PrimaLuna EvoLution Series User manual

EvoLution Series
Tube Power Ampliers
EVO 100
EVO 200
EVO 300
EVO 400

Table of Contents
Thank You! 3
Specications 4-7
Warning - Package Contents - Initial Setup 8
Front and Back Panel Inputs, Outputs, Controls & Remote Function 9-10
Remote Control 11
Adaptive Auto Bias™ - Bias Switch 12
Ultralinear – Triode 13
Tube Basics 14
Fuse Protection - Electronic Protection 15
Troubleshooting 16
Warranty Information 17
Notes 18-19
PrimaLuna Name & More 20
Copyright Durob Audio BV – 2019. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part of text, logo, graphics or schematics without permission, in writing, from Durob Au-
dio BV or its authorized representatives is strictly prohibited.
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
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EvoLution Series

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EvoLution Series
Thank You!
We would like to thank you for choosing one of our PrimaLuna EVO Tube Powerampliers at the heart of your
music system. The EVO Tube Powerampliers are the newest versions of the original rst members of our family
of aordable, high-quality tube products. The designers and builders of the PrimaLuna equipment all have a long
history in high-end audio. We feel we have shown with PrimaLuna that we are able to oer a range of aordable yet
elegant audio instruments that can easily compete with today’s most expensive brands and we assure you we will
continue that way. We rmly believe that our quality level will set the bar at a dicult height for other products to
match.
This PrimaLuna EVO Tube Powerampliers feature:
• Hand-made construction of a heavy-gauge, fully-vented steel chassis with a ve coat nish, each coat hand-
rubbed and polished, holding the nest point-to-point wiring, using workmanship that is normally only available
at the highest price.
• Elegant style, heavy-metal remote controls for models that feature UL/TR choice.
• Premium parts that include toroidal and EI transformers for power supply; custom designed -in conjunction
with one of the most prestigious transformer designers in the USA- encapsulated output transformers for lowest
hum; wide bandwidth for great bass and extended highs; ceramic tube sockets; Nichicon and DuRoch capacitors;
superfast Philips-rectier-circuitry; gold-plated heavy-duty WBT style speaker terminals (all speaker connectors
are solid shaft for better conductance, better sound, and higher reliability); gold-plated panel mounted RCA and
XLR input and output jacks.
• The newest generation Adaptive Auto Bias™ exclusive to PrimaLuna. This circuit monitors and smoothly adjusts
bias constantly and instantly, reducing maintenance and increasing performance due to the dramatic reduction
in distortion. It comes with a new extensive output stage protection circuitry with +B relay to protect output
transformers, resistors and high voltage power supply in case a tube fails.
• The EVO Tube Powerampliers come with a High/Low bias switch. This means that with the ip of a switch you
can choose for the optimum bias setting for EL34 type of tubes or KT88 type of tubes. No hassle with screwdrivers,
no messing around with meters etc. Just switch tubes, switch bias!
• All PrimaLuna power transformers include the PTP™ (Power Transformer Protection) circuit. When the power
transformer overheats due to environmental circumstances, overloading or some problem in the unit, an internal
thermal switch breaks the primary, allowing the unit to cool down before harm is done. After it’s cooled, contact
is restored and if nothing is broken, the amp will repower and function properly.
• All EVO Powerampliers come with a mono/stereo switch giving it a stereo and mono function.
• LIVE side of the AC input connector indicated by aluminium color screw.
We hope that our PrimaLuna EVO Tube Powerampliers will make you want to follow our next steps in expanding
our range of products. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also share your
thoughts with others, for example at the FaceBook PrimaLuna Ampliers Owners Group or other review sites.
We keep our prices low by relying on word-of-mouth and customer feedback, and we would appreciate hearing
what you have to say about our product. Finally, if you need service during or after the warranty period, please don’t
hesitate to contact us.
Thanks again for your support!
Herman van den Dungen
DUROB AUDIO BV

