What a fantastic education I get watching your videos, even at 63. If I was younger I'd work for you for free, just the opportunity to absorb your knowledge would have been a joy, as it is now. Keep up the old audio stories. Thank you
A dear friend of mine(GMAC) had one of the high-end Prima-Luna amps. I had absolutely no clue that they made tube amps anymore. He had that, a high-end DAC, along with a high-end set of Klipsch speakers. There were times, we would spend hours talking about stereo equipment. I thought I had the shit, with my Yamaha and Denon systems. Little did I know how powerful these amps were. My good friend passed away, March of 21. I live in Florida, he lived in Peterborough Ontario. I could hear the stereo when he cranked it up over my phone. It sounded like a concert hall. I so wish he was here today. very rarely in this life. Do we encounter someone that is just like ourselves. Thank you for posting this video. I am sure GMAC watched your videos as well. One of these days, I am going to own the same amplifier. For now, rest in peace, my dear friend, GMAC!
15 years later I'm still super happy with my PrimaLuna Dialogue II integrated amp. I just upgraded my speakers to some Sonus Faber Lumina IIIs and a REL T9X sub. I'm still using the original tubes and I enjoy it almost every day.
Your guidance was pivotal to me coming back to valves and then to PrimaLuna. That being said now with a year under my belt with mine I can say without reservation it's the best decision in audio I've ever made! Thank you so much !
"People never buy a tube amp and go back to solid state". Yeap, spent 20 years with solid state gear (never heard tube gear before), until I heard the older Primaluna Prologue integrated amp at a friends house. Well I just bought my first Primaluna. Only regret- spending so long with solid state gear. I was skeptical of tube HiFi. I heard they are warm and soft, and roll off the tops and bottoms. I was completely wrong. Whisper quiet noise floor, highly resolute, thick, 3-D tonally accurate, emotional, warm mids, detail highs, and power tight bass slam. The decay of drums, cymbals and instrumentals makes you want to cry in joy. The vocals sound so tonally accurate and have body, emotion and solidity. The cymbals and other high notes just glistens. Made the old Pass Labs XP-10 pre amp and X600.5 monos combo just sound veiled, digital and thin- and this was only A/B compared to a Primaluna Prologue integrated amp!!
Yea I tell people I would rather have a small PrimaLuna tube integrated over a stack of solid-state. There is something about those glowing bottles that takes the stress away.
Hey Kevin! Thank you so much for your time, knowledge and dedication! This review is stellar! So much history and relevant information. It helped me sway towards buying an evo 400 PA. I hope you continue doing these reviews! Big thanks for Norway!
Just got my second hand Evo 400 power amp and wow......Miles, Ella, Basie, Herbie, Annie Lennox and others.....simply enhancing experience, sound, details (love it!) and sonics (my kit mostly DIY/DIY kits). Many hours of joy ahead :)
Kevin, great video. As a former owner, I was shocked to see Golden Tube Audio SE-40's in great shape are selling at or over MSRP. I am looking at Prima Luna as I start to look at my professional situation continuing to improve coming out of the recession because it just REMINDS me of my GTA gear. Good video.
This particular amp is on my list to listen to very soon. I have never owned a tube amp before and my only concern is with regard to the longevity and reliability of the actual tubes. How often are they likely to fail? What is a typical life expectancy/ mean time to fail for these tubes in hours? Not sure if I want the hassle of replacing tubes on a regular basis. Many thanks.
Discovered via RUclips channel, fell in love with Kevin's audio passion, it brought me back in time, to when radioshack had an actual audio section banging on throughout the day, as I got older, it was fun on the east coast to hang out in crazy eddies, stereo warehouse (home of genesis speaker brand), lafayette and tech hifi (home of the ohm speaker brand) over 45 years I've migrated upscale, unfortunately it seems, upscale audio is a little to upscale, I wanted to join the club and sent multiple emails and even online chatted, which referred me back to email, which goes unanswered... I guess I could call as well, but I just get the feeling, they are not interested...
Kevin, There is MSRP , but the final price is up to the shop if they want to discount or not. I know because i have gotten discounts on several PL products.
Hello Kevin my name i Ambrogio from Italy, I love your videos , is primaluna Italian brand ? can you make a video comparing McIntosh with primaluna technology ?
Using good sockets (Radsok contacts) with thick PCB and you´ve no problem! PCB is as good as point to point wiring. I´m just finishing the PCB for my new stereo 845B amplifier.
