PrimaLuna EvoLution Series User manual

EvoLution Series
Tube Preampli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
Home Theater Pass-Through 12
Optional PhonoLogue Board 13
Tube Basics 14
Fuse Protection - Electronic Protection 15
Troubleshooting 15
Warranty Information 16
Notes 17
PrimaLuna Name & More 18
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 Preampliers at the heart of your music
system. The EVO Tube Preampliers are the newest versions of the original rst members of this 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 Preamplier features:
• 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 all EVO Tube Preampliers.
• Premium parts that include separate toroidal and EI transformers for left and right channel power supply; wide
bandwidth for great bass and extended highs; ceramic tube sockets; motorized ALPS volume control; Nichicon
and DuRoch capacitors; 5AR4 tube-rectier-circuitry; gold-plated panel mounted RCA and XLR (EVO 400 only)
input and output jacks.
• A 100% shielded Phono chassis for mounting our optional MM PhonoLogue circuit.
• SoftStart™ circuit for extended life of sensitive components, reduced chance of tube failure from thermal shock.
• 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 preamp will repower and function properly.
• LIVE side of the AC input connector indicated by aluminium color screw.
• A minimum of 4 line-level inputs (RCA or XLR), depending on the model you own.
• 1 pair of RCA Tape Out, 2 pairs pre-out (RCA or XLR), depending on the model you own.
We hope that our PrimaLuna EVO Tube Preampli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
Output Voltage 2 Volts / Channel
Frequency Response 28 Hz – 50 kHz +/- 1 dB
15 Hz – 80 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD < 0.2% @ 2V
S/N Ratio 93 dB (100 dB A weighted)
Input Impedance 220 kOhm
Input Sensitivity 580 mV (for rated output at maximum volume setting)
Gain 10.8 dB
Power Consumption 52 Watts
Weight Net: 30.8 lbs / 14 kg
Shipping: 39.6 lbs / 18 kg
Dimensions 15.9” x 11”x 7.5” / 405 mm x 280 mm x 190 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs 4 pairs Stereo RCA
Outputs 1 pair RCA Tape, 2 pairs Stereo RCA
Tube Complement 2 x 5AR4, 2 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AU7
Output Impedance 2800 Ohm
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
Output Voltage 2 Volts / Channel
Frequency Response 28 Hz – 43 kHz +/- 1 dB
14 Hz – 92 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD < 0.5% @ 2V
S/N Ratio 93 dB (100 dB A weighted)
Input Impedance 220 kOhm
Input Sensitivity 620 mV (for rated output at maximum volume setting)
Gain 10 dB
Power Consumption 51 Watts
Weight Net: 39.6 lbs / 18 kg
Shipping: 48.4 lbs / 22 kg
Dimensions 15.9” x 14.4” x 8.1” / 405 mm x 365 mm x 205 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs 4 pairs Stereo RCA, 1 pair Home Theater
Outputs 1 pair RCA Tape, 2 pairs Stereo RCA
Tube Complement 2 x 5AR4, 4 x 12AU7
Output Impedance 2800 Ohm
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
Output Voltage 2 Volts / Channel
Frequency Response 18 Hz – 38 kHz +/- 1 dB
12 Hz – 75 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD < 0.5% @ 2V
S/N Ratio 93 dB (98 dB A weighted)
Input Impedance 220 kOhm
Input Sensitivity 650 mV (for rated output at maximum volume setting)
Gain 9.7 dB
Power Consumption 61 Watts
Weight Net: 52.8 lbs / 24 kg
Shipping: 63.8 lbs / 29 kg
Dimensions 15.9” x 15.2” x 8.1” / 405 mm x 385 mm x 205 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs 5 pairs Stereo RCA. 1 pair Home Theater
Outputs 1 pair RCA Tape, 2 pairs Stereo RCA
Tube Complement 2 x 5AR4, 6 x 12AU7
Output Impedance 256 Ohm
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
Output Voltage 2 Volts / Channel
Frequency Response 18 Hz – 38 kHz +/- 1 dB
12 Hz – 75 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD < 0.5% @ 2V
S/N Ratio 93 dB (98 dB A weighted)
Input Impedance 220 kOhm
Input Sensitivity 650 mV (for rated output at maximum volume setting)
Gain 9.7 dB
Power Consumption 61 Watts
Weight Net: 52.8 lbs / 24 kg
Shipping: 63.8 lbs / 29 kg
Dimensions 15.9” x 15.2” x 8.1” / 405 mm x 385 mm x 205 mm (L x W x H)
Inputs 3 pairs Stereo RCA, 2 pairs Stereo XLR. 1 pair Home Theater RCA
Outputs 1 pair RCA Tape, 1 pair Stereo RCA, 1 pair Stereo XLR
Tube Complement 2 x 5AR4, 6 x 12AU7
Output Impedance 256 Ohm
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 Preamplier 1 piece
EVO Remote Control 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
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.
• 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).
• Connect each source to the corresponding inputs.
• Connect the output of your preamplier with input of your power amp.
• Plug the power cord into the preampli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.
• The tubes will be warmed up and ready to use in about 60 seconds. The power LED will go from red to green,
indicating it is now safe to turn on your power amp.