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EvoLution Series
Specications Model EVO 100 for EL34 / KT88
Power UL Stereo: 40 / 42 Watts per channel
Mono: 82 / 84 Watts
Frequency Response 12 Hz – 85 kHz +/- 1 dB
10 Hz – 95 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD with AABB Stereo: < 0.2% @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power
Mono: < 0.17% @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power
S/N Ratio 92 dB Stereo / 93 dB Mono
Input Impedance 100 kOhm
Input Sensitivity 880 mV (for rated power at maximum volume setting)
Maximum Gain 25 dB / 28 dB (EL34 / KT88)
Power Consumption 270 Watts / 280 Watts
Weight Net: 37.4 lbs / 17 kg
Shipping: 46.2 lbs / 21 kg
Dimensions 15.9” x 11” x 7.5” / 405 mm x 280 mm x 190 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs 1 pair Stereo RCA , 1 piece Mono RCA
Outputs Stereo: 4, 8 & 16 Ohm Speaker Taps
Mono: 2, 4 & 8 Ohm Speaker Taps
Tube Complement 4 x EL34, 2 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AU7
Damping Coecient 4 KD (1 kHz)
All PrimaLuna products come with PrimaLuna Silver Label tubes which are pre-selected by us following our
simple 60 out of 100 rule (PTS™ - Premium Tube Selection) and as such, are already “special” when compared to
other standard tubes on the market.

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EvoLution Series
Specications Model EVO 200 for EL34 / KT88
Power UL Stereo: 44 / 45 Watts per channel
Mono: 88 / 90 Watts
Frequency Response 10 Hz – 65 kHz +/- 1 dB
10 Hz – 95 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD with AABB Stereo: < 0.1% @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power
Mono: < 0.17% @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power
S/N Ratio 92 dB Stereo / 93 dB Mono
Input Impedance 100 kOhm
Input Sensitivity 870 / 880 mV (for rated power at maximum volume setting)
Maximum Gain 26.5 dB / 29 dB (EL34 / KT88)
Power Consumption 280 Watts
Weight Net: 50.6 lbs / 23 kg
Shipping: 61.6 lbs / 28 kg
Dimensions 15.9” x 14.4” x 8.1” / 405 mm x 365 mm x 205 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs 1 pair Stereo RCA , 1 piece Mono RCA
Outputs Stereo: 4, 8 & 16 Ohm Speaker Taps
Mono: 2, 4 & 8 Ohm Speaker Taps
Tube Complement 4 x EL34, 4 x 12AU7
Damping Coecient 4 KD (1 kHz)
All PrimaLuna products come with PrimaLuna Silver Label tubes which are pre-selected by us following our
simple 60 out of 100 rule (PTS™ - Premium Tube Selection) and as such, are already “special” when compared to
other standard tubes on the market.

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EvoLution Series
Specications Model EVO 300 for EL34 / KT88
Power UL Stereo: 40 / 42 Watts per channel
Mono: 82 / 84 Watts
Power TR Stereo: 22 / 25 Watts per channel
Mono: 45 / 50 Watts
Frequency Response 10 Hz – 70 kHz +/- 1 dB
8 Hz – 75 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD with AABB Stereo: < 0.1% @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power
Mono: < 0.17% @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power
S/N Ratio 91 dB Stereo (105dB A-Weighted)
Input Impedance 100 kOhm
Input Sensitivity 870 / 880 mV (for rated power at maximum volume setting)
Maximum Gain 26 dB / 28 dB (EL34 / KT88)
Power Consumption 300 Watts
Weight Net: 66 lbs / 30 kg
Shipping: 77 lbs / 35 kg
Dimensions 15.9” x 15.2” x 8.1” / 405 mm x 385 mm x 205 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs 1 pair Stereo RCA & XLR , 1 piece Mono RCA & XLR
Outputs Stereo: 4, 8 & 16 Ohm Speaker Taps
Mono: 2, 4 & 8 Ohm Speaker Taps
Tube Complement 4 x EL34, 6 x 12AU7
Damping Coecient 4 KD (1 kHz)
All PrimaLuna products come with PrimaLuna Silver Label tubes which are pre-selected by us following our
simple 60 out of 100 rule (PTS™ - Premium Tube Selection) and as such, are already “special” when compared to
other standard tubes on the market.