Hey everyone! Thanks for looking at the video! I read a comment about a manufacturer claiming all their amps are auto-bias when most all are technically are self-bias, also known as cathode-bias. You technician and engineers guys know what that is, but for non-techies please go to the PrimaLuna USA website and go to the "Vital Info" tab, and go to "Adaptive AutoBias" Manufacturers are being very misleading about this topic. Get informed before you spend your hard-earned money. www.primaluna-usa.com/adaptive-autobias
My question to anyone If you were going to buy a tube amp or pre amp and your choices were prima luna or McIntosh which would you buy and why Thank you
Dear Kevin, is it possible to give me some information about the Company " ES-AUDIO". Nobody here in Germany knows nothing about that Company. I bought some pairs of it. thx Manfred
Purchased Focal Utopia Headphones from Upscale months ago. It was missing a part... Upscale promised to send me the part but never followed through. I've sent multiple emails , the sales guy makes promises and then nothing. Bummer.
But they do make a great MM phono section that goes right in your existing PL call Kevin to ask about it and what's involved......I'm considering it as I'm sure it's a sweet add on !
Upscale will install a phono stage card in the amp. It sounds good. However, I have an older PL and the card went bad. If I had to do it over again, I would just buy a separate quality phono stage. Upscale can recommend one to go with your system.
Kevin, Rogers High Fidelity tube amps also offer remote control switching between triode and ultralinear modes. And they also have auto bias, point to point wiring, and toroidal power transformers. Just wanted to point out that Primaluna isn't the only game in town when it comes to some of these features. Rogers is probably at a higher price point though (they are built in the USA) so Primaluna would have an advantage as far as bang for the buck.
That's good news Gerald. Thank you. From what I see it's only on their $15,000 model. And there is no reason to believe their auto bias is "Adaptive". Like I said, different autobias amps have come out here and there, but none like the PrimaLuna. Maybe the VAC IQ but PrimaLuna invented theirs in 2003, and it's highly developed and refined. As to build quality I would go head to head with any more expensive product. Look at the inside of both products. You don't need to be a engineer. As to sound, if somebody wants to bring one over, we can do a scientific LEVEL MATCHED A/B comparison. It would be fun. Invite your friends. The press. Party on. We did that for a large group comparing a $3400 DiaLogue Premium to the ARC VSI75...very revealing.
@@upscaleaudio All but one of their amps offers remote ultra linear/triode switching, if that’s what you were referring to by “...only on their $15,000 model”. And several of their amps offer the choice of two different tube types with no adjustments required - I think that could be called “adaptive auto bias”, although it doesn’t offer the wide range of tube types that Primaluna does. I don’t work for Rogers nor do I own any of their gear (I have Audio Research and Conrad-Johnson) - I just think it’s fair to point out that other brands share some of these features with Primaluna.
Hey Gerald I am very busy so don't have time to track things down, but decided to look closer based on your comments all their amps are auto bias. What you need to do is reach out to Rogers and ask them about this "auto bias" I suspect they mean cathode bias, and that is covered by me in the video linked below. Manufacturers run fast and loose with this verbiage. Cathode bias technically is NOT auto bias. It's SELF bias, which I don't care for myself for many reasons. Regardless they, and another small brand from Texas who I won't mention by name, are at best mistaken in terminology and at worst misleading their customers. An auto-bias circuit that works well and is meaningful is not an easy feat. www.primaluna-usa.com/adaptive-autobias
You did not sell your C2200 and MC275 reissue for over the retail price like PrimaLuna. Maybe you bought them used at a good deal and resold them but they simply do not sell for over MSRP.
Many amps can go from triode to ultralinear, with the flick of a switch.. I owned a few.. To be honest, I'm a little surprised Kevin aren't aware of that.. ?
@@upscaleaudio Willsenton R8 and Cayin/Spark A88T, just to name a few.. Owned the Cayin- one beautiful little amp.. And btw - Research, is such a beautiful thing, isn't it ;-)
Hi Kevin first of all thank you very much for taking the time and expense to produce these videos. I'm not sure but was there a time that you used to say your phone number at the end of your video ? ...if yes bring it back if not, bring it back, say your phone number and people will call it. Please and thanks ! Everybody like this comment!😅 to saying the phone number lol
What a fantastic education I get watching your videos, even at 63. If I was younger I'd work for you for free, just the opportunity to absorb your knowledge would have been a joy, as it is now. Keep up the old audio stories. Thank you
A dear friend of mine(GMAC) had one of the high-end Prima-Luna amps. I had absolutely no clue that they made tube amps anymore. He had that, a high-end DAC, along with a high-end set of Klipsch speakers. There were times, we would spend hours talking about stereo equipment. I thought I had the shit, with my Yamaha and Denon systems. Little did I know how powerful these amps were. My good friend passed away, March of 21. I live in Florida, he lived in Peterborough Ontario. I could hear the stereo when he cranked it up over my phone. It sounded like a concert hall. I so wish he was here today. very rarely in this life. Do we encounter someone that is just like ourselves. Thank you for posting this video. I am sure GMAC watched your videos as well. One of these days, I am going to own the same amplifier. For now, rest in peace, my dear friend, GMAC!
