Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Beautiful construction
- A thorough range of options and tools make this unit feel complete
- Nearly dead neutral and transparent sounding
- Actively enhances the sound of a stereo system
- Offers clarity, openness, and control
- Makes recordings sound better than they really are and has the ability to pull out more music
- The design is a fully balanced differential design that provides ultimate performance with extremely low distortion
- Low inaudible noise levels of any tube amplifier design lead to impeccable soundstage reproduction
- The unit has a lot of inputs and outputs, with four balanced and four single ended inputs
Product Considerations
- The plastic remote does not match the feel of a high-end preamp, although Audio Research is seeking a replacement
- When living with high sensitivity speakers, one will be down there at the bottom range of the volume control
- The chassis isn't excessively heavy with fanciful metalwork
- Grain, or extra grittiness in the bass, was detected, but it always revealed itself to be an extra texture inherent on the recording
- Steers the system gently into a realm of clarity, openness and control that is addictive and does not offer wild party bass or seductive treble sparklies
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The LS28SE provides a greater sense of the singer's intentions, presence, breath, timing, and overall musicality, whereas the Pass Labs XP30 is more neutral but less emotionally engaging
- The LS28SE wasn't multidimensional like the Allnic
Takeaway: The Audio Research LS28SE is a transparent preamp that brings clarity and openness to the sound, making it a worthwhile upgrade for serious audiophiles. It is very functional and complete, offering many options to tune the sound.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
I/50 Integrated Amplifier
- Positioning: The entry-level integrated amplifier in the Audio Research lineup.
- Description: Offers a compact design with a powerful all-tube amplification circuit, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Features optional DAC and phono modules, providing flexibility for various audio sources, unlike the more specialized power amplifiers in the lineup.
VT80 SE Stereo Amplifier
- Positioning: A mid-range stereo amplifier, offering a balance between performance and affordability.
- Description: Uses KT150 tubes for a robust output, suitable for diverse speaker setups. Provides a fully balanced design, unlike the I/50, and is more powerful.
Reference 160S Stereo Power Amplifier
- Positioning: A premium stereo amplifier, designed for serious audiophiles.
- Description: With its dual GhostMeters and advanced auto-bias technology, provides superior soundstage and detail. Offers more power and flexibility than the 80S.
Reference 330M Monoblock Power Amplifier
- Positioning: The flagship monoblock amplifier, representing the pinnacle of Audio Research's engineering.
- Description: Combines groundbreaking technology with an all-tube signal path, offering unmatched control and dynamic range. Surpasses the 160M MKII in power and sophistication, making it the ultimate choice for those with no budget constraints and a desire for the best possible sound.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
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Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
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3/1/2022
LS28SE
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Manufacturer's notes
A high-end preamplifier in its technical performance. An instrument in its ability to deliver a realistic and emotional connection to the music. The LS28SE draws on Audio Research's experience creating, of all things, our Reference 160-series power amplifiers. Numerous costly component upgrades elevate the LS28SE's clarity, resolution, transient snap, and sense of space. The relaxed purity and natural sense of balance are instantly noticeable and will inspire extended listening sessions.
Manufacturer Specs
- Frequency Response: +0-3dB, 0.4Hz to 200kHz at rated output
- THD+Noise: Less than .007% at 2V RMS BAL output
- Noise: Less than -100dBv at max volume (103)
- Dynamic Range: 122dB
- Crosstalk: -105dB
- Gain: Main output: 18.5dB balanced output (12.5dB SE output)
- Input Impedance: 100K ohms Balanced, 50K ohms SE
- Output Impedance: 600 ohms Balanced, 300 ohms SE
- Maximum Input: 16V RMS BAL, 8V RMS SE
- Rated Outputs: 2V RMS (1V RMS SE)
- Tube Compliment: (4) 6H30P dual triode
- Power Requirements: 105-125VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50/60Hz) 130 watts maximum
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 19" x 6.5" x 13.7" (48 cm x 13.7 cm x 34.8 cm)
- Weight: 16.0 lbs (7.2 kg) Net; 24 lbs (10.9 kg) Shipping
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Average Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used Products
110
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Brand Popularity
100
of 600+
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Top 50 Brand
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Products
15
Founded
1970
Our take on the brand
Audio Research is a hifi brand that has stayed committed to tube technology while many competitors moved to solid-state designs. The brand is known for its use of KT150 power beam tetrodes and hybrid power supply designs that blend tube amplification with solid-state regulation.
Brand Page
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Audio Research
What if you spend a bit more?
