Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Auto bias feature allows for easy tube rolling and extends tube life
- Focuses on a strong mid-range, producing buttery smooth vocals and guitars that pop out in the mix
- Point-to-point hand wiring contributes to superior sound quality
- Versatile amplifier that sounds good across a range of different speakers
- Has a 100% tube-based headphone amplifier that can stand up to others around the $1,000 mark
Product Considerations
- Tubes will eventually need replacing
- Sensitive volume knob, particularly with efficient speakers, making precise adjustments challenging
- Bass extension is not as hefty as some similarly priced solid-state models
- Remote control is not supplied with a battery, requiring a specific round flat type
- There is some slight noise at idle when using the headphone amp
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- EVO 200 has a wider soundstage than the Exposure, as if someone had remixed the whole track
- EVO 200 pre sounds warmer, more dynamic, and transparent compared to the Herron preamp
Takeaway: The PrimaLuna EVO 200 is a flexible amplifier that is easy to use and is built with quality components. It gives warmth and fun to music, so it's great for anyone who wants to get into tube amps or already likes them.
All
EVO 200 (Power Amplifier)
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Power: 44 watts x 2 (EL34) (8Ω, 1% THD)
- Power Mono: 88 watts (EL34) (8Ω, 1% THD)
- Inputs: Stereo RCA
- Outputs: 4, 8, & 16 Ω (stereo), 2, 4, & 8 Ω (mono)
- THD: < 0.1% @ 1W, < 2% @ Rated Power
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-65kHz +/- 1dB, 7Hz-95kHz +/- 3dB
- S/N Ratio: 92dB (stereo), 93dB (mono)
- Input Sensitivity: 870mV (stereo), 880mV (mono)
- Input Impedance: 100kΩ
- Power Consumption: 280 watts
- Tube Complement: 4 - 12AU7, 4 - EL34
- Dimensions: 14.4" x 8.1" x 15.9" (WxHxD)
- Weight: 50.6 lbs
Power transformers generate two types of noise, magnetic and acoustic. That's why toroidal power transformers are used in the very best audio products. Compared to standard transformers, toroids radiate about 1/10 the magnetic field that pollutes music and obscures detail. Additionally, the absence of an air gap typically means toroids have an 8:1 reduction of acoustic noise.
Output transformers are the most important part of any tube amp. They determine how low the bass will reach and how high the top end goes. 250 watts of power will have no top and bottom extension if the output transformers don't have the bandwidth. We use lower power to extend tube life, and bandwidth to give you slam. Transformers are the most expensive components in an amplifier, so manufacturers save money by using 'off the shelf' units available on the market. PrimaLuna output transformers are custom-designed, wound in-house, and massive.
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- PrimaLuna amplifiers feature Adaptive AutoBias, a proprietary circuit that automatically adjusts bias for optimal performance and extended tube life, accommodating a wide range of tube types without manual adjustments.
- They utilize custom-wound toroidal transformers, meticulously designed in-house and potted in a non-microphonic resin, to minimize noise and ensure optimal performance across the frequency spectrum.
- PrimaLuna employs point-to-point wiring in their products, hand-wiring critical audio signal paths with high-quality components to achieve superior signal integrity and sonic purity.
- EVO models offer a home theater bypass input, allowing seamless integration into multi-channel systems by routing the front channels directly to the amplifier section, bypassing the preamp stage.
Select products
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Power Amplifier
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a robust sound with its Adaptive AutoBias technology, which ensures optimal tube performance and longevity. Unlike higher models, it lacks features like triode/ultra-linear switching, making it ideal for small rooms or those with a limited budget who still want quality tube sound.
PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Power Amplifier
- Positioning: High-end model, offering advanced features and superior performance.
- Description: Features remote-controlled triode/ultra-linear switching, providing flexibility in sound tuning for different music genres. It includes premium components like Swiss-made wiring and Takman resistors, which are not found in the EVO 100.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
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Used
PrimaLuna
What if you spend more?
Linear Tube Audio is proud to present the ZOTL40 Reference+ amplifier. A worthy flagship and the most refined manifestation of David Berning’s ZOTL design. The latest iteration of LTA's EL34-based amplifier, the ZOTL40 Reference includes a new chassis, component improvements, and is supplied with NOS EL34s that take this 50 watt-per-channel amp to a new level. The ZOTL40 uses EL34 tubes, one of the best midrange tubes ever invented, so it has very solid midrange and authoritative punch.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Finely nuanced, single-ended power amp that manages to toe the line between a classic tube sound, and a modern, solid-state A/B amplifier
- Amazingly lightweight due to the elimination of the normal tube output transformers
- The quietest tube amp the reviewer has ever had the pleasure to use, with no tube rush, hum, or crackling, even at idle
- Exhibits midrange mastery, while having exceptionally wide frequency response, and a neutral-naturalness
- An extremely quiet noise floor was even more obvious with a passive linestage, with space between the notes, and a greater level of transparency
Product Considerations
- The sound is changeable, and decidedly affected by what is driving it
- Dynamics were more constricted and the stage somewhat smaller when driven by a passive linestage
Takeaway: The ZOTL40 Reference is a great amp that makes music sound beautiful and is quiet while doing it. It will allow for hours of enjoyable listening without fatigue.
