The
EAR 324 is the perfect solution for the vinyl-loving audiophile who
demands the highest quality and the greatest flexibility. It features
perfectly tailored inputs for both moving coil and moving magnet
cartridges and offers accurate, low-noise amplification with vanishingly
small signal degradation.
It has long been realised that amplifying the tiny signal from phono
cartridges is one of the hardest jobs in electronics. Designer Tim de
Paravicini has been devising elegant and efficient solutions to the
problem over several decades, and the 324 represents the summary of his
thinking. A fully transistorised product, it draws heavily on his
acclaimed ''312 Control Centre'' preamplifier in its circuitry but adds
flexibility with switchable input impedance for both moving coil (MC)
and moving magnet (MM) cartridges. Two separate inputs allow easy
switching between two turntables (or two arms on one turntable), ideal
for the serious collector who may have a separate deck and pickup for
mono discs.
Of those inputs, Input One is switchable for MC or MM cartridges. In MC
mode, a built-in step-up transformer (the same as in the Yoshino MC3
standalone transformer) gives optimum noise performance and matches the
cartridge through 4ohm, 15ohm and 40ohm windings. In MM mode, impedance
is fixed.
Input Two is a specialist MM input with switchable resistance and
capacitance loading to optimise response from any high quality MM
cartridge. Both inputs feed into a very low noise, low distortion and
high headroom amplifying stage which uses a unique RIAA equalisation
scheme to optimise stability and sound quality.
Balanced and unbalanced outputs with a low source impedance ensure that
any line preamplifier can be comfortably driven through almost any
amount of good quality cable. Gain is equivalent to 54dB at 1kHz (1.2V
out for 2.5mV in, MM) but can be reduced by 6 or 12dB if needed.
Absolute phase is switchable and mono operation can also be selected.
With EAR/Yoshino's famed sound quality and reliability assured, the 324
is truly the phono stage of choice for the dedicated vinyl enthusiast. Winner of "Top Hi-Fi Show 2005" Award (Russia)
Review
Review
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