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EvoLution Series
Specications Model EVO 400 for EL34 / KT88 / KT120 / KT150
Power UL Stereo: 70 / 72 / 85 / 89 Watts per channel
Mono: 140 / 145 / 175 / 188 Watts
Power TR Stereo: 38 / 43 / 45 / 51 Watts per channel
Mono: 82 / 88 / 94 / 109 Watts
Frequency Response 9 Hz – 60 kHz +/- 1 dB
8 Hz – 70 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD with AABB Stereo / Mono: < 0.1% @ 1W; less than 2% at rated power
S/N Ratio 95 dB (105dB A-Weighted)
Input Impedance 100 kOhm
Input Sensitivity 1100 mV (for rated power at maximum volume setting)
Maximum Gain UL: 26.5 dB (Stereo); 30 dB (Mono)
TR: 24 dB (Stereo); 27 dB (Mono)
Power Consumption 470 Watts / 480 Watts / 540 Watts / 550 Watts
Weight Net: 68.2 lbs / 31 kg
Shipping: 79.2 lbs / 36 kg
Dimensions 15.9” x 15.2” x 8.1” / 405 mm x 385 mm x 205 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs 1 pair Stereo RCA & XLR , 1 piece Mono RCA & XLR
Outputs Stereo: 4, 8 & 16 Ohm Speaker Taps
Mono: 2, 4 & 8 Ohm Speaker Taps
Tube Complement 8 x EL34, 6 x 12AU7
Damping Coecient 7 KD (1 kHz)
All PrimaLuna products come with PrimaLuna Silver Label tubes which are pre-selected by us following our
simple 60 out of 100 rule (PTS™ - Premium Tube Selection) and as such, are already “special” when compared to
other standard tubes on the market.

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EvoLution Series
Warning
To prevent serious injury, electrical shock or re:
• Do not operate with the bottom plate removed. Keep away from rain and moisture.
• Disconnect the ac mains cable before changing fuses and/or tubes.
• Do not replace fuses with any fuse other than the same type and rating as used by the factory.
• Do not replace tubes without reading instructions.
• Do not replace fuses or tubes if you have any doubt about your ability to do so.
• We accept no responsibility for any personal or material damage due to incompetent use or users.
Package Contents
EVO Tube Poweramplier 1 piece
EVO UL/TR Remote Control (EVO 300 & 400 only) 1 piece
Power Cord 1 piece
This Owner’s Manual 1 piece
White Gloves 1 pair
Tube Complement See specication pages
Spare Mains Littelfuse Model 213 fuse 1 piece
Spare Adaptive Auto Bias Littelfuse Model 213 fuse 1 piece
Initial Setup
• Don’t wear a watch or rings and carefully remove the EVO Tube Poweramplier from its packaging. Once the
plastic bag has been removed, use the white gloves to prevent ngerprint smudges.
• Remove the tube cage by carefully pulling it up and away from the amplier.
• Tubes are pre-installed. Remove the protective foam surrounding the tubes.
• Check that each tube is rmly and straightly seated in its socket. Use gloves provided.
• Replace cage back in its place if desired.
• Check to see the power switch is o (down) and the bias-selector switch is in the correct position.
• Connect output of preamp with input of power amp.
• Connect your speaker wires, positive to positive, negative to negative. This unit is non-inverting.
• Plug the power cord into the amplier, then into the wall socket.
• Switch on the sources and after that the preamplier and wait for 1 minute to stabilize the circuit.
• Switch the power amplier on.
• The tubes will be warmed up and ready to use in about 60 seconds.

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Front Panel Outputs, Controls & Remote Function
PrimaLuna front panels are made from machined aluminium, nished to match the black/blue metallic chassis. No
controls are available from the front. The power switch and auto bias fuse are located on the left side of the amp, just
behind the front plate, the bias switch on the right side, just behind the front plate.

