e.a.r. 912 Professional Tube Control Centre

[Κώστας Φ.]

Retail: $11,000

Aντιγράφω απο το positive-feedback:

"The 912 bucks the norm sonically and ergonomically. Its big transient sweep and powerhouse sound is only matched by its flexibility. The 912 features a fabulous full-function phono stage on board …meaning you get an all in one box. The phono-stage has facilities for two turntables and allows the user to adjust for gain, loading ...whatever you need to get the most out of your cartridge(s)! It has become so evolved it needs only one rather smallish but heavy chassis …no second or third box to hide ...and only one power cord. Less is more, as fewer boxes and power cords mean less RF will seep into your system and create noise and distortion. It has two balanced inputs, 4 single ended inputs, and a tape loop. It also has VU meters, a mono switch, and a remote control to adjust volume (a first for E.A.R.). It has dual balanced and single ended outputs. It has wondrous features galore that are all you may need for years of musical enjoyment, no matter how complex your system may become. (If you want the whole background on what is going on inside the 912, visit the E.A.R. website - Ed.)

It also sounds like live music. The sound starts several feet in front of your speakers and then goes back to infinity. I can only describe what I hear: the 912 makes the case for two-channel like no other I have heard …ever. If this is not state-of-the-art sound, I do not know what is!

The 912 has 5 tubes, two in the line stage and three in the phono stage. They are the very available 7DJ8s, similar to the 6DJ8. You may use 6DJ8s if you wish, but you should replace all of them at one time. The DP branded 7DJ8s supplied are superb, though the NOS Tungsram 7DJ8s available from Upscale Audio in Upland sound just a bit more clean and focused than the E.A.R. house brand. I like the 912 isolated on a good rack or on cones or audiophile grade footers …a Ginko or Townshend shelf really works wonders. Like all tube gear, they need isolation to sound their best. I very much liked the Kubala-Sosna Emotion AC cable and interconnects with the E.A.R. 912. This was a musical combination made in audio heaven.

...

Nevertheless, until that day comes, the E.A.R. 912 Professional Tube Control Centre will take its place as my reference preamp against which all others will be judged. With a flexibility second to none and musical performance unmatched in my experience as a reviewer, you must consider the 912 as a contender for that first position on your audiophile shopping list. With a superb sounding, fully featured phono stage, you will need one less box on the rack. As the top preamp for quiet, black backgrounds coupled with spot on musicality and realism, you get the complete and fully evolved package. I would buy this before the British pound gets more expensive! The E.A.R. 912 Professional Tube Control Centre is the state of the art in preamp design and performance. What more can one ask for? Tim de Paravicini hits a home run, yet again. Tim, please don't ever stop!" -- Robert H. Levi

Full Review