PrimaLuna
PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier
PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier
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Specs
| Type | Vacuum tube preamplifier, dual mono, tube rectified, balanced and single ended |
| Tubes | 6x 12AU7, 2x 5AR4 |
| Inputs | 3x stereo RCA, 2x stereo XLR, stereo RCA home theater bypass |
| Outputs | Stereo RCA, stereo XLR, stereo RCA tape out |
| Wiring | Point to point with premium Swiss wire, AC Offset Killer, Takman resistors, ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer, dual potted toroidal power transformers |
| Control | Full remote control, home theater bypass |
| Gain | 9.7 dB |
| Output Impedance | 256 ohm |
| Phono | Optional moving magnet phonostage |
| Finishes | Silver, Black |
| Weight | 52.8 lbs each |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 15.2 in x 8.1 in x 15.9 in |
Warranty
In the USA, the PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier carries a 90 day parts and labor warranty that extends to three years when you register the unit. The vacuum tubes are guaranteed for six months. Coverage applies to the original purchaser who buys from an authorized dealer such as All Elite Audio. Contact us and we will help you register your unit and answer any service questions.
What's in the Box
- PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier
- 6x 12AU7 tubes (installed)
- 2x 5AR4 rectifier tubes (installed)
- Remote control
- Power cable
- Owner's manual
Read the full guide to the EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier
Compare the PrimaLuna tube preamplifier line
Overview
The PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier sits at the top of the PrimaLuna preamp line, and it brings the kind of build and musicality that make tube preamplification worth chasing. Built as a dual mono design with tube rectification, it runs six 12AU7 tubes with two 5AR4 rectifiers, delivering a naturally textured, vibrant presentation from a genuinely quiet background. This is a reference grade preamp for listeners who want the soul of tubes without giving up flexibility.
Point to point wiring with premium Swiss wire, Takman resistors, and an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer keeps the signal path pure, while dual potted toroidal power transformers and PrimaLuna's exclusive AC Offset Killer push the noise floor down to a place that reveals space, air, and micro detail. Both balanced XLR and single ended RCA connections are on board, along with a home theater bypass, so the EVO 400 slots cleanly into a two channel rig or a combined music and cinema system.
With full remote control, an optional moving magnet phonostage, and a choice of silver or black finishes, the EVO 400 is a serious foundation for a high end system. As an authorized PrimaLuna dealer in Maryland, All Elite Audio is here to help you set it up right.
Key Features
- Dual Mono Tube Rectified Design. The EVO 400 uses a dual mono layout with tube rectification, widely regarded as the gold standard in preamplifiers. The result is a lower noise floor and a natural, textured, and vibrant presentation because the signal path stays pure tube.
- AC Offset Killer Exclusive. PrimaLuna's proprietary AC Offset Killer lowers transformer noise far beyond what most manufacturers attempt, regardless of how clean or dirty your wall power is. The payoff is a quieter background, more sense of space, and notes that seem to trail on forever.
- Dual Potted Toroidal Power Transformers. Two massive toroidal power transformers, enclosed in metal housings and potted in non-microphonic resin, radiate far less magnetic and acoustic noise than conventional transformers. They contribute much of the preamp's substantial weight and its clean, detailed sound.
- Point to Point Wiring with Premium Parts. Every EVO 400 is hand wired point to point using premium Swiss wire, Takman resistors prized for their low noise and musicality, and an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer for smooth, accurate volume control.
- Balanced and Single Ended Connectivity. Three stereo RCA inputs and two stereo XLR inputs feed a preamp that offers both stereo RCA and stereo XLR outputs, plus a stereo RCA tape out. This flexibility lets the EVO 400 anchor nearly any high end system.
- Home Theater Bypass and Full Remote. A dedicated stereo RCA home theater bypass lets you fold the EVO 400 into a surround setup while preserving its role as your two channel heart. Full remote control keeps volume and source selection at your fingertips.
- Optional Moving Magnet Phonostage. The EVO 400 can be fitted with an optional moving magnet phonostage, giving vinyl lovers a clean, integrated path for their turntable without an extra outboard box.
How the PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier Compares
PrimaLuna EVO 400 vs Matrix Audio MP-1 Flagship Class A
The Matrix Audio MP-1 is a flagship solid state Class A preamplifier for listeners who want a modern, precise character. The EVO 400 counters with tube rectified warmth and texture that many find more organic and dimensional.
PrimaLuna EVO 400 vs Advance Paris X-P1200 Classic
The Advance Paris X-P1200 is a well built analog preamplifier with a clean, dynamic voice. The EVO 400 differs in its all tube dual mono topology and PrimaLuna's point to point construction, aimed squarely at tube enthusiasts.
