Primaluna EVO 100 tube phono stage ... or ... EAR 834P ?

the_nines

Well-Known Member
Jul 6, 2019
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My main system: Clearaudio Champion Magnum TT, SME V 9" arm, Lyra Etna Lamda cart, EAR 834P phono stage, Leben CS600X integrated amp, Devore Gibbon 9 speakers, Transparent interconnects & cabling throughout system.

I just picked up the Primaluna EVO 100 tube phono stage for a second setup (I think). It may end up replacing the EAR 834P in my main system, but since I haven't done any critical listening yet, I'm just initially curious. Would you choose one over the other, or, are they basically same caliber phono stages?
 
I have no experience with the Primaluna EVO, however Kedar was over here Monday with a used EAR 834P to swap into my system in place of my Ypsilon VPS-100 with/without using my Phasemation T-2000 SUT's as well for an audition. He says the tubes in the EAR were replaced with Telefunken, but otherwise stock.

There was a background hum from the EAR, regardless of configuration and with grounding wires attached, throughout.

Results:

Best (better than my Phasemation T-2000 into Ypsilon VPS-100): was my turntable into my Phasemation T-2000 SUTs and them into the EAR set on MM. The resolution was better, strings especially, more near field and treble more extended. Better balance.

Second: a tie between the Ear set at MC, and my MC system, Phasemation SUTs and Ypsilon VPS. They had different sound but equally good; the Ear set on MC, it's own SUTs, is bit more forward, bit better with highs. The Ypsilon with Phasemation SUT a bit further back, a hair less harsh (not that the Ear sounded harsh, but perhaps more detailed in a way that was less relaxing?).

I don't know if that is helpful for you or not, but someone might get something from it.
 
That's very strange.

I have absolutely no hum/buzz/hiss on my EAR 834P. The unit is dead quiet in both MM and MC modes with full gain on the EAR and full volume on the Leben CS600X (with nothing playing, of course).

In any event, I spent a fair amount of time comparing the two. In the end, the EAR beat out of the Primaluna EVO 100 phono. Not even close. The tests were done using the stock tubes on the Primaluna as well as a complete change to other combinations, including NOS. There was no competition.

The EAR 834P is a keeper on my main system and the Primaluna has been relegated to other duties (office system). I'm not knocking the Primaluna, it's just not an EAR 834P . . . at least to my ears.

Cheers.
 

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