EAR 912 Tube Preamplifier

[shaizada]

I've gone ahead and put in an order for a silver EAR 912 with black knobs and black handles (picture below is with silver handles).




As my system has expanded out with 5 tonearm / cartridge combos feeding into it, I needed a more full function preamplifier. This preamp has 3 tubes in the phono section, 2 phono inputs, step up transformers that can be used with either phono input, interstage coupling transformers, 2 tubes in the line section followed by 2 output transformers. It has 7 inputs, 2 balanced inputs along with 4 sets of outputs. A lot of versatility and will accommodate the full system as it stands right now.

I'm super excited and it is about 3 weeks out till it gets mailed over from England.

Another interesting thing is that I might be getting a full metal remote as opposed to the flimsy plastic one currently...EAR never has any quality remotes, just functional ones. That might be about to change according to the EAR distributor.

[Robert_Anderson]

Have you compared it with the 868? I would love to hear the differences, I have an 868 as well.

[shaizada]

Not yet I have an EAR 868 as well. I'll do an AB and post my impressions. Should be interesting!

[Robert_Anderson]

I can't wait!

[shaizada]

Tell me about it! Its still 3 weeks out before I get delivery. Patience

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by shaizada

I've gone ahead and put in an order for a silver EAR 912 with black knobs and black handles (picture below is with silver handles).




As my system has expanded out with 5 tonearm / cartridge combos feeding into it, I needed a more full function preamplifier. This preamp has 3 tubes in the phono section, 2 phono inputs, step up transformers that can be used with either phono input, interstage coupling transformers, 2 tubes in the line section followed by 2 output transformers. It has 7 inputs, 2 balanced inputs along with 4 sets of outputs. A lot of versatility and will accommodate the full system as it stands right now.

I'm super excited and it is about 3 weeks out till it gets mailed over from England.

Another interesting thing is that I might be getting a full metal remote as opposed to the flimsy plastic one currently...EAR never has any quality remotes, just functional ones. That might be about to change according to the EAR distributor.

Congrats! Very, very nice. The blacks Knobs on silver looks very cool.

[cmalak]

Shaizada...congrats on the 912. So presumably it will be replacing the 868/324 combo you are using right now. I too will be interested in your impressions as to how it compares to your 868 linestage and 324 outboard phono preamps. I have heard the 868 and it is an excellent preamp as you well know. EAR and Marten are obviously very synergistic as you also well know, so I am betting you will be overjoyed with the 912. Lots of pics when it arrives, please

[shaizada]

Thanks Douglas and cmalak

The 912 isn't actually replacing the full combo, just the 868. The 324 will be running other turntables and connecting into one of the balanced inputs of the 912. The 912 phono inputs will both connect to 2 other tonearm/cartridge combinations so all 4 carts will be running into the system. I'll finally be able to do a longer, un-rushed pure AB between the two units and hopefully answer the age old question (as even I was looking for a definitive answer for myself). Should be a fun comparison session...

The 912 was my destination preamp and is supposed to get me off the merry go round

[shaizada]

Need to update the thread....



Ok, here is the lowdown. The 868 linestage section sounds 90% as good as the 912 linestage section. In fact, if not listening in direct comparison, I doubt anyone can tell the difference using the exact same tubes in both units.

However...where the 912 begins to pull away from the 868 is when the phono section is being used. The 912 phono is a better sounding phono compared to all three, the 324, the 88PB and the 868 internal phono, while being extremely versatile allowing 2 MC/MM inputs.

Also, the 912 eliminates an extra power cord and interconnect using an outboard phono. Having a world class phono transformer coupled to the linestage using interstage coupling transformers is just another level of clarity and immediacy. Overall, I am very very happy with the upgrade.

Now I am currently listening to the EAR Dac 4/Acute 4 digital setup vs. my EAR Dacute

Here we go again!