PrimaLuna EVO 400 vs Parasound HALO P6
The Parasound HALO P6 is a versatile solid state preamp with built in DAC and phono. The EVO 400 takes a purist tube route, prioritizing the natural resonance and low noise floor that tube rectification provides.
PrimaLuna EVO 400 vs TEAC Audio UD-701N USB DAC / Network Player / Preamp / Headphone Amp
The TEAC UD-701N is a do everything digital hub with DAC, streaming, and preamp duties in one chassis. The EVO 400 is a dedicated analog tube preamplifier for those who want maximum sonic purity from the line stage itself.
PrimaLuna EVO 400 vs PrimaLuna EVO 300 (next step down)
The EVO 300 is a more compact option with the same six 12AU7 tubes and Swiss wiring but single ended RCA connections only, without balanced XLR inputs and outputs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier?
It is PrimaLuna's top tier all tube preamplifier, built as a dual mono, tube rectified design with both balanced XLR and single ended RCA connectivity. It serves as the line stage heart of a high end audio system.
What tubes does the EVO 400 use?
The EVO 400 runs six 12AU7 tubes in the audio circuit and two 5AR4 tubes for tube rectification. This all tube approach keeps the signal path pure and the noise floor low.
Is the EVO 400 a balanced preamplifier?
Yes. It offers both balanced XLR and single ended RCA inputs and outputs, so you can integrate it with balanced or unbalanced sources and amplifiers.
What inputs does the EVO 400 have?
It provides three stereo RCA inputs, two stereo XLR inputs, and a stereo RCA home theater bypass input for surround integration.
What outputs are available?
The EVO 400 has stereo RCA outputs, stereo XLR outputs, and a stereo RCA tape output, giving you flexible connection options for your amplifier and recording gear.
What is the AC Offset Killer?
The AC Offset Killer is a PrimaLuna exclusive circuit that lowers transformer noise well beyond conventional designs, no matter the quality of your wall power. It contributes to a quieter background and greater sense of space.
Why does the EVO 400 use tube rectification?
Experts widely regard tube rectification as the gold standard in preamps. It is quieter than solid state rectification and keeps the circuit pure tube, delivering a natural, textured, and vibrant presentation.
What is point to point wiring?
Point to point wiring means the EVO 400 is hand wired directly between components using premium Swiss wire rather than relying on printed circuit board traces for the signal path. It is a hallmark of PrimaLuna construction.
What premium parts are used inside?
The EVO 400 uses Takman resistors, an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer, premium Swiss wire, the AC Offset Killer, and dual potted toroidal power transformers.
Does the EVO 400 include a phonostage?
A moving magnet phonostage is available as an option. It integrates a clean vinyl input directly into the preamplifier without a separate box.
Does the EVO 400 have a home theater bypass?
Yes. A dedicated stereo RCA home theater bypass lets you pass a channel through at unity gain, so the EVO 400 can serve in a combined music and cinema system.
Does it come with a remote control?
Yes. The EVO 400 includes full remote control for volume and source selection.
What is the gain and output impedance?
The EVO 400 offers 9.7 dB of gain with an output impedance of 256 ohms, well suited to driving a wide range of power amplifiers.
What finishes are available?
The EVO 400 is offered in silver and black finishes to match your system aesthetic.
How heavy is the EVO 400?
It weighs about 52.8 pounds, largely due to the massive potted toroidal power transformers. That substantial build reflects PrimaLuna's no compromise construction.
What are the dimensions of the EVO 400?
The EVO 400 measures 15.2 inches wide, 8.1 inches high, and 15.9 inches deep. Be sure to allow ventilation clearance for the tubes.
Can I use the EVO 400 with a solid state power amplifier?
Yes. The EVO 400 pairs well with tube or solid state power amplifiers, and its balanced and single ended outputs make matching straightforward.
How does the EVO 400 compare to solid state preamps like the Matrix Audio MP-1?
The Matrix Audio MP-1 delivers a precise, modern Class A solid state character, while the EVO 400 offers the warmth, texture, and dimensionality that tube rectification is prized for. The right choice depends on your sonic preference.
Do I need to worry about tube maintenance?
Tubes are consumable and eventually need replacement, but PrimaLuna designs for extended tube life. Our team at All Elite Audio can advise on tube care and replacements when the time comes.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized PrimaLuna dealer in Maryland, so your EVO 400 arrives with full factory warranty and genuine support. We offer expert guidance on system matching, setup, and tube care, and we carry it in stock and ready to ship or audition.
