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
- One of the most powerful headphone amplifiers available, providing 9 watts per channel into 50 ohms
- A massive, deep, holographic, and 3D soundstage expands headphone listening
- High-quality components, including custom-made transformers and Mundorf capacitors, lower the noise floor without using negative feedback
- Built like a tank, with oversized parts for heat dissipation, including metallic fins
- It is able to bring life into lifeless-sounding headphones
- Last bullets: Connectivity options
Product Considerations
- It is a very large and heavy unit, around 30 kg or 66 lbs
- The unit consumes 280 watts constantly and generates a lot of heat, so it needs good ventilation and is not ideal for small spaces
- The tubes have a limited lifespan, around 5,000 hours, and are expensive to replace
- It does not have a gain switch, so it can be too powerful for very sensitive IEMs, in-ear monitors, and requires careful volume adjustment
- The XLR input is not truly balanced given the circuit's single-ended nature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Benchmark HPA4, the Primavera is thumpier, more impactful, and more dynamic sounding
- Compared to Enleum AMP-23R, the Primavera does dynamics better, especially with lower-sensitivity headphones, while AMP-23R is slightly faster
- Compared to Trafomatic Head 2, the Primavera offers 9W per channel, driving every possible headphone
- Compared to Riviera Audio Labs AIC10, Feliks Envy and Cayin HA-300 MKII, the amplifiers are smaller sounding
- Compared to solid-state amplifiers, the Primavera is fuller-bodied
Takeaway: The Primavera headphone amplifier is a powerful, high-end product designed to bring out the best in all headphones, with a big and impactful sound. This is recommended for those looking for a headphone amplifier that makes listening more enjoyable.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Primavera
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Class of operation: Single End DHT class A
- Tubes: 1x 6S45P and 1x SV 811-10 (SV572-10) per channel
- Input voltage: 230V/50Hz- 115V/60Hz selectable
- Power consumption: 280VA
- Headphone Output impedance: 25 - 50 -100 - 300 and 600ohms
- Gain: 33 dB
- Maximum output power on headphone output: 9W into 50 ohms
- THD at 0.5W/1kHz: 0.2%
- Output for headphones: Neutrik 4 pins balanced connector + ¼" Neutrik connector + 2 x Neutrik 3 pins balanced connectors
- Inputs: XLR + RCA
- Input sensitivity: 0.5Veff
- Input impedance: 47Kohm
- Frequency bandwidth: 10Hz (-1dB) - 80KHz (-3dB)
- S/N: 88dB
- Weight: 30 kg (66.14 lbs)
- Dimensions: W 340 x D 480 x H240 mm (13.39" x 18.90" x 9.45")
Description
Primavera is the reborning in our lifes cycles. It's the time when we celebrate the season of renewal and regrowth. The brand new Primavera headphone amplifier from Trafomatic Audio is precisely this, a new, fresh approach for the most intimate listening, and is here to stay for all the years around.
Primavera is the reborning in our lifes cycles. It's the time when we celebrate the season of renewal and regrowth.
The brand new Primavera headphone amplifier from Trafomatic Audio is precisely this, a new, fresh approach for the most intimate listening, and is here to stay for all the years around.
During the immersion in the musical message, the richness of colours, the smells, the clouds, the sun, and dirt are there, all of the emotions are exposed, for our amusement.
Capable of driving even the most demanding loads, it's striking design sets the Primavera as a pure objet d'art, an icon in the rarefied world of Hi-End.
Features:
Direct coupling between stages
Implements special C-L-C anode voltage filter using Mundorf MLytic HV type electrolytic and High inductivity filter choke made by Trafomatic Audio
Completely separated power supply for each channel including main transformers
II C core oversized output transformers
The output transformers are highly sectioned with harmonically sized sections, which results in a minimum leakage inductance and the best high frequency performance
Zero feedback
The brand new Primavera headphone amplifier from Trafomatic Audio is precisely this, a new, fresh approach for the most intimate listening, and is here to stay for all the years around.
During the immersion in the musical message, the richness of colours, the smells, the clouds, the sun, and dirt are there, all of the emotions are exposed, for our amusement.
Capable of driving even the most demanding loads, it's striking design sets the Primavera as a pure objet d'art, an icon in the rarefied world of Hi-End.
Features:
Direct coupling between stages
Implements special C-L-C anode voltage filter using Mundorf MLytic HV type electrolytic and High inductivity filter choke made by Trafomatic Audio
Completely separated power supply for each channel including main transformers
II C core oversized output transformers
The output transformers are highly sectioned with harmonically sized sections, which results in a minimum leakage inductance and the best high frequency performance
Zero feedback
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
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:
- Trafomatic is known for designing and hand-winding its own transformers, enabling precise control over the final sound characteristics of its amplifiers.
