PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube Preamplifier

Overview

The PrimaLuna EVO 300 is a full function vacuum tube preamplifier built around a dual mono, tube rectified design that puts pure tube circuitry between your sources and your amplifier. Six 12AU7 tubes handle amplification while two 5AR4 rectifiers deliver quiet, natural power, lowering the noise floor in a way solid state rectification rarely matches. The result is a preamp that trades in space, texture, and long trailing decay.

Construction is where PrimaLuna separates itself. The EVO 300 uses point to point wiring with premium Swiss wire, Takman resistors, an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer, and dual potted toroidal power transformers. The exclusive AC Offset Killer drops transformer noise to a place few designers pursue, so music emerges from a genuinely black background. At nearly 53 pounds, this is a serious piece of engineering that feels every bit as substantial as it sounds.

Flexible in real systems, the EVO 300 offers five stereo RCA inputs, a home theater bypass, dual RCA outputs, and a tape out, plus full remote control. An optional moving magnet phonostage can be added for vinyl playback. Available in silver or black, it is a natural centerpiece for a tube based, source first system.

Key Features

• Tube Rectified, Dual Mono. Two 5AR4 rectifier tubes and a dual mono layout keep the signal path pure tube, lowering the noise floor for a natural, textured, and vibrant presentation.
• Six 12AU7 Amplification Tubes. A complement of six 12AU7 tubes carries the audio signal, delivering the resonance and dimensionality that draws listeners to tube preamplification.
• AC Offset Killer. A PrimaLuna exclusive that lowers transformer noise regardless of the quality of your household power, opening up a deep sense of space and long decay.
• Point to Point Wiring. Hand built with premium Swiss wire, Takman resistors, and an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer for low noise, linearity, and musicality.
• Dual Potted Toroidal Transformers. Two massive toroidal power transformers, potted in non-microphonic resin, radiate far less magnetic and acoustic noise than conventional designs.
• Home Theater Bypass. A dedicated RCA home theater bypass lets the EVO 300 integrate seamlessly into a two channel and multichannel system without compromise.
• Optional Phonostage. An optional moving magnet phonostage can be added, making the EVO 300 a complete hub for both digital and vinyl sources.

How the PrimaLuna EVO 300 Tube Preamplifier Compares

PrimaLuna EVO 300 vs Advance Paris X-P1200 Classic

The X-P1200 is a flagship level analog preamplifier with a refined, full bodied character. The EVO 300 takes a purely tube path with tube rectification, favoring resonance, decay, and that unmistakable tube sense of space.

PrimaLuna EVO 300 vs Advance Paris X-P700 Classic

The X-P700 is a versatile solid state preamplifier for listeners who want a clean, quiet line stage. The EVO 300 answers with vacuum tube amplification and point to point construction for a warmer, more textured presentation.

PrimaLuna EVO 300 vs Parasound HALO P6

The HALO P6 is a feature rich preamp with built in DAC and phono capability. The EVO 300 focuses on a pure tube analog experience, with an optional moving magnet phonostage and tube rectified power.

PrimaLuna EVO 300 vs Matrix Audio MP-1 Flagship Class A

The MP-1 is a Class A solid state flagship prized for its clarity and low noise. The EVO 300 offers a different philosophy entirely, using six 12AU7 tubes and dual toroidal transformers for organic, dimensional sound.

PrimaLuna EVO 300 vs PrimaLuna EVO 400 (next step up)

The EVO 400 adds balanced XLR inputs and outputs alongside single ended RCA for fully balanced operation into balanced power amplifiers.

PrimaLuna EVO 300 vs PrimaLuna EVO 200 (next step down)

The EVO 200 is a more affordable-tier choice with four 12AU7 tubes and a higher 2800 ohm output impedance, without the premium Swiss wiring or AC Offset Killer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of preamplifier is the PrimaLuna EVO 300?

It is a vacuum tube preamplifier with a dual mono, tube rectified design, meaning both channels have independent circuitry and rectification is handled by tubes rather than solid state devices.

Which tubes does the EVO 300 use?

It uses six 12AU7 tubes for amplification and two 5AR4 tubes for rectification.

How many inputs does the EVO 300 have?

It provides five stereo RCA line inputs plus a dedicated stereo RCA home theater bypass input.

What outputs are available?

The EVO 300 offers two stereo RCA outputs and a stereo RCA tape output.

Does the EVO 300 include a remote control?

Yes, it ships with full remote control for volume and source functions, along with a home theater bypass mode.

What is the AC Offset Killer?

It is a PrimaLuna exclusive circuit that lowers transformer noise regardless of the quality of your household power, helping the preamplifier deliver a very quiet background with more sense of space.

What is point to point wiring?

Rather than using a printed circuit board for the audio path, PrimaLuna hand wires the signal path point to point with premium Swiss wire, Takman resistors, and an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer for low noise and musicality.

Why does the EVO 300 use tube rectification?

Tube rectification keeps the circuit purely tube based, which is quieter than solid state rectification and helps deliver a more natural, textured, and vibrant presentation.

Can I add a phono stage?

Yes, an optional moving magnet phonostage can be added, allowing you to connect a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge.

What is the gain of the EVO 300?

The EVO 300 provides 9.7 dB of gain.

What is the output impedance?

The output impedance is 256 ohms.

Why are dual toroidal transformers important?

Toroidal transformers radiate far less magnetic and acoustic noise than conventional designs. The EVO 300 uses two massive potted toroids to keep noise low and detail intact.

What finishes are available?

The EVO 300 is offered in silver and black.

How much does the EVO 300 weigh?

Each unit weighs 52.8 pounds, reflecting the massive potted transformers and heavy duty construction.

What are the dimensions?

It measures 15.2 inches wide, 8.1 inches high, and 15.9 inches deep, so allow adequate ventilation and shelf depth.

Can the EVO 300 be used in a home theater system?

Yes, the home theater bypass input lets you pass a front channel signal through the preamplifier at fixed gain, integrating your two channel system with a surround processor.

Is tube rolling possible with the EVO 300?

Yes, the 12AU7 amplification tubes and 5AR4 rectifiers can be swapped by enthusiasts who enjoy tailoring the sound, one of the appeals of a tube based preamplifier.

Does the EVO 300 drive speakers directly?

No, it is a preamplifier and requires a separate power amplifier to drive loudspeakers. Its job is source selection, volume control, and clean tube amplification of the line level signal.

What kind of listener is the EVO 300 for?

It suits listeners who want a purely tube line stage with hand built construction, a very quiet background, and the resonance, space, and texture that tube preamplification is known for.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?

All Elite Audio is an authorized PrimaLuna dealer in Maryland, so your EVO 300 arrives new with full warranty support and expert setup guidance. We know these products firsthand and can help you build a complete, well matched system.