PrimaLuna EVO 400 v Cary SLI-100

PrimaLuna doesn't seem to get as much love around here compared to many other brands. Not sure why that is. I tried almost a dozen integrated amps (mostly tube based) not too long ago and ended up buying the Evo 300. It just sounded "right" in my setup, not too warm or bloomy, not to bright or etched. I love it.

The 400 didn't impress me as much. Not only did I not require the balanced aspect, I actually didn't think it sounded as good anyway. 

You definitely would want to try tube upgrades once you adjust to the base performance of the Evo 300. There is a lot more SQ hiding in there that better tubes will unlock.

UPDATE: Thank you, again, for all the great perspective. This really has been helpful. I managed to get a good deal on a used PrimaLuna Evo 300, with stock tubes and a bonus set of KT150s. I hooked it up with the Eversolo A6 and out to my vintage Heresys...

Wow. My first impression is that I didn’t realize my Heresys could sound so good at this age, without any capacitor or crossover updates. Playing some Gladys Knight, and Temptations the distinct, but subtle, "golden glow" emerges. My wife even commented.

Comparing several tracks side by side with my SS setup (see earlier comment), my wife and grown sons preferred the tubes! To be fair, things might be different with more dynamic classic rock and modern music. But the $800 streamer/dac into $3100 (used) EVO 300, out to $1200 (used) Heresys more than holds its own against an almost $20K SS setup.

I look forward to getting to know my new tubes better!

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11958#&gid=1&pid=1

Enjoy your new setup. You got a deal with the KT 150's.

I use lower powered 6L6G NOS. A close enough compromise of EL34 mids and KT88 bass.

When you get the itch,the 2 inner preamp tubes are the money slots. To my ears, the other 2 are a waste of money-too subtle, if anything? 

Happy listening!

Thanks for the update. Enjoy!