After more than 20 years of Dutch innovation and excellence in the world of tube amplification, PrimaLuna has entered our maPlatine.com selection with two products that perfectly embody the brand’s philosophy: offering world-class performance at an affordable price.
PrimaLuna product selection by maplatine.com
| Product | Type | Indicative price | Main function |
| EVO 100 | Integrated tube amplifier | 2 869€ | Push-Pull Amplification + Preamp |
| EVO 100-11 PHONO | Tube phono preamplifier | 3 469€ | MM/MC phono preamplification |
The duo of the EVO 100 integrated amplifier and the EVO 100-11 PHONO preamplifier represents a coherent and thoughtful approach to modern tube hi-fidelity.
PrimaLuna: Dutch heritage at the service of accessible excellence
Founded in 2003 by Herman van den Dungen, a Dutch high-end distributor with over 30 years of experience, PrimaLuna was born from a clear vision: to make excellent tube amplification accessible without sacrificing build quality or reliability. Surrounded by legendary figures such as Marcel Croese (formerly of Goldmund) and Dominique Chenet (formerly of Jadis), Herman van den Dungen led his team to offer the best products at the best value.
PrimaLuna Timeline
- 2003: Foundation by Herman van den Dungen
- 2003-2005: Launch of the Prologue One, a worldwide success
- 2010-2015: Development of exclusive technologies (Adaptive AutoBias™)
- 2018: Launch of the EVO range
- 2025: Arrival on maPlatine.com
This original vision has never left the brand. PrimaLuna has established itself as a global benchmark for affordable tube amplification, praised by The Absolute Sound, Stereophile, HiFi News, HiFi World, AudioReview, and Sound & Vision.
The PrimaLuna philosophy: uncompromising excellence
PrimaLuna continues a unique tradition by applying an uncompromising approach:
- Develop exclusive patented technologies (Adaptive AutoBias™, SoftStart™, PTP™)
- Maintain flawless manufacturing with point-to-point cabling
- Use only premium components (ALPS, WBT, Nichicon, DuRoch)
- Provide a first-class after-sales network
This approach provides audiophiles with access to technologies and manufacturing quality usually reserved for products twice the price. The result? Amplifiers that surpass their direct competitors in terms of value for money and musicality, a reputation confirmed by numerous awards in the international trade press.
The EVO 100 integrated amplifier: The heir to a legend
What is a tube integrated amplifier and why choose one?
A tube integrated amplifier combines several essential functions in a single package:
- Preamplification: Source management and volume control
- Power amplification: Control of speakers via power tubes
- Headphone output: Direct listening from the power stage
- Flexibility: Possibility to change tubes to personalize the sound
This solution has undeniable advantages: simplicity of implementation, optimal sound consistency and substantial savings compared to separate elements.
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Technical Specifications
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Power | 2 × 40W en Push-Pull |
| Power tubes | EL34 (or KT88 with switch) |
| Inlet tubes | 2 × 12AX7 |
| Tubes driver | 2 × 12AU7 |
| Transformers | Custom EI-frame toroids |
| Wiring | High quality point to point |
| Analog connectivity | 4 RCA inputs, 1 Tape Out, 6.35mm headphone output |
| Speaker terminals | WBT Gold (4Ω/8Ω selectable) |
| Finishes | Natural or black aluminum |
Innovations that make the difference
The EVO 100 inherits more than twenty years of technical evolution and incorporates exclusive PrimaLuna technologies:
Circuit Adaptive AutoBias™
PrimaLuna‘s breakthrough innovation is its Adaptive AutoBias™ system. This proprietary circuit, located outside the audio signal path, continuously monitors and adjusts the bias of each tube individually:
- Automatic and continuous polarization adjustment
- Significant reduction in distortion
- Extending the life of tubes
- Complete freedom in the choice of tubes without manual adjustment
- Bias switch to switch between EL34 and KT88
Circuit SoftStart™ : Progressive power-up that extends the life of sensitive components and reduces the risk of failure due to thermal shock.
Protection PTP™ (Power Transformer Protection) : In the event of transformer overheating, an internal thermal switch cuts off the primary, allowing safe cooling before automatic restart.
