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PrimaLuna Evo 200 underwhelming

Hi all, I wonder if someone can help or advise. I bought an ex. Display Primaluna Evo 200 a couple of weeks ago, mainly based on all the rave reviews and excellent comments on various forums. I must say, that vocals are terrific but overall, the sound seems muffled. There seems to be a hole where the mid range detail should be. I have tried the 4 and 8 ohm settings and there doesn’t seem a great deal of difference. I am using it with a Linn Genki CD player and Robson Acoustics Opulus speakers, also Vintage Tannoy Mercury speakers. I haven’t messed with the tubes because I have no idea how to do that. I so want this amplifier to sound beautiful but there is something missing. Can anyone help please?
golfnut2
tennisdoc56
128 posts
 
If you like the tannoy sound, look a bit towards Scotland to Fyne Audio.  My 702 are powered by a 30 wpc class a solid state amp.  Tried amp with paradigm while waiting for the Fynes 
same efficiency and ohm as Fynes and it was a mess.  Fynes make beautiful non hi fi music with just a wee bit of power
mid-fi-crisis
71 posts
 
Wondering if it was ex display or a return.
I can't see bad pairing being enough to cause the problem you mention in a significant way. You could also try the headphone output to see how that sounds. 
I wonder if the tubes are nearing end of life. If it's been on display it could have also been running day in day out every day....
luis223344
12 posts
 
I have an Evo400 (upgraded from PL integrated HP). Have large KEF speakers and sound is fabulous (old rock, male and female voice, and some jazz). Upgrading center preamp tubes to NOS 12au7 make the most difference. Tried KT120 but went back to EL34 with fancy Sophia Electric. To me Gold Lion KT66 are far more musical (and cheaper than KT120 and Sophia EL34). Since you have PL and Tannoy, I would call Upscale Audio; They carry both and will suggest best tubes for that combination. 
brian_holmes's avatar
brian_holmes
45 posts
 
I'm sorry I can't help with your issue but I had to comment on your speakers. I've not heard them but I did look them up and wow, they do some really fine cabinet work, very nice looking speakers.
https://imgur.com/a/l23dwsS
golfnut2 OP
12 posts
 
Thanks for all the great responses, if I could figure out how to answer them individually,I would. Some great suggestions and a lot to think about and work on. Just to say, the Robson Acoustics speakers are beautiful, as you can see on their website, they are just so difficult to partner and the Evo 200 just can’t do it. It is so frustrating because I think I have two excellent products but they just don’t like each other. I don’t feel that I should tweak with the Evo, since it is still in its 30 day return period and they have agreed to take it back for a full refund if I am not happy with it. Sadly, I think that is the way to go and then trade up to something else. Many thanks for all your help, you guys are awesome and I am absolutely hooked on the tube sound.
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