Description
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC – High-End Valve Digital-to-Analogue Converter
The PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC combines precision digital audio conversion with sophisticated valve circuitry to deliver natural, detailed and expressive music reproduction.
Designed for discerning music enthusiasts, the EVO 100 incorporates PrimaLuna’s innovative SuperTubeClock™ technology, a premium Burr-Brown digital-to-analogue converter, valve rectification and carefully engineered analogue output circuitry.
The result is a high-performance DAC designed to bring musical refinement, depth and clarity to premium stereo hi-fi systems.
SuperTubeClock™ Technology
One of the EVO 100’s most distinctive features is PrimaLuna’s proprietary SuperTubeClock technology.
This innovative design incorporates a low-noise miniature triode valve into the digital clocking circuitry.
The technology is intended to improve digital timing performance, contributing to the DAC’s detailed and natural musical presentation.
Premium Burr-Brown Digital Conversion
The EVO 100 uses the highly regarded Texas Instruments Burr-Brown PCM1792A digital-to-analogue converter.
A separate Burr-Brown SRC4192 digital sample-rate converter provides upsampling to 24-bit/192kHz.
This carefully engineered digital architecture is designed to preserve musical detail and deliver accurate digital-to-analogue conversion.
Genuine Valve Audio Circuitry
The EVO 100 incorporates six valves:
- 2 × 12AX7
- 2 × 12AU7
- 2 × 5AR4 rectifier valves
The valve-based circuitry provides PrimaLuna’s distinctive approach to digital audio reproduction.
The two 5AR4 rectifier valves form part of the power supply, while the 12AX7 and 12AU7 valves are used in the audio circuitry.
AC Offset Killer Technology
PrimaLuna’s AC Offset Killer circuitry is designed to reduce unwanted mechanical transformer noise caused by DC offset on the mains supply.
Combined with custom-designed power transformers, this helps support quieter operation.
Four Digital Inputs
The EVO 100 offers four digital input options:
- USB Type-B
- AES/EBU balanced digital input
- Coaxial S/PDIF
- Optical Toslink
These connections allow integration with compatible CD transports, network streamers, computers and other digital music sources.
High-Resolution PCM Support
The EVO 100 supports PCM digital audio from 16-bit to 24-bit, at sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
This provides compatibility with a broad range of CD-quality and high-resolution digital audio sources.
DSD Playback
The EVO 100 supports DSD audio using DoP (DSD over PCM).
- USB: DSD64 and DSD128
- Other supported digital inputs: DSD64
Source equipment must provide a compatible DoP output.
Premium Analogue Output
A stereo RCA analogue output provides a nominal output level of 2.2V.
This allows the EVO 100 to connect to a compatible integrated amplifier or separate preamplifier.
Valve Warm-Up Sequence
The EVO 100 incorporates a valve warm-up sequence.
After switching on, the DAC remains muted for approximately 60 seconds while the valves reach suitable operating conditions.
Premium Construction
The EVO 100 features a substantial steel chassis, premium power supply components and carefully selected internal circuitry.
Its 13kg construction reflects the substantial engineering incorporated into this dedicated digital source component.
Key Features
- Premium valve digital-to-analogue converter
- PrimaLuna SuperTubeClock technology
- Burr-Brown PCM1792A DAC
- Burr-Brown SRC4192 upsampling processor
- 24-bit/192kHz PCM support
- DSD64 and DSD128 support via compatible USB DoP sources
- DSD64 support via other compatible DoP inputs
- Two 12AX7 valves
- Two 12AU7 valves
- Two 5AR4 rectifier valves
- USB Type-B digital input
- AES/EBU digital input
- Coaxial S/PDIF digital input
- Optical Toslink digital input
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- PrimaLuna AC Offset Killer circuitry
- Custom-designed power supply
- Valve warm-up and output muting
- Remote control
- Premium steel chassis
Complete Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PrimaLuna |
| Model | EVO 100 Tube DAC |
| Manufacturer model reference | EVO 100-9 |
| Product type | Valve digital-to-analogue converter |
| DAC chipset | Texas Instruments Burr-Brown PCM1792A |
| Upsampling chipset | Texas Instruments Burr-Brown SRC4192 |
| Upsampling capability | 24-bit/192kHz |
| Digital clock technology | PrimaLuna SuperTubeClock |
| Signal valves | 2 × 12AX7 and 2 × 12AU7 |
| Rectifier valves | 2 × 5AR4 |
| Total valves | 6 |
| USB input | USB Type-B |
| AES/EBU input | 1 × balanced digital XLR |
| Coaxial input | 1 × S/PDIF RCA |
| Optical input | 1 × Toslink |
| Analogue outputs | 1 × stereo RCA pair |
| Analogue output level | 2.2V |
| PCM bit depth | 16–24 bit |
| PCM sample rates | 44.1–192kHz |
| DSD via USB | DSD64 / DSD128 via DoP |
| DSD via other digital inputs | DSD64 via DoP |
| Power supply | Valve-rectified |
| AC Offset Killer | Yes |
| Start-up muting | Approximately 60 seconds |
| Remote control | Included |
| Network streaming | Requires external streamer |
| Loudspeaker amplification | None — separate amplifier required |
Dimensions & Weight
| Measurement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Width | 280 mm |
| Height | 190 mm |
| Depth | 403 mm |
| Overall dimensions (W × H × D) | 280 × 190 × 403 mm |
| Net weight | 13 kg |
Installation Considerations
The PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC should be installed on a stable equipment shelf with sufficient ventilation.
Its valve circuitry generates heat during operation, so adequate clearance should be maintained around the chassis.
Connect the DAC’s stereo RCA outputs to a suitable line-level input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
For network music playback, a separate compatible streamer is required.
Recommended Applications
The EVO 100 Tube DAC is particularly suitable for:
- Premium two-channel stereo systems
- High-resolution network music playback
- High-quality CD transport systems
- Computer-based digital audio
- Valve integrated amplifier systems
- High-end separates-based hi-fi systems
- Music enthusiasts upgrading from a conventional DAC
Expert PrimaLuna Advice at Riverside HiFi
At Riverside HiFi, we specialise in premium hi-fi, valve amplification, high-resolution digital audio and complete music system design.
Our services include:
- DAC and network streamer selection
- Valve amplifier and loudspeaker matching
- Premium stereo system design
- CD transport and digital source integration
- Turntable and phono stage advice
- High-performance loudspeaker demonstrations
- Professional installation and system optimisation
- Home cinema and smart home integration
Whether you’re upgrading an existing digital music system or building a dedicated listening room, Riverside HiFi can help you select the ideal equipment to complement the PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC.
Riverside HiFi – Hi-Fi | Home Cinema | Smart Home | Professional Installation
Important: This product is a digital-to-analogue converter, not an integrated amplifier or standalone network streamer. A separate amplifier is required for passive loudspeakers.