Premium components and manufacturing
The internal cabling follows the highest quality point-to-point tradition, a feature typically found on products costing almost twice as much:
- ALPS precision potentiometer
- Ceramic tube sockets
- Nichicon and DuRoch tin foil capacitors
- Precision resistors
- Philips Ultra Fast Diodes
- Chassis-mounted gold-plated RCA connectors
- WBT Gold Terminal Blocks
- Custom made in the USA, fully encapsulated toroidal transformers
Authentic headphone output
The 6.33 mm stereo jack headphone output does not use a dedicated amplifier circuit. It is coupled directly to the output of the power stage, ensuring a headphone listening experience that is perfectly consistent with the amplifier’s sonic signature.
A chassis designed for quality
The fully ventilated, heavy-gauge steel chassis is finished with five coats of hand-rubbed and polished paint. The output and power transformers are concealed beneath a sleek shroud, while the tubes remain visible behind a removable grille, allowing their characteristic glow to be appreciated
The device rests on four specific shock-absorbing feet that perfectly decouple its entire support, reducing unwanted vibrations. The aluminum front panel, available in a natural or black finish, features thoughtful ergonomics with a volume potentiometer on the left, a source selector on the right, and a green power LED in the center.
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Sound Quality and Audio Performance
The PrimaLuna EVO 100 tube amplifier delivers exceptional sound reproduction that transports the listener to the heart of the musical performance. Its impressive dynamics cover the entire audio spectrum with remarkable consistency.
Performance by frequency register:
- Graves (20-200 Hz): Precise articulation and exemplary sustain. Bass notes remain distinct even in complex passages, rivaling high-end transistor amplifiers.
- Midrange and mid-high (200 Hz-4 kHz): Exceptional transparency and detail without harshness. Human voices gain natural presence, string instruments reveal their timbres with a realism rare at this price point.
- Treble (4-20 kHz): Signature feature of premium tube amplification: silky, harmonic richness and cymbal finesse with natural metallic sheen.
Tonal balance and musical versatility: The EVO 100 is distinguished by its neutral tonal balance, emphasizing realism and musicality. This universal sound signature adapts to all musical genres (jazz, classical, rock, electronic) and a wide range of loudspeakers.
Recommended Pairings for EVO 100
The EVO 100 thrives particularly well with medium to high sensitivity speakers. Revival Audio Atalante 3 form a perfect marriage for bookshelf speakers, offering remarkable tonal coherence and dynamics. For floorstanding speakers, Sonus Faber Sonetto III G2 constitute an excellent choice, their deep bass and aesthetic refinement ideally matching the musicality of the EVO 100
On the sources side, the Bluesound Node Icon (network player) will allow you to explore high-resolution streaming with impeccable quality. For vinyl lovers, pair the EVO 100 with the phono preamp E.A.T E-Glo Petit 2, which will provide tube phono amplification consistent with the PrimaLuna philosophy and will reveal all the qualities of your turntable.
The EVO 100-11 PHONO phono preamplifier: enhance your vinyl records
What is a phono preamplifier and why use an external one?
A phono preamplifier is an essential component of any vinyl system that performs two critical technical functions:
Signal amplification: The signal generated by a phono cartridge is extremely weak (only a few millivolts). The phono preamp amplifies this fragile signal to bring it to a level usable by the main amplifier.
RIAA Equalization: When recording vinyl, the low frequencies are attenuated and the high frequencies are amplified according to a standardized curve (RIAA). The phono preamp applies the inverse curve to reproduce a balanced signal that is faithful to the original recording.
The EVO 100-11 PHONO stands out for its all-tube architecture and advanced capabilities:
- Universal MM and MC compatibilitywith precise impedance and gain adjustments
- 100% shielded RIAA circuiteliminating electromagnetic interference
- Dedicated power supply with 5AR4 rectifier tubesfor maximum signal purity
- Adjustable gain(52/56/60 dB for MC, 40 dB for MM) adapting to all cartridges
- Variable impedance settings(50 to 1000Ω) to optimize each MC cell
Full specifications of the EVO 100-11 PHONO
| Category | Specifications |
| Compatibility | 2000 and 5000 |
| MC floor tubes | 2 × 6922 low noise |
| MM floor tubes | 4 × 12AX7 low noise |
| Rectifier tubes | 2 × 5AR4 |
| Tubes stabilisation | 2 × EL34 |
| Gain MC | 52 dB (Low), 56 dB (Medium), 60 dB (High) |
| Gain MM | 40 dB |
| MC impedance | 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 ohms |
| Capacity MM | 47 pF or 100 pF |
| Phono circuit | 100% armored |
| Wiring | High quality point to point |
Unparalleled technical versatility
The EVO 100-11 PHONO immediately stands out for its full compatibility with MM and MC cartridges. But where most preamplifiers are content with a few basic adjustments, PrimaLuna offers surgical flexibility.
