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PrimaLuna Preamp Upgrade Question

I have owned a PL Evo400 Integrated for the past few months. I love the amp, but am considering diving deeper into separates. I've been eyeing a Primaluna Evo Preamp to hopefully unlock more separation and presence.

I'm curious if anyone has any experience with owning a Primaluna Integrated and then adding a Primaluna Pre Amp using the HT bypass. I understand this is a possibility, but I'm curious of the added benefits and or drawbacks. Is there is a general consensus it would be greatly beneficial, I would eventually sell off the Evo 400 integrated and go full separates. 

If you don't have specific experience with PrimaLuna but have been in a similar situation using a bypass in an integrated I'd also love to hear some feedback. 


128x128j-wall

Showing 13 responses by j-wall

j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
I'm currently running a Clearaudio Concept Wood with Carbon Fiber Tonearm, Hana EH cartridge with Audioquest Big Sur interconnects (had Transparent Audio interconnects on lend, but honestly could not tell they a difference). Phonostage is a Musical Surrounds Nova III with the outboard Linear Power Supply. Evo400 power cable has been upgraded to an Audioquest NRG-4. 

I strictly listen to vinyl and keep the digital for in the car as digital is less involving for me and enjoy the human experience with records. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
@newbee tubes are of interest too! Considering the GL KT88 and Mullard 12au7's. I guess I need to go back to the drawing board and maybe start with some tubes. Recently picked up the Linear Power Supply for my Musical Surroundings Nova III and could not be happier. Maybe next I'll work on tubes and then a used PS Audio P10/P12 regenerator. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
@tablejockey thanks for the advice. So we can say it will sound "different", but does that suffice to say I should? I would rather not make a lateral move if the lateral move doesn't help to provide any more benefit and I can just wait longer to purchase separates. What I'm getting at is I know I could, but should I should? Hah!
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
@tablejockey do you have your PrimaLuna gear running through the PS Audio Power Plant? I've been curious as the entry level of running my Evo 400 through a conditioner such as PS Audio or Audioquest
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
Brand new Focal Aria 936's. Pleased with them, but they're not the end all be all's. I guess I'm stuck attempting to decide whether to spend money on a preamp or to spend money on a used PS Audio P10. I guess I would just like to spend money. 

I spoke to Upscale and they recommended the Evo Pre upgrade, but of course they would. Not that they shouldn't, I'm just looking for the best bang for the buck. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
@stereo5 I'm not sure how much noise I have in my system to be honest. I know I should be investing in steady and cleaner power. We're renting so dedicated line isn't an option. I think the wiring in our house needs to be checked because with the house not drawing more than a light you can see the light flicker. Which happens in multiple rooms even with the lowest draw of power.
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
@tablejockey so the p300 you have can handle the PrimaLuna? I was under the impression I would have to move up to the newer P12 (or older P10) to be able to handle the power requirements of my Evo400. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
@tablejockey ahh my mistake. I put in a call to PS Audio and their thought was a P12 is an entry point for my Evo 400 due to power requirements for their newest series. After reviewing power requirements P5 and P10 should work as well. 

Also, you recommended a dedicated line. A power regenerator couldn't fix the flaws or sag in the power? 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uLsEz21iN238APXE9

@stereo5 
@tablejockey 

Am I operating too close to a wall? I figured 3 feet was appropriate for being 9 feet away from speakers. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
And here is the setup. I would appreciate any and all feedback. The more I can learn the more I'd love to pass on. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XhLEwkzaxHqmj7Qc7
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
Pulled the trigger on 6 12au7's, which ill start with the driver tubes and then the flanking tubes. I also skipped over the KT88's and went with Tung Sol KT120's. Should have them early next week and excited to experiment and compare. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
@moofoo those Audio Mirror amps are beautiful!
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
332 posts
 
@tablejockey awesome thanks for the link. I'll do some reading. I followed the basic guidelines in the focal manual but I'm always open to trying different. 

And I've heard the PL input tubes make the "biggest" sonic impact. What I may do is start with the flanking tubes and let them burn in to see if I experience anything. I greatly appreciate the input. I think the experience is what I'm ultimately after and maybe not the major $$$ I was originally considering. 
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