Helios
21995
21995
/
5
Reviews
Weiss
Weiss Engineering is a Swiss hifi brand known for its DACs that incorporate advanced DSP features like room correction and vinyl emulation, which are uncommon in other high-end DACs. Their products are praised for their precision and clarity in sound reproduction, with users noting their ability to make every track sound natural and balanced.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional clarity, resolution, transparency, and natural sound, allowing the recording itself to provide resolution, depth, warmth, and dynamics
- High level of detail retrieval with excellent depth and layering of the soundstage
- Versatile, functioning as a top-class D/A converter, preamplifier, headphone amplifier, and streamer with Roon Ready and JPLAY certification
- Offers extensive digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities with algorithms used in professional audio products for mixing and mastering
- Impeccable build quality with a robust double chassis design featuring a stainless-steel frame and thick aluminum paneling
Product Considerations
- Lacks a conventional front-mounted headphone jack, requiring an adapter cable connected to the rear outputs for headphone use
- The many DSP features carry a learning curve and may not be straightforward for audiophiles without a recording studio background
- Some reviewers found the initial sonic presentation slightly aggressive or studio-like out of the box
- A larger display screen would be beneficial
- Some audiophiles seeking a particularly flavorful or additive listening experience might find it too neutral
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Weiss Helios excels in retrieval of detail, excellent bass management, and highly specific placement of images on the soundstage, while the Bricasti M21 Platinum Edition DAC had wider linear image presentation
- Helios offers an upgraded digital-to-analog stage and analog output section for enhanced clarity and involvement with the music, compared to the Weiss DAC502
- Helios is claimed to have many of the same qualities as the Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3–great timbral awareness, high levels of clarity, excellent retrieval of detail, superb bass, and highly specific image placement
- Helios has superior detail retrieval and sense of depth, whereas the Weiss MEDUS Reference DAC is a bit more forgiving and a bit more generous in the bass
Takeaway: The Weiss Helios is a top-tier DAC that delivers exceptional sound quality with a high level of detail and clarity, while also offering a wide range of customizable features for both speaker and headphone setups. It is a great choice for audiophiles seeking a versatile and high-performing digital audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Weiss Engineering is a Swiss hifi brand known for its DACs that incorporate advanced DSP features like room correction and vinyl emulation, which are uncommon in other high-end DACs. Their products are praised for their precision and clarity in sound reproduction, with users noting their ability to make every track sound natural and balanced.
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Helios
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Product Page
Progression
25950
25950
/
4
Reviews
Dan D'Agostino
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The D'Agostino Progression Preamplifier delivers warmth like tubes without the headaches
- The Progression Preamplifier has a lower audible noise floor
- The Progression Stereo amplifier provides a sense of authority, dynamism, energy, and slam
- The Progression offers exceptional life, dynamic detail, and apparent power
- The Progression Stereo Amplifier runs surprisingly cool due to its innovative heatsink design
- The Progression Preamplifier has a limited number of inputs, especially single-ended, which may be problematic for larger systems
Product Considerations
- The Progression Preamplifier has a limited number of inputs, especially single-ended, which may be problematic for larger systems
- The Progression Preamplifier's DAC set-up instructions are basic and may require expert help
- The progression preamplifier has a slight bit more midrange liveliness and detail than usual, and just a touch of added energy in the upper midrange
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Ayre Acoustics KX-R Twenty: The Ayre is a highly regarded solid-state preamplifier with a fully balanced, no feedback topology, but unlike the Progression, it does not have a DAC option
- Vs Mark Levinson N° 526: The Mark Levinson is also a fully balanced, solid-state preamplifier, but adds a phono stage in addition to the built-in DAC
- Vs Pass Labs XP-30 preamplifier: Like the Progression, it is a fully balanced, solid-state, multiple-chassis design, but it is scalable up to six channels
- Vs D'Agostino Momentum: The Progression Stereo delivers more power than its more upmarket Momentum Stereo counterpart
- Vs D'Agostino Momentum: The Progression looks like the more flexible option, rather than a 'discount design'
- Vs D'Agostino Momentum: The Progression is a more uncompromising design—balanced operation only, without a built-in optional DAC or Bluetooth operation for the remote
Takeaway: The Progression is a set of very well-engineered audio components offering great sound and power. They are a good option for people who appreciate high-quality audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
Visit our
Progression
page
Product Page
PRE
25000
25000
/
4
Reviews
Meitner
Ed Meitner recognizes that the analog preamplifier is at the heart of every music system and warrants the utmost care and precision. This recognition motivates him to consistently push the boundaries of performance in his designs. Starting with the Meitner PA6i and progressing to the multi-award winning EMM Labs PRE2, he has never failed to push the state-of-the-art in the industry.
