Hello Gabe...A short while ago I finished auditioning an EAR 88PB, Tim Paravicini's top level tube phono preamp. Though this particular demo had been modded by Mitch Singerman, it had the kind of presentation I liked enough to make me order a new 88PB, which I just received. To my ears, and right out of the box, the stock 88PB sounds even better than the modded one. It has wonderful tonal balance and superb imaging and soundstaging. Before I mention more however I will, of course, state the usual qualifier, "In my system". I have Dunlavy SC4 speakers, Air Tight ATM-3 monoblock amps, a VPI HW-19 Mk 3 or 4 turntable (with a new Teres 265 on order), Benz L2 cartridge, SME IV.Vi tonearm and Synergistic Tesla Accelerator, Ridge Street Poiema 3 and Audio Horizons cables and Ridge Street Poiema Signature and Wegrzyn power cords. I listen almost exclusively to classical music on vinyl lps. For me, imaging/soundstaging is a top priority, but of course dynamics and top to bottom extension is also valued greatly. My biggest no-no is glare/brightness, but don't be misled into thinking I like heavy, syrupy or excessively warm sound.....I previously owned the Supratek Cortese preamp, which had terrific imaging, but an annoying glare I couldn't live with. I went to a Joule Electra LAP 150, which was very nice, but didn't give me quite the top end extension I wanted. I also home auditioned the Audio Note M3, not enough life, plus needed separate step-up for moving coils. Also had the Shindo Masseto here. Nice sound, but not easily accessible tube replacement, plus not worth its $11,500 asking price and not giving me the involving soundstage presence. Then, I had an Audio Horizons single unit line/phono stage preamp. An excellent preamp in every way, except not having the kind of three dimensional imaging/soundstaging I was still after. Finally.....the EAR 88PB. With it, I'm getting everything I wanted. If I really hanker for a linestage I can always get one later. But with my nearly 3000 lps, I'm not too concerned at this time.....Now, I realize you're asking about the 912 and the new 868 full function units. I've corresponded several times with Robert Levi, who has reviewed the 912. He not only owns one but also has other EAR electronics. He's heard virtually all of their top of the line units, and he is nuts about them. Specifically, he told me the EAR 868 is the "absolute best buy in all of hi fi-dom". I was also told by Dan Meinwald (chief U.S. importer of EAR)and Jay Kaufman of Audio Revelation, from whom I purchased my 88PB, that the 868 sounded virtually the same as the top of the line 912, which is $4000 more than the 868. I personally went with the 88Pb because I wanted no compromise with the phono stage's sound quality if it had to share the same box with the linestage, and because I can run the 88Pb directly to my amps. Plus, I'm not particularly fond of the sound of cds compared with vinyl. And, buying the 88PB leaves me with some extra cash for analog related needs....I hope I've been able to offer you some help regarding your inquiry. I'd be glad to try to answer any other questions you might have....Best regards, Jeff
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