868 Tube Preamplifier By EAR

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The EAR 868 is a fully-balanced, transformer-coupled design, offering balanced and single-ended connections at input and output. It also offers a tape loop, remote control of volume, and several load/gain selections for the optional phono stage. Designed and made in England, to a quality you’d expect. Each front fascia is CNC milled for a high level of precision typically associated with finely crafted watches. Its 10mm thick fascia is hand-finished in flawless chrome and is matched by ia clutter-free interface. Four gold or chrome finished controls dial in the experience.

Handling a variety of analog sources, the EAR 868 is designed to be the most capable of analog pre-amps. With 5 analog inputs, connect your Hi-Fi to the latest devices, like the EAR Dac 4. Aided further by its studio heritage to bring you a pair of balanced inputs in the form of XLRs, you can connect to a whole host of devices.

The additional built-in phono stage in the EAR 868PL edition becomes its’ own when connecting your pickup. You’ll notice your turntable’s cartridges come alive with grace and can support a wide range of cartridges.

EAR (formerly “Esoteric Audio Research”) is the brainchild of Tim de Paravicini, whose name has been associated since the 1970s with electronics of the highest fidelity. De Paravicini’s innovative techniques have not only borne fruit in products for EAR, but in designs for some of the world’s most highly regarded electronics manufacturers. Some of these designs have been continually prized—and sought—by discerning listeners for decades after their introduction.

Tim de Paravicini has also made unique contributions to the world of professional recording and mastering. Users of his tape recording systems, microphones, and other recording technology include performers Pink Floyd and Lenny Kravitz, the Altarus and Water Lily record labels, and renowned recording and mastering engineers like Robert Ludwig, Joe Gastwirt, and James Guthrie. One of the world’s highest-ranked mastering facilities, The Exchange in London, uses two playback systems in which the entire chain–from tape machines and equalizers to cutter amplifiers and monitoring equipment—is EAR-designed and built. Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs uses his LP cutting system, as well as a playback tape deck with his electronics.

EAR amplifiers are unequaled in their ability to deliver a pure rendition of the signal fed into them, free from the colorations and distortions of most amplifiers. Tim de Paravicini has been instrumental in investigating the role of ultrasonic resonances in amplifier circuits and their effect on transient response. He has also undertaken significant original research on the subjective effects of distortion. This research has not only facilitated the interpretation of amplifier measurements but has shed light on the correlation between measurements and sound quality. The results are easy to appreciate—EAR amplifiers are among the most accurate amplifiers ever made.