Ed Meitner's latest design, the reference PRE, embodies this drive for perfection and culminates in his most significant statement in the preamplifier category to date. Stunning transparency is achieved via fully discrete dual-balanced signal paths, sophisticated contactless switching solutions and precision software-driven analog volume control.
Using custom, aerospace-grade, composite laminate circuit boards in the PRE provides several advantages over conventional boards: Microscopically smooth copper traces resulting in a reduction in skin effect issues Superior strength and vibration resistance Lower dielectric losses and superior heat conduction ensuring uniform temperature distribution, increasing stability and longevity
With six sets of stereo analog inputs and three sets of stereo analog outputs, the PRE allows the option of bi-amplification and tri-amplification setups. Three sets of user programmable volume presets per input allows the user to easily recall their favourite volume settings for different types of music.
Result… the most sophisticated and musically accurate preamplifier from EMM Labs. Capable of controlling everything, except your enthusiasm.
Meitner Audio's MA3 DAC uses a unique one-bit circuit that upconverts all audio to 16xDSD, with proprietary MFAST and MDAT2 technologies for jitter removal and upsampling. The MA3 features a VControl digital volume system that maintains signal integrity without requantization, while offering network streaming and Roon Ready capability.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Noted for its neutrality, accuracy, and uncolored sound, providing a truthful representation of recordings
- Remarkably quiet in operation, with no pops or noise when switching inputs or muting
- Beautifully crafted chassis and a large, easy-to-read display
- Offers useful features like volume presets for each input and a balance control
- Detailed and relaxed sound
- Offers two RCA inputs, one XLR input, one RCA output, and one XLR output
Product Considerations
- Minimalist design results in a limited number of inputs and outputs
- Volume knob doesn't have a silky smooth feel
- Dynamic range could be wider on challenging recordings
- Sound might be too smooth at times, which slightly dulled the thrilling edge of some works
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Meitner PRE exhibited better edge definition, speed, transients, and treble airiness, as well as improved bass definition and clarity, than the Linear Tube Audio preamplifier
- The Pass Labs XP30 had more fullness in the bottom end and more dynamic kick than the Meitner PRE
- The Meitner PRE was considered more detailed and more relaxed than the EMM Labs PRE2
- The EMM Labs DV2 DAC offered a broader image and a greater ease of presentation than the Meitner PRE
Takeaway: The Meitner PRE preamplifier is a beautifully built and easy-to-use piece of equipment with a neutral and accurate sound signature that lets the music pass through with clarity. It is an exceptional preamp that is worth considering for those seeking high-quality analog sound reproduction.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Meitner Audio's MA3 DAC uses a unique one-bit circuit that upconverts all audio to 16xDSD, with proprietary MFAST and MDAT2 technologies for jitter removal and upsampling. The MA3 features a VControl digital volume system that maintains signal integrity without requantization, while offering network streaming and Roon Ready capability.
Visit our
PRE
page
Product Page
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wide-ranging gain and impedance adjustments
- Superb build quality, with rigid and immaculately crafted casework and beautifully finished panels
- Ultra low noise, massive weight, and lightning-quick dynamics
- A tonal richness that is usually associated with vacuum tubes, yet has an equal helping of dynamic contrast and weight that normally can only be achieved with the best solid-state gear
- An auto-balance feature to equalize the two channels to compensate for imbalanced cartridges
Product Considerations
- For those with lots of very old records, the lack of choice in equalization may be an issue
- The cable was perhaps a bit too revealing for one reviewer's taste
- The instructions for the ADC module are fairly cryptic
- It sounded slightly flat out of the box, but opens up dramatically after a few days of constant play
- The guitars lost some of their top-end resolution and sounded more edgy, and Ann Wilson's voice sounded squeaky and got lost in the mix, throwing off the delicate balance of the track
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audio Research REF Phono 2: The Burmester was definitely an order of magnitude quieter, but the Audio Research offered a bit larger musical image
- Vs Boulder 1008: The Boulder offered slightly more bass grunt
- Vs Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2: Compared to the Burmester, the Cyrus sounds quite flat, cluttered, and mechanical
- Vs EAR Yoshino 324: The EAR Yoshino 324 provides a better-balanced sound
Takeaway: The Burmester 100 Phono is a high-quality phono stage that offers flexibility and excellent build quality. It is a great option for audiophiles looking for a long-term investment in their vinyl setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
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100
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Product Page
What else competes at this price?
