DUAL TOROIDAL ENERGY TRANSFORMERS.

Power transformers generate two types of noise, magnetic and acoustic. This is why toroidal power transformers are used in the best audio products. Compared to standard transformers, toroids radiate about 1/10 of the magnetic field that contaminates music and obscures details. Additionally, the absence of an air gap typically means that the toroids have an 8: 1 reduction in acoustic noise. Since transformers are the most expensive components in any audio product, manufacturers will even house cheaper C-core and EI-core transformers in an external power box with an umbilical cable instead of upgrading them to an expensive toroid. The cost increase is significant, but PrimaLuna does not cut corners. All PrimaLuna products use massive, potted toroidal transformers. PrimaLuna transformers are encased in a metal housing and then encapsulated in a non-microphone resin to further reduce noise and protect the windings from moisture and deterioration forever. They're huge, resulting in a preamp that weighs in at a substantial 39 pounds.

RECTIFIED TUBE.

In the world of preamps, experts agree that tube rectification is the gold standard. It is quieter than solid state rectification, dropping the noise floor. And it offers the most natural, textured and vibrant presentation because the circuit is now pure tube. But because it's expensive to implement, you'll only find it on top-of-the-line models that typically cost $ 10,000 or more. Finding a preamp using a rectifier tube is sweet. PrimaLuna goes even further by using two 5AR4 rectifier tubes in a double mono design to present your music with goosebumps three-dimensionality.

JAPANESE ALPS BLUE VELVET POTENTIOMETER.

The best tube preamps use analog volume controls. Not the volume control chips. Look inside the best known brand of tube preamps and you will see a chip called the DS1666-10 Digital Resistor IC. At Primaluna, we understand the temptation to use this chip as they cost $ 4 each (half of that in quantity!). The preamp will sound good and be quiet, but true to the "chips" it will add an electronic "sparkle" to the sound. PrimaLuna prefers analog. And we use the Gold Standard in motorized potentiometers: The iconic Blue Velvet of the Alps. Why? Because they track perfectly, keep quiet, and don't sound like chips!

SUPER QUIET LINE INPUTS.

The input selector switches leakage noise and signals from other sources, as they never completely turn off the other inputs. And, they deteriorate over time, requiring the use of cleaners. Many are front panel mounted, requiring long runs of wires to the rear panel inputs. These cables pick up radio frequency noise and electromagnetic interference.

PrimaLuna has a better way. Instead of a switch, input selection is made using premium sealed relays mounted on the rear where components are connected. When an input is selected, that relay closes giving the best possible connection. All other relays are left open, so noise and signals from other sources cannot be filtered. The signal path is now almost non-existent, so there are no cables to pick up the noise.

POINT-TO-POINT WIRING.

You spend a lot of money on interconnections. So why does the signal go straight from the RCA plugs or speaker terminals to circuit boards with copper traces so fine they can barely be seen? What's that high-level thing about?

PrimaLuna uses point-to-point cabling in all of its products. The entire signal path, including resistors and capacitors, is carefully hand-wired with heavy gauge wire by a craftsman.

THERE IS NO INTERNAL DAC OR INTERNAL PHONOGRAM.

Never buy a preamp with an internal DAC. Why? Because digital changes, and history shows that preamps with "old" digital become undesirable and have almost no resale value.

Built-in phonograms are "throwaway" and are rarely of good quality because manufacturers assume that 90% of buyers will not use them. The foreign market for phonograms is very competitive. You can get something much better for as little as $ 200, and buy one that really meets your cartridge needs and YOUR budget.

DOUBLE MONKEY DESIGN.

Exotic and expensive preamps always use a dual mono design to achieve a level of imaging that would not be possible otherwise. Most manufacturers do not employ double monotonous due to expense. It requires two power transformers, double regulation circuits, and in fact ... everything is double. In effect, dual-mono means building two separate, discrete preamps in one box. It's so expensive to build, it's a rarity even at the highest price points. All PrimaLuna preamps are dual mono for the ultimate in stereo imaging and a sense of space that lasts forever.

SMARTGAIN DESIGN.

A preamp is not normally required to add any gain to the system when in use. Usually this is to reduce the gain of the source you are listening to. Audiophiles' number one complaint about preamp performance is noise. So why do so many manufacturers design preamps with 20 to 27dB of gain? And you wonder why there is a "hiss", and why the tubes become noisy or microphonic? PrimaLuna preamps use SmartGain. With a gain specification of just 10.8dB, you'll find your PrimaLuna preamp to be as quiet as a church mouse. If the tubes are not perfect, you may never know because they are not amplified that much. Joy of high-efficiency speaker owners!

IMPROVEMENT.

Another exclusive PrimaLuna feature is PerfectMatch, a circuit designed to present a perfect 100K ohm impedance to your source components. This is vitally important, especially so that tube source components such as phonograms and DACs sound their best.

EVO 200 Preamp Specifications:

4x RCA stereo inputs.

Stereo HT bypass.

2x RCA stereo outputs.

Stereo RCA tape output.

Gain 10 dB.

Frequency. Response 4Hz-85kHz +/- 3dB.

THD <0.5% @ 2V.

S / N ratio 93dB, 100dBA.

Input sensitivity 620mV.

Input impedance 220kΩ.

Output impedance 2800Ω.

Power consumption 51 Watts.

Standard Tube Complement 4 - 12AU7.

2-5AR4.

Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) 14.4 "x 8.1" x 15.9 ".

Weight 39.6 lbs.