DdDesign

I note the manual says not to clean contacts. I’ll see what the dealer says as I don’t want to risk voiding the warranty.

When it first presented it was relativity consistent every 20-40 seconds maybe extending to a minute between pops. What’s interesting though is that it stopped when I changed the tubes over and was good again for a couple of weeks. Just returned this morning, I swapped back the tubes and it’s fine again now???

I bought it from a dealer as an open box. It’s still under warranty. It was open box as it had been used sparingly at a trade show or similar.

Hi, I have recently bought a PrimaLuna Eco 400 Amp and 2 weeks ago I started hearing intermittent popping sounds. I switched the two centre 12AU7 tubes (small ones at the front) for the two either side of them. This resolved the issue but the popping returned again today, so I swapped back and again the issue resolved. I was wondering if anyone else with the Evo series has had this popping issue and if regular re-seating the tubes is a normal requirement with this amp? It's pretty much a brand new amp so Im wanting to understand if this is possibly more than a reseating issue? Could it be an issue with the connections or with the tubes? I wouldn't have expected the small 12AU7 tubes would need replacing after just a few weeks.

Extra Info: I would prefer a local seller that is open to allowing me an audition first.

How does this compare the the higher end Denafrips dacs?

I aggree that could be a great dac. I heard they will retail at around $5K?

Yeh a swap would be great! I have had another day with the PrimaLuna dac and It is quite addictive. It’s very musical and easy to have around. I can highly recommend giving it a trial if you have an opportunity. I would say the reviews on line are pretty accurate as to how this dac sounds. It’s lush and detailed all at the same time. Give it 30-40 minutes warm up time and it really shines. The only clutch is I can’t get it to recognise the usb from my blusound node. Optical no problems?? Hopefully the dealer can help me sort that.

@Ed J Hi, Did you end up finding a good dac? I am in a similar position you have discussed in this thread. I have a PrimaLuna Evo 400 amp and looking for a dac to suit. I am currently listening to a PrimaLuna dac in loan from a dealer and I have to say it’s very nice smooth lush and detailed sound. Having said that I am intrigued by other options, in particular a Denefrips pontus. After reading your thread I am interested in what you ended up with and how you like it? As I’m listening to the PrimaLuna dac in my system I am not missing my vinyl which i suppose is a sign it’s a nice dac.

Hi, I am new to this thread. I recently purchased an Evo 400 integrated amp. I’m really enjoying it. I’m have a vinyl set up that I’m happy with and now on a mission to find a great dac to pair with my amp. I am in the process of trying a couple of dacs. So far I’ve tried the SPL diamond and now trying the Primaluna dac. I found the SPL too analytical but I’m currently enjoying the PrimaLuna. The PrimaLina has very nice smooth/lush sound. Not as detailed as the SPL but nice and musical. I would be very happy with this dac, but before I decide I was wondering about Denafrips dacs. I’m considering the Denefrips Pontus but I can’t audition it so it’s a leap of faith. I am interested if other Primaluna fans are using a Denefrips Dac and what are your impressions?

I think he may have sold it but worth checking. cheers

Very Interesting to hear your thoughts. I would like to try the Denafrips Pontus. I have a sense it may suit my taste a little more than the SPL. I do like the SPL but it is maybe more on the analytical side., or maybe accurate is a better term as analytical may suggest fatiguing and I can hear it's not that. I hear a few people like the Denfrips and slowly moving up to the better models as you did. It's a leap of faith with Denafrips though as there is no option for an audition here in WA.

I’m currently auditioning this dac in my system. It’s feeding a Primaluna Evo 4OO amp and some Chario bookshelf speakers. Indeed, it is very nice and the descriptions in the reviews are accurate. Great sound stage, separation of instruments, crystal clear but not fatiguing. I was taken aback at first by the crystal clear sound as I’m not used to that amount of clarity however because It’s not fatiguing I like it. Having said that, I will need a few days with it and I hope to listen to some comparisons to see if the sound is for me or not? This is my first listen to a higher end dac so I don’t have any comparisons as yet. I love my vinyl and this dac is very different to my vinyl sound. I’m not necessarily chasing a vinyl sound from an dac and appreciate having the option of good vinyl sound and good, but different digital sound. I would love to know if anyone can compare it to a Denefrips Pontus dac?

Thanks for the tips.

Hi, I have sent a PM with interest to buy. Cheers

Yep, I got the price off shenzhenaudio.com.

My rega Apollo cd player is frustratingly hit and miss reading cds. It’s sounds great but it has become too unreliable. I’ve had it serviced and a new laser but it’s still playing up so I’m looking for a replacement. I was thinking to go for a dedicated cd transport and came across this new one that looks pretty nice. I’m attracted to its affordablilty (A$1100) and it can output via usb to my current Ifi idsd dac. Anyone per chance tried this out? Usb output on a transport seems uncommon and I like that it can upsample to my dac. Darko review:

And the Evo 300 and 400 have improved preamps and wiring so that is likely helping as well as more power…

Update. I had the PrimaLuna 200 for a week or so. After more listening I noticed some harshness in some music. My dealer has lent me the PrimaLuna Evo 400 to trial. Just started listening and immediately it’s a much better synergy with the Chario speakers…much more air and coherence in the music now! Clearly the Charios like more power.

Do larger transformers improve power output? The Evo200 and Evo300 have similar watt output at around 40watts in U/linear mode but the 300 has larger transformers so I’m wondering if the larger transformers translate to more power output using the same 40watts?

Also, does Evo 400 run cooler in triode mode?

@FNQ Outcast @oukouk Thanks for your thoughts and experiences. The heat issue still nags me, but if I put that aside I then ask how important is having triode mode? I’m drawn to it to smooth out the harsher recordings, but I’m also thinking this can be achieved with a little room treatment to improve base response. Another angle would be adding a decent dac in the system? Today I linked up my Rel t5 subwoofer into the system and it seemed to help a bit to smooth out the harshness in some music Do other PL users find a noticeable different in what volume level you can run at in triode mode? I’m wondering if 24 watts in triode on the Evo 300 will give me enough volume? My sense is it will be fine for low - mid listening levels and when I want back ground music.

Hi all, I’m new to this thread. I have been trialing a PrimaLuna Evo 200 my dealer has kindly lent me. I have it paired with Chario Constellation Delphinius speakers. (https://www.chariohifi.com/constellation-delphinus-mk2). I am very happy with the PL tube sound…however the PL 200 does not offer switching to Triode mode and I would like that option. My speakers are 90db and 4ohm, which I believe like a bit of power. I generally listen at low - medium volume levels and I haven’t had the need to take volume past 10 0’ clock when trialling the Evo 200, although I would like to be able to turn up the volume occasionally. If I want the triode option, I have the option of the Evo 300 or 400. And the the 400 as a demo model with a good discount. I would buy the Evo 400 as I know it will be enough power for my speakers but I’m hesitating because: 1. I’m have heard it will emit lots of heat. 2. It will use heaps power and associated power bills 3. upgrading or changing tubes will cost double as there are 8 vs 4 EL34 tubes. With that in mind, would I be better to buy the the Evo 300 integrated with less tubes and therefore heat and power cost? However, will the Evo 30O have enough power in triode mode for my speakers? Is having the option of triode mode worth the $2k upgrade from the Evo 200? Do others use that mode regularly? I would like the option to have a more laid back sound with some music.

Thanks, looks like I can get Fm from tv Antenna and need a separate am antenna.

Thanks, yes the aerial is close. I’ll try it.