- Trafomatic's amplifiers, particularly the Primavera, are designed for tube rolling, providing comprehensive options and improving overall audio experience.
- The brand offers a highly customizable experience, allowing customers to request specific RAL colors and gold or silver knobs/feet, for a personalized aesthetic.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Evolution Phono One
- Positioning: The entry-level model aimed at basic vinyl playback setups.
- Description: Uses an OP AMP design with separate MM and MC inputs and selectable impedance to ensure low noise performance. Compared to tube-based or high-power models in the lineup, its straightforward design suits smaller rooms and modest budgets with minimal functionality needs.
Tara 30A
- Positioning: A balanced tube preamplifier crafted for refined audio reproduction at a moderate price point.
- Description: Features Emission Labs 30A tubes, dynamic balance adjustment and an extremely low output impedance for precise channel matching. Compared to the entry-level Evolution Phono One, it adds tube warmth and detailed control, though it remains less complex than higher-powered amplifiers like EOS+ or flagship systems.
EOS+ Power Amp
- Positioning: A dual mono power amplifier engineered to deliver high power for demanding speaker systems.
- Description: Uses push-pull design with KT150 tubes and tuned negative as well as cathode feedback, resulting in well-controlled bass and a dynamic response. In contrast to preamplifiers like Tara 30A, it provides substantial power output.
Elysium
- Positioning: A flagship mono-block power amplifier built with state of the art tube circuitry for uncompromised sound quality.
- Description: Uses pure Class A circuits with Eimac 250TL output tubes and a unique direct-coupled transformer setup to extract every subtle detail. Compared to the EOS+ Power Amp which focuses on power output, it offers a more refined sonic character.
Rhapsody
- Positioning: An integrated amplifier representing the highest achievement in valve amplifier design.
- Description: Features 300B valves in a parallel single-ended Class A configuration to produce natural tonality and rich coloration with unified performance. Compared to standalone preamplifiers or power amplifiers, its all-in-one design delivers exceptional technical sophistication.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
4
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
247
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
23
Founding Year
1997
Our take on the brand
Trafomatic Audio is unique for crafting its own transformers in-house, which gives them complete control over their amplifiers' sound quality. The brand stands out for using uncommon materials like Panzerholz (hyper-compressed plywood) for resonance control and rare tube types like the Elmac 250TL direct heated triode power tube in their designs.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
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What if you spend more?
Viva
Egoista STX
23750
23750
/
2
Reviews
Viva Egoista STX is the newest addition to the celebrated Viva Egoista family of headphone amplifiers. Egoista STX is specifically designed for high-end electrostatic headphones like STAX or HiFiMan. Egoista STX is capable of realizing the full potential of electrostatic headphones that no existing amplifiers can match. It is the first electrostatic headphone amplifier that can produce deep realistic bass. Effortless, clear sound, lack of distortion, natural tonal balance and ultra-wide dynamic range make Viva Egoista STX the best product in its class available on the market. Its performance will enchant the most demanding music aficionado and convince the most critical audio connoisseurs.
Viva Audio handcrafts bespoke audio equipment with zero negative feedback in its amplifiers, a rare feature that enhances natural sound quality. The Italian brand is distinguished by its "V" shaped chassis with automotive lacquer finishes, combining classic techniques from audio's golden era with modern technologies, with each component hand-built and tuned by founder Amedeo Schembri.
Expand Details
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Product Strengths
- The Egoista STX is a visual work of art, especially with the tubes lit up
- It brings out more of what electrostatic headphones are capable of reproducing
- It produces a sound that is smooth, detailed, appealing, and addictive
- The amp adds more life and body to the sound
- The STX makes the music sound bigger and more appealing
Product Considerations
- The review sample's main body color was a slightly uninspiring grey
- Beyond the tubes, power cable, and manual, no other accessories come with this amp
- Any source connected to the direct input should have its own volume control, for safety's sake
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Stax SRM-D50—the STX was noticeably smoother, giving the solo clarinet more body and dimension during its solo
Takeaway: The Viva Audio Egoista STX headphone amplifier looks and sounds gorgeous and can make electrostatic headphones sing unlike anything else. It can bring additional legitimate musical enjoyment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Viva Audio handcrafts bespoke audio equipment with zero negative feedback in its amplifiers, a rare feature that enhances natural sound quality. The Italian brand is distinguished by its "V" shaped chassis with automotive lacquer finishes, combining classic techniques from audio's golden era with modern technologies, with each component hand-built and tuned by founder Amedeo Schembri.
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