Video review
Our take on the brand
A Push-pull power amplifier with 50 watts per channel stereo utilising eight EL34 (four per channel) into 4, 8 and 16 ohms. Self-biasing operations with balanced or unbalanced inputs. Chrome facia.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- More musically convincing, more detailed, more harmonious, more linear, and more transparent than any other similar EL34 design at any price.
- Piano music is most perfect and quick, with purity of tone and tambour with proper richness and speed.
- Silent with totally black backgrounds, micro and macro dynamics are unrestricted and natural.
- Reveals its glory quickly due to its transparency.
- Excellent fit and finish and it worked right out of the box.
Product Considerations
- Thick or lean sounding cables will make the 534 sound thick or lean, and it needs top-quality isolation and support.
- The reviewer recommends buying the 534 new as they haven't auditioned the original from the beginning of the century.
- The only major flaw is that it doesn't have 500 watts per channel, but a custom one can be ordered for a very high price.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs E.A.R. 890: The 890 is more robust and powerful, but not more convincing if your speakers don't need the power.
- Vs Cary Audio Custom 300B: The 534 is vastly superior.
Takeaway: The E.A.R. 534 is a musically convincing and transparent amplifier that reveals nuances in music. It is easy to place, beautiful to look at, and can make vocals and piano sound exquisite.
Video review
Our take on the brand
For those who demand the best, but want to keep things simple. The Z40+ Integrated amplifier delivers the magic, realism, and 3D soundstage of our patented ZOTL technology, all in one (gorgeous) package. A single-component solution, the Z40+ Integrated amplifier incorporates the acclaimed ZOTL40+ Reference power amplifier, a Berning-designed preamplifier, and LTA’s digital control system–beautifully packaged in a Fern & Roby-designed case. The Z40i+ generates up to 51 watts per channel. This means the Z40i+ can easily drive speakers with sensitivity ratings at or above 85db for critical listening. For smaller rooms or non-critical listening, it can drive speakers rated down to 80db. In any configuration, listeners enjoy startling realism, plentiful bass, low noise, plus gorgeous mids and highs.
Product Strengths
- Balanced and musically persuasive presentation, making it convincing across various music genres
- Superb control coupled with a timbrally rich sound and expansive sound image—wonderfully nuanced and inviting
- Transparent, detail-oriented sound that doesn't sacrifice the body and soul of the music
- The design uses David Berning's ZOTL technology, aiming to deliver tube richness with solid-state resolve and speed
Product Considerations
- May require higher sensitivity speakers to perform optimally, especially in larger rooms
- The lack of dedicated subwoofer outputs might be a drawback for some users
- Its transparent nature means that poorly mastered recordings will be revealed as such
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Z40+ leans to a richer and more fluid sound, whereas the SoulNote A-2 is more concerned with resolution and clarity
- Compared to Pass Labs XP30 preamp and a First Watt F7 power amp, the Pass Labs sounded warmer, fleshier, and bigger, however, the Linear Tube Audio amp had more life to it
- Compared to Pass Labs XP30 preamp and an XA25 Pass Labs amplifier, the Linear Tube Audio has more density to the sound and is more solid sounding than the XA25 with the XP30
Takeaway: The Z40+ offers a unique combination of tube and solid-state qualities, providing a detailed yet musical listening experience. Its design and high-quality components aim to deliver a transparent and honest sound, suitable for a wide range of music and audiophiles who appreciate sonic purity
Video review
Our take on the brand
The A35.8 is Primare’s most powerful and flexible multi-channel amplifier, designed to serve the needs of virtually any high-performance multi-channel system through its ability for each pair of channels to be bridged to mono for an incredible level of power delivery and system building options, including 1500 watts of total output in a fully bridged bi-amped stereo configuration. Shipping June 2022!
