PRIMALUNA EVO 100 PHONO

The PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Phono Preamplifier marks the brand’s first foray into the world of tube-based phono preamplification, bringing with it the full depth of experience from a team with a long history in high-fidelity audio. It is designed to offer an accessible tube product built to such high standards that it can effortlessly compete with far more expensive brands. The design philosophy focuses on simplicity and sonic performance, avoiding unnecessary functions aimed only at advanced users. Instead, it provides a clear, straightforward interface for connecting a single turntable and easily adapting the preamplifier to the cartridge in use—whether MM or MC—thanks to intuitive options for adjusting load, gain, and capacitance in the case of MM cartridges.

Each unit is hand-built inside a heavy-gauge, fully ventilated steel chassis with a five-coat finish, hand-rubbed and polished, and houses point-to-point wiring executed with a level of care typically reserved for ultra-high-end products. The internal components reflect the same philosophy found in PrimaLuna’s more advanced models: ceramic tube sockets, selected Nichicon and DuRoch capacitors for wide bandwidth that ensures deep bass and extended highs, and tube rectification circuitry built around the 5AR4. Gold-plated RCA input and output jacks are panel-mounted for optimal signal transmission, while the chassis is fully shielded in all critical areas to eliminate unwanted interference.

Special attention is given to the longevity of sensitive components, with the SoftStart™ circuit minimizing thermal shock at power-on, thus preserving tube reliability over time. In addition, all PrimaLuna power transformers are protected by the PTP™ (Power Transformer Protection) system, which automatically breaks the primary circuit in case of overheating due to overload or critical environmental conditions. Once the temperature returns to safe levels, the connection is restored and the unit resumes normal operation without damage.

The EVO Tube Phono Preamplifier is designed to be the heart of an analog system—and to remain there for years—offering not only outstanding sonic quality but also a level of reliability and build quality rarely found at this price point.

Technical Specifications:

• Maximum Output Voltage: 26.3 dBV / 20.6 Vrms
• Inputs: 1 stereo RCA pair (MM/MC)
• Outputs: 1 stereo RCA pair
• RIAA Curve Deviation: < 0.5 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Bandwidth: 0 – 20 kHz (+0 / -3 dB)
• Phase Response Error: < 1°
• THD+N (A-weighted) MM/MC: < 0.40% @ 2V
• Output Impedance: 100 Ω @ 1 kHz

MM / MC Section

• Gain: 40 dB (MM); 60 dB / 56 dB / 52 dB (MC - High/Medium/Low)
• Input Impedance: 47 kΩ (MM); 50 / 100 / 200 / 500 / 1000 Ω selectable (MC)
• Input Capacitance (selectable): 47 pF / 100 pF (MM); not applicable (MC)
• Input Sensitivity: 2.5 mV (200 mVrms @ 1 kHz, MM); 0.104 mVrms (200 mVrms @ 1 kHz, MC)
• Maximum Permissible Input (@ 0.1% THD): 180 mVrms (MM); 14 mVrms (MC)
• Channel Separation (@ 1 kHz): > 75 dB (MM); > 60 dB (MC)
• S/N Ratio (A-weighted) @ 23.8 dBV: > 90 dB (MM/MC)
• S/N Ratio (A-weighted) @ 6.0 dBV: > 75 dB (MM/MC)

Tubes

• V1, V4 (Power Supply, Rectification): 5AR4
• V2, V3 (Power Supply, Stabilization): EL34
• V5, V6, V7, V8 (MM Section): 12AX7 low noise, with aluminum shielding
• V9, V10 (MC Section): 6922 low noise, with aluminum shielding
• MC Tube Board: Mechanically decoupled

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 405 x 280 x 190 mm
• Net Weight: 12.7 kg / 27.9 lbs