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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. The
volume is controlled with the knob on the left, source selection is on the right. Both volume and source can also be
selected by remote control. Your sources are labeled AUX 1, AUX 2, etc (no functional dierences between these) and
HT (HT input not available on EVO 100). The heavy metal remote control that comes with your PrimaLuna EVO Tube
Preamplier can be used for selecting sources and adjusting volume. It also can be used to control functions on all
PrimaLuna CD players. The power switch is located on the left side of the amp, just behind the front plate

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Back Panel Inputs & Outputs
At the rear panel, you will nd your inputs including the HT pass-through, Tape Out, and Preamp Outputs.

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Remote Control
Attention! Due to increasingly stringent safety
measures, your remote control may arrive without batteries
installed.
The function of the EVO Tube Preamplier Remote Control
is self-explanatory: It controls 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 larger remote
included with the EVO 300 & 400 models also controls the
triode/ultra-linear switching function of the EVO 300 & 400
series Powerampliers
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 slim remote requires a 2mm Hex key (allen
wrench) to open, while the large remote requres a philips
head screwdriver.
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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Home Theater Pass-Through
Your PrimaLunaTube Preamplier or Integrated Amplier might be equipped with a home theater pass-through that
allows you to enjoy your stereo source material and the 2 main channels of your separate home theater processor.
The home theater passes thru completely removes the preamp section from the signal path.
Connecting Your Surround Sound Component
To avoid damaging your equipment, always make sure everything is turned o and unplugged from the wall before
connecting your components. Connect your stereo sources and speakers as normal.
To integrate your PrimaLuna Tube Preamplier or Integrated Amplier into your home theater system, take the front
left & right preamp outputs from your A/V processor or receiver and plug them into the“HT”input on the back of the
PrimaLuna Tube Preamplier or Integrated Amplier.
When you want to watch a movie, simply turn the PrimaLuna Tube Preamplier or Integrated Amplier on, and
switch the input to“HT.”
Attention: double-check if the volume of your home theatre processor is at minimum! Now control the volume
via your home theater processor as normal.
We recommend you go into the setup menu of your processor to match the levels of the front Left & Right speakers
to match the volume of your center channel. Consult your processor’s manual for more information.

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Every EVO Integrated Amplier and Preamplier comes standard with an extra chassis mounted on the bottom
plate. This extra chassis is meant for installation of our MM PhonoLogue board. It provides extra space, (which is
very limited in most PrimaLuna EVO models) and it provides an extra shielded environment for less hum and noise.
PhonoLogue MM Board (optional)
Our PhonoLogue phono stage can be installed at any time by your dealer or any qualied person. Ask for the
PhonoLogue installation bulletin.
The PhonoLogue MM phono stage with RIAA equalization takes the place of the AUX2 input. It provides superior
sound quality on a tiny footprint. We use Surface Mount Technology implementation for shortest signal paths as
well as minimum parasitic capacitances and inductances. Excellent parts throughout, selected on sound quality as
rst priority: miniature lm capacitors, minimelf resistors, superior opamp for highest accuracy, lowest noise, highest
speed and most robust drive capabilities into the RIAA correction stage, resulting in a very detailed, open and lifelike
sound from any LP record. Low impedance electrolytics, super low-noise power supply. Dimensions: About the size
of a large postage stamp!
PhonoLogue Chassis & Optional Phonostage
Specications:
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz
Input Impedance: 50 kOhm
Gain: 42dB (127x)
RIAA accuracy: <0,5B 20Hz - 20kHz
Overload Margin: >20dB rel 5mV
Harmonic Distortion & noise: -83dB
Size: 3.2 x 3.8 cm (1.26” x 1.5”)

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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 preamplier o and on and you never want to cycle preamps 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 preampli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 to
72 hours to break in, sometimes more.
• 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.
Some tubes, including the 5AR4 rectier tubes in your EvoLotion Series
Preampli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 preamplier! This
damage will void your warranty so use caution when installing power
tubes!

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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 1A Slow Blow 5 x 20mm fuse for 100-125VAC and Littelfuse 213 Series 0.5A
(500mA) 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.
Troubleshooting Tips
No output. The power switch is on, but the power LED is o and tubes do not light up.
• AC cable has a poor 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.
Noise or hum coming from one channel (eventually 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 rectier tube. Swap the rectier tubes from right to left. If hum follows the swap, you have found
the problem tube.
Noise/distortion coming from both channels
• Tubes may be in need of replacement. Consult with your dealer.
Hum coming from both channels that remains constant at all volume levels
• Possible ground loop. Disconnect all components from your preamp except your amp/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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EvoLution Series
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