Settings for MC cells
Two rotary selectors on the front allow you to perfectly optimize the adaptation:
Load impedance selector (5 positions):
- 50 ohms: Ultra-low impedance MC cells
- 100 ohms : Cellules MC standard
- 200 ohms: Medium impedance MC cells
- 500 ohms: High impedance MC cells
- 1000 ohms: High output MC cells
Gain selector (3 positions):
- Low (52 dB): Medium output MC cartridges
- Medium (56 dB): Standard output MC cartridges
- High (60 dB): Very low output MC cells
This precision allows us to extract the maximum musicality from each cartridge, an essential condition for revealing the full potential of a high-end vinyl turntable.
Settings for MM cells
In MM mode, the gain is set at 40 dB, a perfectly suitable standard value. The selectable capacitive load (47 pF or 100 pF) allows the frequency response to be finely adjusted depending on the cartridge used, optimizing the reproduction of high frequencies.
Uncompromising all-tube architecture
True to the brand’s philosophy, the EVO 100-11 PHONO adopts an all-tube architecture, including for the power supply rectification. This unusual approach demonstrates an uncompromising design aimed at preserving the integrity of the analog signal.
Power supply stage
Voltage rectification is handled by two 5AR4 rectifier tubes, a traditional solution that eliminates digital artifacts from solid-state rectifiers. Stabilization is provided by two EL34 pentodes, ensuring a stable and quiet power supply.
Gain stages
The RIAA stage and gain are managed by:
- Four low-noise 12AX7 tubes in MM mode
- Two low-noise 6922 tubes in MC mode
This choice of tubes selected for their low hiss level guarantees an optimal signal/noise ratio, essential for revealing the subtleties engraved in the grooves.
Shielded phono circuit
The phono circuit is 100% fully shielded, eliminating all electromagnetic interference. This meticulous protection allows the high gains required by MC cartridges to be exploited without introducing unwanted noise.
Premium components and wiring
The internal cabling follows the highest quality point-to-point tradition:
- Ceramic tube sockets
- Nichicon and DuRoch capacitors
- Precision resistors
- Chassis-mounted gold-plated RCA connectors
- 100% shielded phono circuit
- Power transformer with PTP™ protection
A chassis dedicated to insulation
The thick steel chassis follows the aesthetic codes of the EVO range: finished in five layers of hand-polished paint, natural or black aluminum front, shock-absorbing feet for optimal decoupling. The power transformer and the MC stage tubes are hidden under a protective shroud, while the other tubes remain visible behind a removable grille.
The front panel has clear ergonomics with the two rotary selectors framing four buttons for switching between MM and MC, as well as activating Mute. A red LED indicates power on.
Audio performance and sound quality of the EVO 100-11 phono preamp
The PrimaLuna EVO 100-11 PHONO tube phono preamplifier delivers exceptional vinyl reproduction that combines transparency and musicality. Its all-tube architecture delivers precise definition without excessive coloration, revealing every detail etched in the groove.
Sound characteristics by register:
- Dynamics and transients: Striking realism with fast and precise attack of the instruments. Ability to reproduce complex passages without dynamic compression or loss of clarity.
- Mids and timbres (200 Hz-4 kHz): A major strength of the preamp. Exceptional harmonic richness, fluid and natural vocals, acoustic instruments reproduced with rare emotional realism.
- Graves (20-200 Hz): Detailed articulation down to the lowest octaves. Perfect bass line readability thanks to the stabilized power supply and complete electromagnetic shielding.
- Treble (4-20 kHz): Smoothness and silkiness characteristic of tube amplification. Cymbals and string harmonics reproduced with natural metallic texture and airy extension.