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The A35.8 provides eight channels of 'unimpeachable Class D power in a fairly compact and very flexible package'
- Flexible configuration options for power output to speakers are available, such as bi-amping and bridging
- Each stereo pair can be bridged separately to make four times 375 watts (8 Ohms) from the eight times 150 watts
- Fault-free sound quality
- High quality fit and finish
- The A35.8 offers flexible connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The 20-amp power inlet is the seldom-seen variety with three horizontal blades
- The speaker output posts are spaced too widely for dual-banana plugs
- Cabling can be tricky
- A high current power cord is needed
- Lower gain is present, though this doesn't necessarily need to be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M28, the A35.8 gets you one more channel and more versatility for a 10% price increase
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Benchmark presented a more neutral tonal balance and undistorted soundstage
- Vs NAD C 298 stereo amplifiers, the Primare seemed slightly more forward, often conveying an appealing liveliness
Takeaway: The A35.8 power amplifier is a flexible and versatile product worth considering for anyone seeking a high-quality multi-channel setup. Its ability to bridge channels offers many ways to configure your speaker system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The EVO 300 runs EL34 tubes at a conservative 440 volts, increasing tube life and reliability
- Adaptive auto bias ensures tubes work together in their perfect linear operating position, reducing distortion and extending tube life
- Point-to-point wiring gives the product an intrinsic value and increases longevity
- High-quality components like TACMAN resistors, Nichicon capacitors, and Swiss-made silver-plated oxygen-free copper wiring are used
- It includes an AC Offset Killer to reduce mechanical hum from the power transformer
Product Considerations
- EL34 tubes are not as durable as KT120s
- If KT-150 tubes are used, the tube cage cannot be installed, because the tubes are too tall
- Switching from ultralinear to triode operation cuts the power in half, requiring volume adjustment for fair comparison
- The reviewer recommends using the speaker tap that 'sounds best' rather than relying on the speaker's impedance rating
Takeaway: The EVO 300 Power Amp is a high-quality amplifier designed for everyday use and long-term reliability. Its flexible design lets you experiment with different tubes and sound signatures.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Top-quality finish and material selection
- Beautifully smooth and particularly natural sound reproduction
- Little sound of its own, so no typical tube coloring
- Tight bass
- Excellent price-performance ratio
Product Considerations
- Tubes require occasional extra attention
- Tubes need to be replaced every few years
- The power amplifier requires more space due to heat dissipation
Takeaway: The Trafomatic Evolution Line One and Elegance offer top-class pre- and power amplifiers with star quality for the price of an excellent integrated amplifier. Any music lover should quickly be able to embrace these two products.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines the tonal qualities of tubes with the power of solid-state amplification, combining the great aspects of both technologies
- Delivers a clean, detailed, dynamic, and musically insightful sound
- Well-built with high-quality components, including point-to-point wiring in the preamp section
- Includes a headphone amplifier powered by the same internal amp as the speakers, not an op-amp
- Multiple inputs and functions, including home theater bypass, subwoofer output, and tape output
Product Considerations
- Lacks balanced inputs and a pre-amplifier output
- The volume control can be very sensitive at low levels
- Optional MM phono stage requires additional purchase
- Requires good ventilation due to running warm
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Cambridge Audio Edge NQ / 2 x Gold Note PA-10 setup, the EVO 300 Hybrid delivers a level of engagement that was captivating, the improvement over the normal setup slightly disconcerting
- Versus Schiit Jotunheim, the PrimaLuna bested it, with a slightly cleaner sound that let a touch more detail through
Takeaway: The PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid offers a balance of tube warmth and solid-state power to give listeners the best of both worlds. Its detailed sound, robust build, and versatility make it a worthwhile addition to any audiophile's system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Built to last with point-to-point wiring and best materials with new technology, like adaptive auto bias
- Adaptive AutoBias ensures the EVO 400 will accommodate almost any power tube
- Offers switchable triode/ultralinear operation
- High-quality components, like Japanese Takman resistors
Product Considerations
- Feet may react with wooden shelves and some finishes
- A magazine reviewer tripped over the amp, causing a catastrophic tube failure, which was addressed with doomsday fuses
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Better than Marantz because PrimaLuna uses best materials made today and new technology
Takeaway:
The EVO series has good engineering and quality parts, making it a product that can last and has good value for the money. The adaptive auto-bias and ability to use different tubes makes it versatile and easy to use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The M23's build quality feels solid and elegant, with impressive small design details
- The sound is striking in its purity and clarity
- It offers up to three levels of gain, switchable on the back panel, to best fit the system
- It provides a clear sound without sounding hard
- It features Purifi Eigentakt Class D amplification, which provides virtually unmeasurable distortion levels
Product Considerations
- The bass is clean but may be perceived as a little on the cool side and not as 'wompy-sounding'
- The M23 is not a forgiving amplifier that makes everything sound sweet and wonderful—it's not for those seeking a soft and mellow sound
- Bridging with speakers below 5 or 6 ohms is not recommended, as the amp will current limit and potentially shut down
- The reviewer found ergonomical challenges using fancy speaker cables in bridged mode due to wide terminal spacing
- The capacitive touch power button can accidentally trigger
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bel Canto C6i: The M23 offered a layer of refinement and better reproduction of the recording space
- Vs Pass XA25: The M23 had more transparent sound and detail, especially in the treble and upper mids, but lacked the organic quality of the XA25
- Vs HiFi Rose RS 520: The M23 sounded cleaner and had better separation/depth, HiFi Rose seemed to have an EQ built-in, emphasizing midrange and bass
- Vs NAD C298: The M23 is more neutral, deals with decay more naturally, and has better casework, making it look high-end
- Vs Anthem M1 monoblock amplifiers: The M23 was slightly more transparent throughout the entire frequency range
- Vs Bryston 4B 3: The Bryston had more grunt but the M23 is more neutral
Takeaway: The NAD M23 is a powerful and precise amplifier that delivers clean and clear sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want to hear their music as accurately as possible. It is especially well-suited for those looking to build a high-end system around a quality preamp or DAC.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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