Audio Research LS/Ref or Primaluna EVO Preamp

Stereo5 how would you describe EVOs sound and/ or presentation? 

Just curious has anyone purchased a EVO from Upscale and did you get a discount?  

I've usually had good luck with Kevin and Upscale but I do know we all have our good and bad days.  In the past few months I've bought a Dynavector 20x2L and a Manley Chinook phono preamp.  However,  a couple days ago I was talking to an online sales guy there inquiring about a Ref 3 and EVO 400. Told him I am a returning customer and what kind of discount could I receive.  He said sorry we can't give a discount on either item. I thought are you kidding me and typed WOW ok.  Ended up buying a EVO from another dealer and he gave me a substantial discount on a new one. It was a no brainer.   Not sure if this salesman was conferring with Kevin or a manager but I doubt I'll do business again.  Very disappointed because I've always had good luck with them.  Kat was wonderful to deal with and I've had some good conversations with Kevin in the past. 

Jjss49 you bring up some valid points especially dealing with the public can be frustrating and exhausting.  I would hate to be in his shoes most of the time having to answer dumbass questions and attitudes.  However,  I'll disagree with your discount statement simply because Upscale usually does offer some sort of price break or so they have in the past on bigger items. Its just good business and people will buy again because they were treated well. Why do you think I called them about both preamps? Satisfied returning customer.  It is what it is and I probably shouldn't have vented on a discussion board 🤷  Upscale does very well and you can't please everyone ALL the time haha. 

Thanks Greg for your post. I'm thinking the EVO probably has their house sound as they voice their equipment to the warm side. 90% of listeners prefer it that way but like you said changing tubes can change the flavor somewhat.   

I used to own a Dialogue Premium integrated purchased from Kevin. Rolled many tubes in it and definitely liked its overall presentation but ended up going back to separates. BAT and now ARC. The Ref 110 is the best amp I've ever owned.  Needed it to drive my Thiel 2.7.  

Sean I ended up with the EVO 400 and from my understanding it is the same as the 300 only difference is XLR which I wanted. I can tell you it is a upgrade from the LS26.  A dealer was telling me that people were trading ARC Ref series preamps for the EVO 400.  I was wanting a LS28 or Ref 3 possibly but he said the LS28 while an upgrade over the LS26 was not THAT substantial.  So far I am very satisfied with the EVO 400 as it does everything better and the 1st place I noticed was in the bass. If I had a complaint with the LS26, that it was a little weak in deeper bass. Of course that is my opinion. The LS26 is a very good preamp but the Primaluna is without a doubt better.