Three-dimensional soundstage: Precise spatialization in width, depth, and height. Consistent placement of each musician recreating the original acoustic space with audiophile fidelity.
Sound signatures: Analytical transparency combined with the musicality of tubes, ideal for revealing the full potential of high-end MM and MC cells.
Recommended pairings for the EVO 100-11 PHONO
The EVO 100-11 PHONO thrives with turntables and cartridges of equivalent quality.
Pour unFor an exceptional configuration, the Rega Planar 10 équipée de la cellule Apheta 3 orms a benchmark association, combining Rega’s legendary mechanical precision with the finesse of a perfectly optimized MC cartridge. The pack platine vinyle Pro-Ject Signature 10 avec cellule MC Ortofon Cadenza Black constitutes a coherent alternative, offering a remarkable synergy between the stability of the Signature 10 and the harmonic richness of the Cadenza Black.
For high-end MC cells as replacement or upgrade, the Hana Umami Red will reveal an exceptional musicality with timbres of a disturbing accuracy, while the Ortofon Verismo will demonstrate the full potential of the preamp with absolute reference definition and dynamics.
Downstream, the natural association with the PrimaLuna EVO 100 amplifier forms a coherent all-tube chain, or connect it to your existing amplifier via a quality modulation cable.
The PrimaLuna ecosystem: two complementary approaches
These two products can work independently or in perfect synergy. The novice looking to build their first tube audiophile system will be well-advised to start with the EVO 100, a complete solution for discovering the warmth and musicality of tube amplification. Vinyl lovers can enhance their system with the EVO 100-11 PHONO to enhance their collection.
The EVO 100 + EVO 100-11 PHONO combination forms a coherent duo for the analog music lover, offering an all-tube system with remarkable sonic coherence. This synergy allows the full benefits of each device to be exploited.
Why choose PrimaLuna today?
In an often elitist tube-based hi-fi market, PrimaLuna offers a credible alternative: world-class performance at affordable prices. This philosophy of accessible excellence is based on more than twenty years of experience and a keen understanding of the expectations of modern music lovers.
The running-in period: a necessary step
Like any high-quality audio device, especially those using tubes, PrimaLuna products require a break-in period. The components, especially the tubes, require several dozen hours of operation to reach their optimal performance. This patience will be rewarded by a reproduction that gains in coherence and finesse over time.
Reliability and maintenance
Reliability is a cornerstone of PrimaLuna’s philosophy. In addition to tube-friendly Adaptive AutoBias™, the amplifiers are equipped with protection circuits such as SoftStart™, which extends component life by ensuring smooth power-up.
Tube replacement is simplified by Adaptive AutoBias™: no manual adjustment is required. This simplicity allows users to experiment with different tube types to customize the sonic signature of their system without technical intervention.
Who are these products for?
The EVO 100: For what type of listener?
This amplifier is aimed at both beginners who want to discover the warmth and musicality of tube sound and experienced audiophiles looking for a powerful, versatile device that offers excellent value for money. Its power output of 2 x 40 watts allows it to drive a wide range of speakers with medium to high sensitivity.
The EVO 100-11 PHONO: Who is it for?
This preamp is designed for discerning vinyl enthusiasts who want tube-quality sound for their turntable. Its compatibility with MM and MC cartridges, as well as its precise adjustments, make it a versatile choice for many analog systems, from the most accessible to the most ambitious.
The availability of PrimaLuna at maplatine.com marks a significant milestone for all audio enthusiasts. These products, praised by the international trade press, are finally available with the support and advice you expect from a specialist distributor.
EVO 100 and EVO 100-11 PHONO embody this vision: they integrate the most advanced technologies into products with unbeatable value for money. For the budget-conscious audiophile, they represent the opportunity to access a level of performance and build quality usually reserved for much more expensive products.
These products don’t just reproduce music: they reveal it, uncovering nuances and details that transform the listening experience. It’s this ability to move, to surprise, to breathe new life into familiar recordings that constitutes the true value of PrimaLuna.
Whether you’re looking to discover the warmth and musicality of tube amplification, enhance your vinyl collection, or take your system to the next level of performance, the PrimaLuna EVO 100 et EVO 100-11 PHONO are worth a listen. These devices reveal the soul of your music.