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.
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. |
For less than $1600 you can have an all tube system. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650159424-primaluna-evo-100-integrated-amplifier-prima-luna/ |
I too had this dac in my main system and it went back after 30 days. I even rolled some tubes with it, but it never showed me any reason to keep it. I'm sure it works great for some...just not for me. I also agree with some of the other comments here. Upgrade your other components first. I decided to build an affordable second system and it turned out great. I'll take some heat here, but I decided to try some of the Chinese components...the Willsenton R8 tube amp and the Denafrips Pontus 2...both are built like tanks and the quality of the builds are impressive. These units run Wharfedale 85's and it has been a fun little setup, especially for the money. |
