting with the source is not a bad way to go.  

 

I haven’t heard either the the Prima Luna or the Wii but it should be a major upgrade 

I like Prima Luna analog gear, but their DAC wasn't a great fit in my system. Not saying it is a bad DAC at all. Just didn't feel as "analog" as I was hoping. Despite the tubes.

Something like a Denafrips Pontus, or the Metrum DACs, or the Border Patrol someone mentioned earlier, all have the analog feel more than the Prima Luna. Again, in my system at least. 

I’d not go with a Primaluna Dac. Amp, preamp, or integrated amp, absolutely yes. I had Primaluna monoblocks and used them for years to great effect with electrostatic speakers. I’d start with building a system, whether that be with an integrated, or with a preamp and build up from there. Many here poo-poo Primaluna products, and I believe that’s partly because where they’re built. But not me. I like their products, and recently sold an older pair of their Prologue 6 monoblocks for $2k. They were 17 years old and still operated as if they were in their first few years. Plus they were self biasing. I’d start over, but not with a tube dac. You begin with an amp, or a preamp, or an affordable alternative, an integrated. IMO.