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Back Panel Inputs & Outputs
At the rear panel, you will nd your inputs and speaker terminals. Input can be switched to stereo or mono, but
NOT while the amplier is on! The speaker taps also can be used as mono or stereo (mono uses the right channel
outputs). Attach the (+) from your loudspeaker to the 2, 4, 8 or 16 Ohm terminal that most closely matches the
average impedance of your loudspeakers. The (-) from your loudspeaker attaches to the 0 Ohm terminal. Experiment
using dierent impedances to nd the best match for your speakers. Don’t make any assumptions... Trust your ears!

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EvoLution Series
Remote Control (EVO 300 & 400 Only)
Attention! Due to increasingly stringent safety
measures, your remote control may arrive without batteries
installed.
The function of the EVO Tube Poweramplier Remote
Control is self-explanatory: It controls TR/UL selection.
This is also possible with the larger system remote, which
also has source selection, volume & mute functions for
PrimaLuna preamps and integrated ampliers. The system
remote will also control the basic functions of PrimaLuna
CD players.
The EVO Remote Controls have two high-quality rubber
rings on each end to protect it from being damaged or
damaging your furniture. These rings can be easily removed
in case batteries have to be replaced.
In the event your remote control does not function, please
rst check the battery/batteries. To access the battery
compartment, remove the rubber rings and unscrew the
back plate. The Poweramplier remote requires a 2mm Hex
key (allen wrench) to open.
WARNING: Do NOT use rechargeable batteries!
If the remote still does not function after checking the
batteries, contact your dealer for further assistance.

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Adaptive AutoBias™
PrimaLuna’s exclusive Adaptive AutoBias™ circuit monitors and smoothly adjusts bias constantly and instantly,
reducing maintenance and increasing performance due to the dramatic reduction in distortion. The genius of this
design is that the Adaptive AutoBias™ actually improves the overall sound quality and performance of the amp.
Between 12 and 30Watts, measured distortion levels drop by over 40%. In addition, tubes do not have to be matched,
and there are no bias (re-)adjustments needed, ever.
The new generation Adaptive Auto Bias™ circuit comes with a new extensive output stage protection circuitry with
+B relay to protect output transformers, resistors and high voltage power supply in case a tube fails. This circuit is
also protected with an easily accessible fuse located next to the on / o power switch.
Bias Switch
The EVO Tube Powerampliers come with a bias level switch. This means that by the ip of a switch you can
choose the optimum bias setting for the output tube being used. Low Bias is for EL34s (or equivalent tubes)
or High Bias for KT88s, KT120s or KT150s (or equivalent tubes). No hassle with screwdrivers, no messing
around with meters etc. If you swap tubes, simply ip the switch (with volume down!) for optimum bias!
Should you use the“wrong” bias setting for the tubes in use, don’t worry! It just means you did not choose
the “optimum”bias setting as decided by the PrimaLuna design team

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Ultra-linear / Triode Switching
Your EVO 300 and 400 Poweramplier aords you the opportunity to switch between Ultra-linear and Triode output
modes by remote control. You need not turn o the amp to switch between modes; you can switch while the unit is
operating. You may hear a faint click through your speakers, it is normal and in no way harmful.
Your EVO 300 and 400 Poweramplier will always start in Ultra-linear mode when powered up. Centered on the front
panel are two LEDs which indicate the mode in which the amp is functioning: Red—Ultra-linear; Green—Triode.
Ultra-linear Mode vs. Triode Mode
The term ultralinear design exerts a tighter grip on the speakers and produces music more likely to be described
as accurate, dynamic, with great inner detail. The top and bottom end take on more “pop” and excitement. Triode
sound is best described as warmer on top and bottom, a little compressed, with the midband now slightly more
pronounced. The sound is more relaxed. In absolute terms it will not play as loud as maximum power drops by
roughly half compared to Ultralinear.