15 years later I'm still super happy with my PrimaLuna Dialogue II integrated amp. I just upgraded my speakers to some Sonus Faber Lumina IIIs and a REL T9X sub. I'm still using the original tubes and I enjoy it almost every day.
Your guidance was pivotal to me coming back to valves and then to PrimaLuna. That being said now with a year under my belt with mine I can say without reservation it's the best decision in audio I've ever made! Thank you so much !
Cool. I hope you keep it forever....even if that means we don't get more money from you!
"People never buy a tube amp and go back to solid state". Yeap, spent 20
years with solid state gear (never heard tube gear before), until I
heard the older Primaluna Prologue integrated amp at a friends house. Well I just
bought my first Primaluna. Only regret- spending so long with solid
state gear. I was skeptical of tube HiFi. I heard they are warm and
soft, and roll off the tops and bottoms. I was completely wrong. Whisper
quiet noise floor, highly resolute, thick, 3-D tonally accurate, emotional, warm mids, detail highs, and power tight bass slam. The decay of
drums, cymbals and instrumentals makes you want to cry in joy. The
vocals sound so tonally accurate and have body, emotion and solidity.
The cymbals and other high notes just glistens. Made the old Pass Labs
XP-10 pre amp and X600.5 monos combo just sound veiled, digital and thin- and
this was only A/B compared to a Primaluna Prologue integrated amp!!
Yea I tell people I would rather have a small PrimaLuna tube integrated over a stack of solid-state. There is something about those glowing bottles that takes the stress away.
Hey Kevin!
Thank you so much for your time, knowledge and dedication! This review is stellar! So much history and relevant information. It helped me sway towards buying an evo 400 PA. I hope you continue doing these reviews!
Big thanks for Norway!
I want to ask you a question very serious one I had a jtm 45 Marshall with kt66 power tubes what is the best setting on the ma for bias is it 35 or 40
Great information in this video. I still use an AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 cd player and I love it. Thanks again Kevin
Just got my second hand Evo 400 power amp and wow......Miles, Ella, Basie, Herbie, Annie Lennox and others.....simply enhancing experience, sound, details (love it!) and sonics (my kit mostly DIY/DIY kits). Many hours of joy ahead :)
Kevin, great video. As a former owner, I was shocked to see Golden Tube Audio SE-40's in great shape are selling at or over MSRP. I am looking at Prima Luna as I start to look at my professional situation continuing to improve coming out of the recession because it just REMINDS me of my GTA gear. Good video.
This particular amp is on my list to listen to very soon. I have never owned a tube amp before and my only concern is with regard to the longevity and reliability of the actual tubes. How often are they likely to fail? What is a typical life expectancy/ mean time to fail for these tubes in hours? Not sure if I want the hassle of replacing tubes on a regular basis. Many thanks.
Discovered via RUclips channel, fell in love with Kevin's audio passion, it brought me back in time, to when radioshack had an actual audio section banging on throughout the day, as I got older, it was fun on the east coast to hang out in crazy eddies, stereo warehouse (home of genesis speaker brand), lafayette and tech hifi (home of the ohm speaker brand) over 45 years I've migrated upscale, unfortunately it seems, upscale audio is a little to upscale, I wanted to join the club and sent multiple emails and even online chatted, which referred me back to email, which goes unanswered... I guess I could call as well, but I just get the feeling, they are not interested...
Kevin, There is MSRP , but the final price is up to the shop if they want to discount or not. I know because i have gotten discounts on several PL products.
How will the 400 work with a McIntosh C2500 Preamp? It's what I have and not that I'm totally in love with it money is an issue.
Hi do you think this would be a good match up with Dynaudio heritage special?
Hello Kevin my name i Ambrogio from Italy, I love your videos , is primaluna Italian brand ? can you make a video comparing McIntosh with primaluna technology ?
Using good sockets (Radsok contacts) with thick PCB and you´ve no problem! PCB is as good as point to point wiring. I´m just finishing the PCB for my new stereo 845B amplifier.
Hey everyone! Thanks for looking at the video! I read a comment about a manufacturer claiming all their amps are auto-bias when most all are technically are self-bias, also known as cathode-bias. You technician and engineers guys know what that is, but for non-techies please go to the PrimaLuna USA website and go to the "Vital Info" tab, and go to "Adaptive AutoBias" Manufacturers are being very misleading about this topic. Get informed before you spend your hard-earned money.
www.primaluna-usa.com/adaptive-autobias
My question to anyone
If you were going to buy a tube amp or pre amp and your choices were prima luna or McIntosh which would you buy and why
Thank you
Dear Kevin, is it possible to give me some information about the Company " ES-AUDIO". Nobody here in Germany knows nothing about that Company. I bought some pairs of it. thx Manfred
I wonder which speakers would "perfectly marry" this EVO400 poweramp.
