868 Tube Preamplifier By EAR
- Item #:
- Reviews
- | Write a Review
Product Summary:
Jaguar is pleased to offer EAR electronics, some of the most musical tube gear in existence. When it comes to high-end tube amplifiers, there are hundreds of brands on the market, many costing much more than EAR. The EAR 868 tube linestage preamplifier is the company’s mid-range preamplifier.
Click To Read MoreTrial Period
90 Days (Exchange)
Countries Shipped
North America
Burn-In Time
250 Hours
Have Questions? 844-462-8346
Call our experts for product info and advice or chat now with a specialist.
Price:
Analog, EAR, EAR, Phono Preamp, Preamplifiers, Tube Linestages
868 Tube Preamplifier By EAR
$6,095
Jaguar is pleased to offer EAR electronics, some of the most musical tube gear in existence. When it comes to high-end tube amplifiers, there are hundreds of brands on the market, many costing much more than EAR. The EAR 868 tube linestage preamplifier is the company’s mid-range preamplifier.
Click To Read MoreProduct Description
The EAR 868 is a fully balanced, transformer-coupled line stage preamplifier designed for audiophiles seeking ultimate analog performance. With both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) connections at input and output, it offers exceptional flexibility for any high-end system. Features include a tape loop, remote-controlled volume, and multiple load/gain options for the optional phono stage, making it a versatile hub for analog sources.
Crafted in England with meticulous attention to detail, the 868’s CNC-milled front fascia—10mm thick and hand-finished in flawless chrome—reflects the precision of fine watchmaking. Its minimalist, clutter-free interface is complemented by four gold- or chrome-finished controls, allowing for smooth, intuitive operation.
With five line-level analog inputs and a pair of balanced XLR inputs, the 868 can easily integrate traditional Hi-Fi components alongside modern devices like the EAR DAC 4, providing seamless connectivity across your system.
The EAR 868PL edition adds a built-in phono stage, bringing vinyl playback to life with exquisite detail and tonal richness. Compatible with a wide range of cartridges, it allows your turntable to deliver its full musical potential, making every record sound vibrant and expressive.
The EAR 868 combines studio-grade design, precision craftsmanship, and versatile analog performance, making it an exceptional choice for those who demand clarity, musicality, and refined control in their audio system.
About EAR
EAR (formerly Esoteric Audio Research) represents the vision of legendary designer Tim de Paravicini, whose work has defined high-fidelity audio since the 1970s. His innovative designs have not only shaped EAR products but have also influenced some of the world’s most respected audio manufacturers. Many of his creations continue to be prized by audiophiles for their lasting performance, musicality, and attention to detail.
Beyond the consumer audio world, Tim de Paravicini made significant contributions to professional recording and mastering. His tape machines, microphones, and electronics have been used by artists such as Pink Floyd and Lenny Kravitz, as well as by acclaimed labels like 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 EAR-designed systems for its entire playback chain, while Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs employs his LP cutting and tape playback electronics.
EAR amplifiers are celebrated for delivering exceptionally pure, uncolored sound. They reproduce recordings with remarkable fidelity, free from the distortions and colorations common in most amplifiers. De Paravicini’s research into ultrasonic resonances, transient response, and the subjective effects of distortion has bridged the gap between technical measurements and real-world listening. The result is a range of amplifiers widely regarded as some of the most accurate and musical ever created, offering a listening experience that is both transparent and deeply engaging.
Know more details about products
Product Description
Lehmann Black Cube SE II – Precision Phono Stage for True Audiophiles
The Black Cube SE II builds on the acclaimed SE circuit, upgraded with superior sockets and an adjustable bass filter, allowing you to fine-tune your system to your personal listening preferences. Designed for maximum musical engagement, it delivers the sensation that your favorite recordings were crafted just for you, bringing instruments and vocals closer than ever.
Tailored for Every System
Compatible with nearly all MM and MC cartridges, the Black Cube SE II includes solder-free slots for custom impedance adjustments, plus an extra hardwired plug-in location for immediate flexibility. Optional matching resistors can be provided with your order at no extra cost, making it easy to optimize the phono stage for your system.
Audiophile-Grade Audio Circuitry
At its core, a high-precision passive RIAA filter network sits between two linear gain stages, built with surge-proof, narrow-tolerance polypropylene capacitors. This design preserves transients, dynamics, and timbres with exceptional clarity. Professional-grade input stages reduce noise while enhancing precision and power. Additional modules handle hum, high-frequency interference, and random voltage suppression, and the double-sided audio board ensures a low-interference signal path.
Dependable PWX Power Supply
The external PWX power supply features a custom toroidal transformer with static shielding, providing stable, safe, and powerful operation. Gold-plated Neutrik XLR connectors maintain secure connections, while shielded cables and mechanically damped aluminum housings minimize vibrations and interference.
Elegant Design
With a choice of silver, black, or chrome-plated front panels, the Black Cube SE II combines audiophile-grade performance with a refined aesthetic that looks as good in your HiFi rack as it sounds in your system.
Professional Endorsement
Known for its neutral, natural sound, Lehmann equipment is trusted by professional recording studios and music experts worldwide. The Black Cube SE II offers a high-fidelity listening experience that reveals every nuance in your favorite recordings.
Note: The sonic profile of Lehmann gear is perhaps the most neutral we can find. This brand is quite popular with our professional music/recording studio clients.
Reviews
AUDIO
“Upgraded to the SE version by the PWX, it was definitely poking the fire again like almost no other phono pre in its price range. Merciless heavy rock by Vanilla Fudge or massive bigband attacks by Count Basie were just about to blaze through the listening room. Pimped in such a hot manner, the Lehmann Black Cube SE II is state-of-the-art.”
https://jaguaraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/EN-2020_01-AUDIO-Black_Cube_II.pdf
Hifi News
“This is a true audiophile phono stage and, partnered with equipment of equal quality, the results are remarkable. Indeed, the SE II is difficult to fault even compared to the competition in a much higher price bracket. The exceptionally low background noise allied to a fabulous rhythmic and tonal rendition makes it worthy of consideration for those seeking the most detail from their vinyl without having to make a hyperspace price jump.”
https://jaguaraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/EN_review_Hifi_News_02_2010_SEII_screen.pdf
Hifi News
“To ?nd more depth and detail in music I know so well was a remarkable experience and I warmed to this little gem of a phono stage all over again.”
Specifications
The impressing technical details of the Black Cube SE II.
Sensitivity for output level 775 mV/ 0 dB (with activated high gain switch): MM: 3.8 mV/1 kHz; MC: 0.38 mV/1 kHz
Gain 1 kHz: MM: 46 dB; MC: 66 dB
Maximum input level 1 kHz: MM: 45 mV; MC: 4,5 mV
Signal to noise ratio (RMS unweighted): MM: 71 dB; MC: 63 dB
Gain: 36 dB, 46 dB, 56 dB, 66 dB
Channel separation: > 80 dB at 10 kHz
Input impedance: 47 kohms, 1 kohm, 100 ohms, 1 x custom load, 1 x hardwire slot
Output impedance: 47 ohms
Input capacitance: 100 pF
Channel mismatch: typ. 0.5 dB
Bass filter: 16 settings between 7 Hz and app. 90 Hz
Power consumption: < 3 W
Outer dimensions W x D x H:
Audio section: 114 mm x 124 mm 50 mm
PWX power supply: 93 mm x 233 mm x 45 mm
Weight:
Audio section: 0.6 kg netto
PWX power supply: 1.0 kg netto
2 reviews for 868 Tube Preamplifier By EAR
There are no reviews yet.