The moving coil gain tubes on the EVO 100 are in a shielded compartment on the back of the unit.
The V2 edition of the EVO 100 phonostage allows 12AX7 MC gain.
PrimaLuna just widened your tube rolling universe by adding a whole new tube type option to the EVO 100 phonostage. The new V2 version features an internal switch that allows users to go from the stock 6922 in the moving coil gain stage to a 12AX7 tube, greatly multiplying the fun with a huge range of possibilities. The V2 also provides an increased gain of more than 2 dB when using 12AX7 tube types.
Not a Straight Exchange
Though 6922 and 12AX7 tubes have the same base and pins, their operating voltages are different, so you can blow a fuse and cause tube damage by simply interchanging them. This is why the V2 phonostage comes with an internal tube-selection switch that must be flipped if changing from 6922 to 12AX7 tubes.
Previous EVO 100 phonostage models can be fitted with the switch, and a 12AX7-capable EVO 100 phonostage will have one of two internal configurations, shown in the photo below. The upgrade will cost $300. Get in touch with your analog salesperson if you're interesting in making the change.
Phonostages that are 12AX7-capable come with an internal switch. On the left, the factory V2, on the right, a V1 to V2 conversion. The red LED lights up in 6922 mode.
So Many Choices
The signal from a moving coil cartridge is tiny, so PrimaLuna puts the MC gain tubes in a shielded compartment at the back of the phonostage. This makes it easier to run more sensitive tubes and get as much life as possible from them. Below are the approved tubes and variants that can be used with the V2:
6.3 V: 6922/E88CC, 7308/E188CC, 6DJ8/ECC88, 7DJ8/PCC88
12.6 V: 12AX7/ECC83, ECC803S, 7025. (5751 and 12AT7/ECC81 can also be used, but with slightly lower gain than a 12AX7. Similar to a 6922)
"12AX7s are the most popular small-signal tube ever made," says Kevin, as he goes into why PrimaLuna chose to offer this feature. This means you have more choices, and more opportunities to find the sound you like. "Also," says Kevin, "current 12AX7s are more durable than the 6922s available today, which means greater longevity."
Since moving coil aficionados are often looking for every last clean dB of gain, he says it bears repeating that 12AX7 tubes will give you 2 dB more gain for each of the low, medium, and high MC settings. The PrimaLuna EVO 100 V2 Tube Phonostage has only just been released, so it's not available to order just yet, but let us know if you have any questions.
If you've been considering a tube phonostage, remember the PrimaLuna EVO 100 V2 Tube Phonostage is a rare treasure in that it is all tube, even in the power supply.