PRIMALUNA EVO 100-11 Phono Preamplifier

The PRIMALUNA EVO 100-11 Phono preamplifier is the latest addition to the Dutch manufacturer's range.

The objective of this Phono preamplifier is to offer an atypical product responding to musicality and offering the maximum of functionalities.

The PrimaLuna Evo 100-11: Chassis

The PRIMALUNA EVO 100-11 Phono is built in a thick, fully ventilated steel chassis. It receives a magnificent finish of five layers of hand-rubbed and polished paint. The chassis rests on four special shock-absorbing feet that perfectly decouple the unit from the stand. The power supply transformer and MC stage tubes are hidden under a superb shroud, while the other tubes are protected behind a removable grille.

The PrimaLuna Evo 100-11 : Façade

The PRIMALUNA EVO 100-11 Phono has a natural or black aluminum front panel. On the left side there is a rotary selector that allows you to choose the charge of the MC cells (50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 ohms). On the right side there is an equivalent selector that allows you to validate the MC gain (Low, Medium and High). These gains actually correspond to 52 dB, 56 dB, 60 dB. The MM gain is 40 dB.

Between the two selectors there are 4 small buttons allowing you to select MM or MC mode and mute.

Note that in the MM position, it is possible to select a capacitive load of 47pF or 100 pF.

In the center of the front panel, a red LED indicates that the device is powered on, which is done using a switch on the left of the chassis.

The PrimaLuna Evo 100-11 Phono: Technology

The internal cabling is of the highest quality in the traditional "point-to-point" style. This feature is usually found on products costing almost twice as much.

The components are of high quality as on all the manufacturer's products: Ceramic tube sockets, Nichicon and DuRoch capacitors, Precision resistors, 5AR4 tube rectifier circuit, gold-plated RCA input and output jacks mounted on the chassis, 100% shielded phono circuit...etc.

The Prima Luna Evo 100 Phono is equipped with the SoftStart™ circuit, which optimizes tube polarization and increases the life of sensitive components and reduces the risk of failure.

The PrimaLuna power transformer is equipped with PTP™ (Power Transformer Protection) circuitry. In the event of the transformer overheating due to environmental conditions, overload, or an internal problem, an internal thermal switch shuts off the primary, allowing the unit to cool before it is damaged. Once cooled, contact is restored, and if nothing is damaged, the preamp powers up again without any problems.

Voltage rectification is handled by two 5AR4 rectifier tubes. Stabilization is handled by two EL34 pentodes. The RIAA stage and gain are handled in MM by four 12AX7 (low noise) and in MC by two 6922 (low noise).

The PrimaLuna Evo 100-11 Phono: Restitution

The EVO 100-11 Phono does not impose excessive coloration despite the massive use of tubes.

It is transparent and defined, and no detail is masked. The dynamics are also there, with surprising realism in transients.

The timbres and harmonic texture are excellent and also very realistic. It offers sumptuous midrange without masking the precision and presence. Moreover, this register is particularly convincing. The voices are soft, very fluid and with a texture rarely encountered. The treble is extremely subtle and silky, which we would like to encounter with digital sources!

The bass is detailed and articulate. The EVO 100-11 offers excellent control and clarity of the bass line, even at very low octaves.

The soundstage is truly impressive. We get a three-dimensional reproduction with remarkable precision from the different musicians.

The PrimaLuna Evo 100-11 Phono has the ability to offer surprising listening pleasure, and you will find yourself playing LP after LP with disconcerting ease.

This preamp is certainly not cheap, but at this price it offers technology, musicality and commitment that are completely new.

Definitely one of the best choices in its category. Bravo!