PrimaLuna Evo 400 integrated amplifier

Also of interest is the headphone socket, which I believe utilises the output section of the power amplifier. So with my Sennheiser HD 800’s in hand, and listening to the same tracks as before, I notice a very high quality headphone amplifier, with the all the liquidity of the best tube headphone amplifiers, spacial control and sweetness, almost as a throw-in. I’ve heard headphone amplifiers selling for the price of this integrated fail to reach this quality of sound. Very impressive for someone who takes headphone listening seriously.

Like other PrimaLuna models, the Evo 400 integrated amplifier is an extraordinary mixture of being low maintenance, and a great first valve amplifier, combined with a spot of tube-rolling audio nervosa paradise. The ability to change between ultralinear and triode at the flick of a remote control button, combined with the ability to use different valve types means that this amplifier can indeed be all things to all people, or ‘cakeism’ as the modern turn of phrase goes. But not only is this the ultimate ‘cakeist’ amplifier, it actually does the various options extremely well. It is not only an educational experience, it is also extremely satisfying to listen to. Well thought out, well executed, and creates a high bar for those few competitors at this price.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: Integrated stereo valve amplifier
• Analogue inputs: 5× RCA, 1× HT bypass RCA
• Phono input: optional moving magnet
• Digital inputs: N/A
• Analogue outputs: tape out RCA, sub‑out RCA
• Bluetooth: N/A
• Headphone output: 6.3mm jack
• Speaker outputs: 5-way binding posts, 4 & 8 Ohm taps
• Power output (EL34 valves): 70W Ultra‑Linear; 38W triode with
• Dimensions (H×W×D): 205 × 405 × 385mm
• Weight: 31kg
• Warranty: 2 years (valves 90 days)
• Price: £4,598
• PhonoLogue MM phono stage: £155

Manufacturer details: Durob Audio BV

Tel: +31 73 5112555

URL: primaluna.nl

Distributor details: Absolute Sounds

Tel: +44 (0)20 89713909

URL: absolutesounds.com

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