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EAR vs Audio Note preamp

Friends,
I am contemplating getting a preamp with in-built high quality phono stage. I have shortlisted EAR 868/912 or Audio Note M3/M5 phono. I plan to buy pre-owned so I am flexible about the models. The power amp that will be driven will be a Nelson Pass First Watt F6 initially and slowly I may get into the SET domain. Can someone tell me about the sonic difference between EAR and Audio Note preamps ? I value speed, dynamics and purity of tone. I am neither for artificial warmth or artificial clarity. 



pani

Showing 4 responses by bdp24

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bdp24
10,277 posts
 
I (and Art Dudley & Robert Levi) stand corrected, montesquieu! Do both use transformers to create their balanced outputs?
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,277 posts
 
I believe that is incorrect, @montesquieu. My 868L (line only) contains two 7DJ8 tubes, the 868PL (phono and line) contains an additional two 7DJ8's for RIAA amplification. 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,277 posts
 
Robert Levi of Positive Feedback and The Los Angeles & Orange County Audio Society is of the opinion that the EAR 912 betters the Audio Research Reference 3. The EAR 868 contains the same design and circuits as the 912, but without the 912's faceplate, meters, and some controls. 868's don't come up for sale used very often, but when they do sell for around $4k.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,277 posts
 
Speaking of Atma-Sphere pani, don't overlook Ralph's two full pre-amps. They're REAL good, and rather than discontinuing and replacing them every couple of years (ala ARC), he instead offers current owners updates. A MUCH better deal for owners, and a more honorable business model imo.
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