PrimaLuna EVO 200-i 2*44 W Integrated valve amplifier

There are no cheap plastic remote controls here. PrimaLuna uses heavy metal remote controls that are substantial, yet elegant and ergonomic.

Speaking of heavy metal, try lifting a PrimaLuna to see how much we put into it. All PrimaLuna models feature custom-designed toroidal and EI-frame transformers, made to the demanding specifications of one of the most prestigious transformer designers in the USA. Every transformer is fully encapsulated for the lowest hum and best isolation, and offers huge output bandwidth and loudspeaker control. There is no cheap or lightweight way to do this, and that is why PrimaLuna is known for combining the midrange magic of tubes with sparkling treble and deep, solid bass.

Other high-quality PrimaLuna parts include motorised ALPS volume controls, Nichicon and DuRoch polypropylene and aluminium foil capacitors and super-fast Philips rectifier diodes. PrimaLuna uses only ceramic tube sockets, gold-plated heavy-duty WBT-style speaker terminals (all speaker terminals have a solid shaft for better conduction, better sound and higher reliability), and gold-plated panel-mounted RCA inputs that provide the best possible mechanical and electrical contact.

Every EVO vacuum tube integrated amplifier is also a high-quality EVO vacuum tube headphone amplifier! There is no separate chip amplifier for the headphone jack – every part of the main circuit and every vacuum tube is used to drive your headphones.

As you use your PrimaLuna, you will find so many thoughtful little details that may not be earth-shattering, but simply make using and owning this unit a pleasure. We will let you discover them yourself, but here is one: an aluminium screw on the AC input that lets you easily identify the live side of the connector. Nothing spectacular, just easy.

One of the great new features of EVO is the 100% shielded phono stage box, connected to the base plate. This is the ideal solution for mounting PrimaLuna's "internal" (optional) moving magnet PhonoLogue circuit, completely separated and shielded from the rest of the circuit.

Active features include PrimaLuna's SoftStart smart circuit design for longer life of sensitive components and a reduced chance of tube failure from thermal shock. PrimaLuna is rightly famous for its Adaptive Auto Bias™ circuit, exclusive to PrimaLuna. This circuit sits outside the signal path and continuously and instantly monitors and adjusts the tube bias, reducing maintenance and increasing performance thanks to a drastic reduction in distortion. EVO comes with improved output stage protection circuits with a relay to protect output transformers, resistors and the high-voltage supply in the event of a catastrophic tube failure.

EVO integrated amplifiers come with a high/low bias switch, so users can easily choose the optimal bias setting for EL34 or KT88 tubes. This and the auto-bias circuit mean you never have to fiddle with jeweller's screwdrivers and multimeters, as so many other tube amplifier manufacturers require of their customers. Just switch tubes, switch bias and PrimaLuna does all the hard work for you!

All PrimaLuna power transformers feature the PTP™ (Power Transformer Protection) circuit. When the power transformer overheats (due to the environment, overload or a problem in the unit), an internal thermal switch opens the primary circuit, allowing the transformer to cool down before damage occurs. Once it has cooled down, contact is restored and the amplifier switches back on and functions as normal.

• Specifications model EVO 200-i for EL34 / KT88
• Power ultra-linear 44 / 45 watts per channel
• Frequency range
• 10 Hz – 32 kHz +/- 1 dB
• 9 Hz – 75 kHz +/- 3 dB
• THD with AABB < 0.2% @ 1W; < 2% @ rated power
• Signal-to-noise ratio 86 dB / 87 dB – 95 / 96 dB A-weighted
• Input impedance 100 kOhm
• Input sensitivity 275 / 285 mV for rated power at maximum volume
• Maximum gain 35 dB / 35.2 dB (EL34 / KT88)
• Power consumption 280 watts / 290 watts
• Weight
• Net weight: 24 kg
• Shipping weight: 28 kg
• Dimensions 405 x 365 x 205 mm (L x W x H)
• Shipping dimensions 577 x 468 x 315 mm mm (L x W x H)
• Inputs
• 4x Stereo RCA
• 1 pair home theatre input
• Outputs
• 4 & 8 ohm speaker terminals
• Tape Out
• 1/4" headphones
• Tubes used
• 4 x EL34,
• 4 x 12AU7
• Damping factor 4 KD (1 kHz)

Would you like to hear this first? In our two listening rooms on Hoenderstraat in Maastricht, each with its own acoustics, we will set up the system for you. Make an appointment or call 043-7370028 — we are happy to help you find the right choice and the right placement.