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Tube Basics
Signal tubes like the 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes will have a lifespan between 5,000 and 10,000 hours. The life span of
power tubes is more dicult to predict; it greatly depends on how“gently” or “roughly” you use your amplier. In
general, under normal conditions, you can gure between 2,000 and 3,000 hours.
Here are some guidelines on using tubes:
• Do not use treatments on tube pins or in sockets.
• If you decide to experiment with other tube types, it’s best not to swap tubes in and out repeatedly. To do so
requires you to turn your amplier o and on and you never want to cycle ampliers on and o rapidly. They
should be left o for at least ve minutes. Further, every time you insert a tube, you stand a chance of loosening
the tube sockets. It’s okay to have fun, and we support that, but don’t go crazy and swap tubes in and out twenty
times a day.
• Do not leave the amplier on 24 hours a day. Just a short warm-up is required for the PrimaLuna to get into its
groove.
• Break-in yields improvements. Every tube, when new, needs to be left alone for a little while. So, when your
amplier is new, or when you re-tube it, allow a little time to settle in. Signal tubes can take anywhere from 24-72
hours to break in. Power tubes may require more time depending on the type of tube.
• Tubes can vary electrically. By plugging in the wrong type of tube you can damage the amplier and void your
warranty. Only use tubes that are expressly mentioned in this owner’s manual.
Most tubes, including all power tubes that can be used in your EvoLution
Poweramplier, have a “center locating key” which must line up with the
socket! If you misalign them and use brute force to push the tube in place,
you will damage important and expensive parts of your amplier! This
damage will void your warranty so use caution when installing power
tubes!

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EvoLution Series
Fuse Protection
Warning! Fuses are safety valves. They should always be replaced with the exact same value and type. Never attempt
to check or replace a fuse while the amp is plugged in. Turn it o and unplug the AC cord before continuing. Wait 10
minutes to let tubes cool down and the circuit to fully discharge.
Mains Fuse: The mains fuse is located on the rear of the amplier, just below the
power cord socket (see picture on the left). The fuse rating is 1 x Littelfuse 213 Series
3.15A Slow Blow 5 x 20mm fuse for 100-125VAC and Littelfuse 213 Series 1.6A Slow
Blow 5 x 20mm fuse for 200-250VAC. Always replace with the same type and value
fuse! The fuse holder can be opened using a small slotted at blade screwdriver.
The IEC connector is mounted with 2 dierent color screws. One silver, one black.
The silver screw indicates the Live AC in the IEC connector. It helps with the“correct”
connection to AC. Nevertheless always check the AC cable by measuring as not
every AC cable is constructed the same way.
The Adaptive Auto Bias Board is protected with an easily accessible Littelfuse 213 315mA
fuse located next to the on / o power switch.
Electronic Protection
The PrimaLuna EVO Tube Powerampliers are equipped with Soft Start™ and come with an extensive output stage
protection circuitry with +B relay to protect output transformers, resistors and high voltage power supply in case a
tube fails.
The board also comes with a BTI™ circuit. BTI™ stands for Bad Tube Indication (by the change of front LED to red),
making tube-life again a bit easier. The BTI™ circuit is totally inactive during normal operation. However when one
(or more) output tube(s) draw(s) signicantly more current than normal for a couple of seconds, such as when a
loudspeaker terminal short-circuits with volume turned up, or in the case of an output tube failure, the BTI™ circuit
“reads” the changes as a potential threat and as a protective measure, interrupts the power supply. It indicates,
by the led in front of the power tube, which tube might be bad. To reset, simply turn the power o and after two
minutes, turn back on.
However, you do not want to repower the unit until the cause of the failure has been identied and resolved.
Switching the power back on too early also can fool the BTI™ circuit into acting as though the problem has not been
totally resolved and it may put the amp back into protection mode again. So be sure to give it enough time to reset!

