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FEATURES |
OVERVIEW |
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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 4
ohm, 15 ohm and 40 ohm 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 54 dB at 1kHz (1.2V out for 2.5mV in, MM) but can
be reduced by 6 or 12 dB 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) |
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