PrimaLuna Flagship Outputs 70Wpc and Offers One-Button Switch of Triode to Ultra-Linear Mode: EVO 400 Integrated Tube Amplifier Combines Brilliant Sound, Built-In MM Phonostage, and Proven Reliability

Switch from triode to ultra-linear mode with the push of a button, roll every kind of tube under the sun, enjoy the bonus of a phenomenal headphone amplifier, access the convenience of a built-in MM phonostage, and get easy, hassle-free operation with the PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated tube amplifier. The flagship model of the EVO Series combines brilliant performance, incredible flexibility, and unstinting reliability in an 8.1 x 15.2 x 15.9-inch unit whose abundant connectivity (five pairs of stereo RCA inputs, one pair stereo RCA HT bypass input) and elegant looks don’t even come close to the level of sound it produces when hooked up to a pair of speakers and source components. 

Outputting a strapping 70 Wpc (into eight ohms), EVO 400 boasts several advantages exclusive to PrimaLuna. They include Adaptive AutoBias, a smart, completely passive technology that employs sensors to monitor your tubes and makes adjustments in real time. Since it addresses “tube pinch off” at high volumes, the approach reduces distortion by a figure of more than 50 percent. Plus, EVO 400 runs its output tubes at a minimum dissipation without veering into crossover distortion. 

Another feature you’re gonna love? AC Offset Killer, which lowers transformer noise to a level you need to hear to believe — and you will, especially when you experience the elevated degrees of texture, spaciousness, black backgrounds, and natural decay that result. How about one more PrimaLuna-only benefit in the form of a transformer-coupled subwoofer output that permits your speakers and subwoofer to operate with seamless coherency (and increased dynamics). It’s here, too. 

Akin to its sister models, the inside of EVO 400 houses components and parts that reflect a no-compromise build-quality ethic. Massive toroidal transformers are enclosed in a metal housing and potted in a non-microphonic resin to future reduce noise and protect the windings from deterioration. This solution far out-performs C- and EI-core types in outboard power supply boxes. Also on offer: custom-made super-wide-bandwidth output transformers, the most important (and expensive) part of any tube amp. Wound in-house and beefy in size, they ensure long tube life and contribute the desired “slam” any high-end system needs to reproduce music with convincing authority and presence. 

Speaking of the kind of sound that will have you up listening long past the midnight hour, EVO 400 incorporates point-to-point wiring throughout  — with Swiss-made, silver-plated, OCC copper with a Teflon dialect in the signal path for superb speed and transparency. Japanese-made Takman resistors, renowned for their linearity and naturalism, add to an audiophile feature set that also encompasses DuRoch tinfoil capacitors, ultra-quiet sealed relay inputs, and an ALPS blue velvet potentiometer. 

OK, you might be wondering, so EVO 400 kills when it comes to gorgeous midranges, controlled low-end depth, and airy, extended highs. But what about the trouble of dealing with tubes? Well, in addition to ensuring long tube life, EVO 400 has tube indicator lights that illuminate when a tube goes bad — eliminating guesswork, soldering, and, worst case scenario, shipping your unit back to the manufacturer. And since you can use the supplied full-size remote to switch modes and control all other functions, using EVO 400 is a breeze. And did we mention it's compatible with 6L6G, 6L6GC, 7581A, EL34, EL37, 6550, KT66, KT77, KT88, KT90, KT120, and KT150 tubes? Well, it is.

Backed by a three-year manufacturer warranty, EVO 400 is fully deserving of its numerous global accolades — and a risk-free audition in your home. For more information on EVO 400 or any of PrimaLuna’s integrated models, just call a Music Direct audio consultant at 312-433-0200.

“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 tub-rolling audio nervosa paradise.”
—Hi-Fi+ 

"PrimaLuna’s EVO 400 is a work of art. If you’re on the hunt for a world-class integrated tube amp for less than five figures, it’s hard to imagine how you could do better."
—Stereophile

"I love that it’s is so flexible and fully-featured yet retains the huge musical advantage of Ultra-Linear operation, with triode mode available to those with speakers that can work with it. If you want features, detail and musical charm it’s a very strong offering indeed."
—Jason Kennedy, The Ear

“Massive soundstage, supremely lucid and detailed; an exciting sound, beyond most else.”
—Hi-Fi World, Best Valve Amplifier Award