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Troubleshooting Tips
No output. The power switch is on, but the power LED is o and tubes do not light up.
• AC cable makes a bad connection in the IEC connector. Please check.
• Mains fuse is broken. Please check.
• PTP™ (PowerTransformer Protection) protection may have switched o the power transformer. If so, the amplier
will switch on again after the internal temperature of the power transformer returns to normal. Overheating
might be caused by higher environment temperature than normal or heavy use.
No output. The power switch is on, the front LED is green and tubes do light up.
• Adaptive Auto Bias Board fuse is broken. Please check and replace if necessary. If the fuse is blown again, you
may have a faulty power tube. Consult your dealer for possible solutions.
No output. The power switch is on, the front LED is red and LED in front of a power tube MIGHT light up.
• BTI™ circuit has switched o the high voltage supply to the power output tubes. This can happen, for example,
when one (or more) output tube(s) draw(s) signicantly more current than normal, like what can happen when
a loudspeaker terminal is short-circuited with the volume turned up. Check your speaker connections.
• Possible output tube failure. In case of an output tube failure, the BTI™ circuit will interrupt the high voltage
supply to the power tubes as a protective measure. The front LED will turn red and you may also see a red LED
in front of one or more power tubes. Replace the tube(s) that are indicated as bad; you may also need to check/
replace the fuse as indicated above.
Noise or hum coming from one channel only (even when you change your volume setting).
• Noisy tube. At rst swap the two inner small tubes left to right. If noise follows the tube swap then you have
found the problem tube. If noise does not follow, swap the next set of two small tubes left to right, eventually
the next set in case your amplier has 6 small tubes.
• Possible bad output tube. Swap the output tubes in pairs from right to left. If hum follows the swap, swap the far
left and far right tubes. If the hum returns to the original problem channel, you have found the problem tube. If
not, swap the inside output tubes left to right.
Noise/distortion coming from both channels.
• Tubes may be in need of replacement.
Hum coming from both channels that remains constant at all volume levels.
• Possible ground loop. Disconnect all components from your amp except your speakers. If the hum goes away, it
conrms the ground loop. Discuss possible solutions with your dealer.

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Warranty Information
Two-year limited warranty for parts & labor
Six-month warranty on stock vacuum tubes
Terms & Conditions
1. Limited to the original purchaser. This warranty is for the sole benet of the original purchaser of the covered
product, and may not be transferred to a subsequent owner.
2. Conditions & Limitations. This warranty is subject to conditions and limitations, as follows. This warranty is
void and inapplicable if the product has not been used in accordance with the instructions found elsewhere in
this manual, or if it has been misused, abused, damaged by accident or neglect, or in transport once in possession
of purchaser. The warranty is also void if the product has been tampered with, modied, or has been repaired by
anyone other than Durob Audio BV or its specically authorized representatives.
3. Remedy. If this product contains material, manufacturing, or workmanship defects, it must be packed in original
packaging and returned to Durob Audio BV or its authorized representative via insured freight, at the owner’s
expense. Returned products must be accompanied by a written description of the defect, and a return authorization
number (available from Durob Audio BV or the authorized representative via e-mail). Upon receipt of the defective
product, Durob Audio BV or the authorized representative agrees to repair the product without charge for parts
(except vacuum tubes if the unit is more than 6 months old), or labor. The product will then returned via prepaid,
insured freight, with the carrier at the sole determination of Durob Audio BV or the authorized representative. This
constitutes the purchaser’s sole remedy.
4. Design change. Durob Audio BV and its partners reserve the right to modify their products or change specications
at any time without obligation or liability to previous purchasers.
5. Miscellaneous. Any implied warranties relating to the above product shall be limited to the duration of this
warranty. This warranty does not extend to any identical or consequential costs or damages to purchaser or third
parties. Our liability will be no more than the amount you paid for the product that is the subject of a claim. This is
the maximum amount for which we are responsible. This warranty gives you specic legal rights. You may also have
other rights which vary from country to country and state to state.

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NOTES

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NOTES

EvoLution Series
Please contact us to register your PrimaLuna EVO tube product. We will keep you updated on any upgrades
or any other information related to your product. If you wish to comment on your PrimaLuna EVO tube
product, please do. If you want to send us a review of your experience with the amplier, you are more
than welcome to. If you want to chat with other PrimaLuna owners, join the completely independent
FaceBook PrimaLuna Ampliers Owners Group. If you have any technical questions, please don’t hesitate
to contact us. We thank you upfront for your time and attention.
National distribution:
PrimaLuna USA
2058 Wright Ave
La Verne CA 91750
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.primaluna-usa.com
Worldwide distribution:
Durob Audio BV
P.O. Box 109
5250 AC Vlijmen
The Netherlands
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.primaluna.nl