Предусилители — PrimaLuna EVO 300-3

The EVO 300 is a valve preamplifier in PrimaLuna's EVO series, the range from the Dutch brand that renewed its earlier DiaLogue models with upgraded transformers, components and features. It is dual mono throughout, tube rectified, hand-built with point-to-point wiring, and sits below the EVO 400 in the range.

Key specs that matter

There are five pairs of stereo RCA inputs and a home theatre bypass input, with two pairs of RCA outputs and an RCA tape output. Gain is 9.7 dB and output is 2 V per channel. Frequency response is 18 Hz to 38 kHz within 1 dB and 12 Hz to 75 kHz within 3 dB. THD is below 0.5% at 2 V and signal-to-noise is 93 dB (100 dB A-weighted). Input sensitivity is 650 mV, input impedance 220 kohm and output impedance 256 ohms. The tube complement is six 12AU7 and two 5AR4. The chassis measures 385 x 205 x 405 mm (W x H x D), weighs 24 kg and draws 61 W.

Engineering and use context

Dual mono construction means each channel has its own power supply, including a separate potted toroidal transformer, so the two channels share nothing but the chassis. Each channel also has its own 5AR4 rectifier tube, which delivers a gradual high-voltage start-up instead of the abrupt switch-on of silicon diodes. The low gain keeps noise down and gives more usable travel on the volume control with modern high-output sources. Volume is set by a motorised ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer. Input selection uses sealed relays mounted next to the rear connectors to keep the signal path short and to isolate unused inputs. The signal path is hand-wired point to point, and parts include Nichicon and DuRoch capacitors and ceramic tube sockets. A SoftStart circuit protects components and tubes from thermal shock at switch-on, and the PTP circuit disconnects the transformer if it overheats. An optional internal MM phono stage with 42 dB of gain can be fitted in a shielded compartment. The live side of the mains inlet is marked with an aluminium screw. A heavy metal remote control handles volume and input selection.

Pairing

The moderate output impedance drives power amplifiers with input impedances from about 10 kohm upward over normal cable lengths. PrimaLuna's EVO power amplifiers are the matching partners, and the home theatre bypass integrates a surround processor.

Alternatives

PrimaLuna's EVO 400 preamplifier adds balanced XLR inputs and outputs and upgraded internal parts.