RCA Tuning Stick MkIII By Akiko Audio

Jaguar is proud to offer EAR electronics, celebrated for delivering some of the most musical and engaging tube gear available. In a crowded market of high-end tube amplifiers—many with much higher price tags—EAR stands out for its visionary design and exceptional sound quality. Alongside other elite brands like Lamm, EAR offers products that are unique, highly refined, and capable of elevating any audio system. With multiple models available, it’s easy to find one that perfectly matches your setup and the sound character you desire.

The EAR 912 Line Stage Preamplifier reflects the culmination of Tim de Paravicini’s experience in professional studios. Designed specifically for playback applications, it delivers studio-grade performance while remaining elegant and approachable in any home system. Professional touches like dual analog VU meters and solid aluminum handles highlight its pedigree, offering both functionality and visual appeal.

The 912’s front fascia and knobs are crafted from brushed anodized aluminum in either silver or black, combining durability with refined style. The VU meters are built to exacting studio standards, allowing you to monitor the signal in real time and make precise adjustments for over-compressed sources without sacrificing dynamic range. The phonostage gain can be calibrated between -6 and -12 dB, before being routed through high-quality audio transformers, ensuring a rich, natural, and detailed sound.

The EAR 912 is ideal for audiophiles and professionals alike, offering a perfect blend of studio-level precision, timeless design, and tube warmth that makes every listening session exceptional.

“the truth about the EAR 912 could be had by letting it play simpler music—and by hearing how it helped to pull levels of meaning, of emotional and intellectual engagement, out of what would otherwise be just electromechanical noise.”

“This product taught me something about my records and the other components in my system, and I enjoyed every minute I spent with it. The EAR 912 isn’t cheap, but it’s a Class A preamplifier in every sense, and an heirloom-quality instrument that represents the apex of both build quality and design ingenuity. I miss it already—and I strongly recommend that you try to experience it for yourself.”

http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/EAR-912.htm

EAR (formerly Esoteric Audio Research) is the creation of legendary designer Tim de Paravicini, whose work has defined high-fidelity audio since the 1970s. De Paravicini’s innovative designs have influenced not only EAR products but also equipment from some of the world’s most respected audio manufacturers. Many of his creations remain highly prized by audiophiles, valued for their enduring performance and exceptional sound quality.

Beyond consumer audio, Tim de Paravicini made a lasting impact on professional recording and mastering. His tape machines, microphones, and electronics have been used by artists like Pink Floyd and Lenny Kravitz, as well as labels such as Altarus and Water Lily Acoustics. Renowned engineers including Robert Ludwig, Joe Gastwirt, and James Guthrie have relied on his designs. One of London’s top mastering facilities, The Exchange, uses complete EAR-designed systems throughout its playback chain, while Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs employs his LP cutting and tape playback electronics.

EAR amplifiers are celebrated for delivering sound with exceptional purity, reproducing the source material without the distortions or colorations common in most amplifiers. Tim de Paravicini’s pioneering research into ultrasonic resonances, transient response, and the perception of distortion has helped connect technical measurements to real-world listening experience. The result is a lineup of amplifiers widely regarded as some of the most accurate and musical ever made, offering a transparent, lifelike listening experience.