I'm using dynaudio heritage special speakers with my evo 400 integrated, a great sounding combination, very happy.
I am a fan of the Primaluna Evo 400 but the body language and lack of eye contact can be very clear on what is somewhat hot air lol..
Purchased Focal Utopia Headphones from Upscale months ago. It was missing a part... Upscale promised to send me the part but never followed through. I've sent multiple emails , the sales guy makes promises and then nothing. Bummer.
Hi Chris Evan did e-mail you April 27th. I will have them re-ship the adapter as you must not have gotten the one they sent.
@@upscaleaudio No... never received. Thank you.
Why are not they making phono preamps?
But they do make a great MM phono section that goes right in your existing PL call Kevin to ask about it and what's involved......I'm considering it as I'm sure it's a sweet add on !
Upscale will install a phono stage card in the amp. It sounds good. However, I have an older PL and the card went bad. If I had to do it over again, I would just buy a separate quality phono stage. Upscale can recommend one to go with your system.
Kevin, Rogers High Fidelity tube amps also offer remote control switching between triode and ultralinear modes. And they also have auto bias, point to point wiring, and toroidal power transformers. Just wanted to point out that Primaluna isn't the only game in town when it comes to some of these features. Rogers is probably at a higher price point though (they are built in the USA) so Primaluna would have an advantage as far as bang for the buck.
That's good news Gerald. Thank you. From what I see it's only on their $15,000 model. And there is no reason to believe their auto bias is "Adaptive". Like I said, different autobias amps have come out here and there, but none like the PrimaLuna. Maybe the VAC IQ but PrimaLuna invented theirs in 2003, and it's highly developed and refined.
As to build quality I would go head to head with any more expensive product. Look at the inside of both products. You don't need to be a engineer.
As to sound, if somebody wants to bring one over, we can do a scientific LEVEL MATCHED A/B comparison. It would be fun. Invite your friends. The press. Party on. We did that for a large group comparing a $3400 DiaLogue Premium to the ARC VSI75...very revealing.
@@upscaleaudio All but one of their amps offers remote ultra linear/triode switching, if that’s what you were referring to by “...only on their $15,000 model”. And several of their amps offer the choice of two different tube types with no adjustments required - I think that could be called “adaptive auto bias”, although it doesn’t offer the wide range of tube types that Primaluna does. I don’t work for Rogers nor do I own any of their gear (I have Audio Research and Conrad-Johnson) - I just think it’s fair to point out that other brands share some of these features with Primaluna.
@@geraldschrader8511 Thanks for clarifying that. They make a fine product and anyone who owns one should be proud.
Hey Gerald I am very busy so don't have time to track things down, but decided to look closer based on your comments all their amps are auto bias. What you need to do is reach out to Rogers and ask them about this "auto bias" I suspect they mean cathode bias, and that is covered by me in the video linked below. Manufacturers run fast and loose with this verbiage. Cathode bias technically is NOT auto bias. It's SELF bias, which I don't care for myself for many reasons. Regardless they, and another small brand from Texas who I won't mention by name, are at best mistaken in terminology and at worst misleading their customers. An auto-bias circuit that works well and is meaningful is not an easy feat. www.primaluna-usa.com/adaptive-autobias
Every piece of Mcintosh gear that I have sold, sold for more than I payed for it. Including my C2200 and my C275.
More than retail?
You did not sell your C2200 and MC275 reissue for over the retail price like PrimaLuna. Maybe you bought them used at a good deal and resold them but they simply do not sell for over MSRP.
“We”?
Many amps can go from triode to ultralinear, with the flick of a switch.. I owned a few.. To be honest, I'm a little surprised Kevin aren't aware of that.. ?
I said by remote control
@@upscaleaudio Exactly. By remote.
@@upscaleaudio Willsenton R8 and Cayin/Spark A88T, just to name a few.. Owned the Cayin- one beautiful little amp.. And btw - Research, is such a beautiful thing, isn't it ;-)
Never heard of those...so as stated, I was not aware of them. Willsenton???
Lol who watches this garbage? Neither founders went to 'Goldman in Switzeland', like what even is that. If you're a customer just lol.
You are indeed a halfwit...you just did you moron .
Hi Kevin first of all thank you very much for taking the time and expense to produce these videos. I'm not sure but was there a time that you used to say your phone number at the end of your video ? ...if yes bring it back if not, bring it back, say your phone number and people will call it. Please and thanks ! Everybody like this comment!😅 to saying the phone number lol