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Can the top end of a PrimaLuna Evo integrated be tamed w/tube rolling?

This weekend I have a PrimaLuna Evo 3 as a house guest to compare with my Supernait 3 solid state integrated. Both are about the same price, basically tube vs solid state. I am a big fan of the Naim PRaT but I also find the depth and transparency of tubes very engaging. The Evo integrated on its own lacks the rhythm and pace of the Naim but it does have transparency and imaging in spades.

So the idea is maybe run an Evo 3 preamp instead along with a Naim 250 (or just use the amp section of the Supernait).

But one problem I cannot get over is that there is a very fatiguing high end to the Evo 3. Cymbals, snare drums, top edge of distorted guitars, etc are pretty harsh at any volume higher than background music. To compare, my vintage Luxman valve preamp into the SN3 does not have this quality (but it lacks the refinement of the PrimaLuna).

It would be ideal to do some tube rolling to get the best of all worlds... is there a tube selection that could work with the Evo preamp that would tame the harsher high end and smooth out the sound a little bit on top? Or is this just a part of the PrimaLuna signature?
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jsqt OP
117 posts
 
@tvad they are Volti Rivals.

@erik_squires replacing caps on a brand-new amp?
ps
740 posts
 
OP, I am breaking in an EVO 300 integrated and in my system, using Virtue cables connected to Sonus Faber Guarnieri Homage speakers, the high end is anything but harsh, and this after only about 40 hours run-in. I very much like that I can switch the PL Integrated from ultra-linear to triode mode merely by pressing a button. Consider my post merely anecdotal, of course, like pretty much everything else one reads on any audio forum.

After many years of listening to excellent (but upgraded vintage) tube separates as well as some very nice solid-state gear, I find there’s a great deal that’s compellingly positive about the Prima Luna Integrated. I also want to say, customer service from Upscale Audio is stellar. I’m a first-time customer and am mightily impressed. They know WTF they’re doing.  And, finally, I'm well aware that some think that Kevin Deal is a bit of an eccentric.  At this point, I think it's part of his, uh, "charm."   The man knows his shi* that's for sure.
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jsqt OP
117 posts
 
@ps that is helpful, thanks. I wonder if my problem is that I’m just A/B comparing to the Naim amp which is more rolled off on the top end and seems a bit smoother (yet less immersive and more laid back).

I have swapped out the stock driver 12AU7s for the Mullards I have. It does sound a little less toppy and also strangely enough the balance is more centered.

The Evo 300 I am listening to is a floor demo incidentally which runs about 8-9 hours a day for the past 3 months, so well broken in at this point.
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jsqt OP
117 posts
 
@tvad yes they are 6ohm speakers and I think I am getting best results with the 4ohm taps.
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