PH-1000
11999
/
Released
2021
Gold Note
The PH-1000 is simply the best phono stage ever created by Gold Note: a unique piece of audio engineering, innovative in every aspect and completely made in Italy. It features exclusive Class A components such as a headphone output, infinite EQ curves including 4 customisable presets, plus 36 EQ curves and a Class A line preamplifier (optional).
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unparalleled cartridge matching capabilities with adjustable gain levels and load options
- Features a multitude of equalization options, including preset EQ options alongside the option to set up custom curves
- Exceptional build quality with a chassis precision-machined from solid aluminum, offering superior electromagnetic shielding and aesthetic elegance
- Intuitive operation is ensured by the clear display and the Single Knob Control (SKC) system, despite the unit's complexity
- Class A circuitry throughout delivers a warmth and naturalness that brings vinyl playback to life, while maintaining exceptional detail and clarity
Product Considerations
- Premium price point makes it a high-end investment
- Complex feature set may require a learning curve for full usage
- Large form factor requires adequate rack space
- The remote control has a mute function that requires two clicks to unmute, which can be slightly annoying
- The Owners' Manual could be improved and is not very informative
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Gold Note PH-10: PH-1000 has more cartridge loading possibilities
- Vs Gold Note PSU-1250 & TUBE-1012: PH-1000 lacks a warm tube sound, but if you add the PSU-1250 & TUBE-1012, details are brought out with added sharpness and the music becomes more cohesive—reaching a new level of harmonic wholeness
Takeaway: The Gold Note PH-1000 is a sophisticated phono preamplifier with a wide range of features and exceptional sound quality, perfect for vinyl enthusiasts seeking to get the best out of their collections. Its flexibility and upgradeability make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about analog audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
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PH-1000
Page
Product Page
XP-27
12075
/
Released
2021
Pass Labs
The twin chassis XP-27 eclipses the already exceptional performance of the well-reviewed and well-received XP-15, XP-25 & XP-17: delivering enhanced RIAA performance at a fraction of the previous distortion. The new design uses double shielded low noise toroidal transformers in external supply connected via aviation grade circular connectors using silver over oxygen free copper.
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Separate chassis for the power supply and signal circuitry minimizes noise, improving low-level detail retrieval
- Front panel controls for gain, resistive loading, and capacitive loading, provide flexibility for cartridge matching
- Two RCA inputs accommodate two turntables or tonearms, simplifying analog setups
- Superb detail, clarity, and a clean sound, leads to a musically involving experience
- A high-pass filter reduces low-frequency noise, helpful for systems with subwoofers
Product Considerations
- The two-chassis design may be problematic for audiophiles with limited space, as the power supply is ideally placed separate from the main unit
- No remote control is included, requiring manual adjustments at the unit itself
- Settings are not automatically remembered when switching between tonearm inputs, requiring manual readjustment
- Some reviewers would have liked to see larger LED indicators and labels for easier visibility
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The XP-27 offers a host of useful features and operates with a great deal of attention paid to lower distortion, even RIAA performance is accomplished at much lower distortion levels than previous versions in the same price class
- Vs Pass Labs XP-25, the XP-27 offers incremental improvements including lower noise and better bass performance due to dual transformers—vs single in the XP-25—lower noise resistors, upgraded rectifiers and improved power filtering and regulation
- Vs Pass Labs XP-17, the XP-27 offers superior dynamics, clarity, imaging and musicality
- Vs Pass Labs XP-22, the XP-27 is the star of the two-component show: XP-22-line preamplifier and XP-27 phono preamplifier
Takeaway: The Pass Labs XP-27 is a versatile and high-performing phono preamplifier that extracts remarkable detail and clarity from vinyl recordings. Its flexible loading options and dual inputs make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
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XP-27
Page
Product Page
Hyperion P1
14055
/
Released
2022
CANOR
Hyperion P1 is a brand new vacuum tube preamplifier of pure A-class with zero feedback designed and produced by CANOR. It is considered a reference preamplifier of the CANOR brand.
Canor Audio is a hifi brand that uses proprietary CMT circuit board technology to match the performance of point-to-point wiring while maintaining consistency in manufacturing. Their tube-based designs include unique features like a tube output stage in their DACs and custom-made output transformers with Permalloy cores in their amplifiers, setting them apart in the high-end audio market.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a natural, spacious, and clean sound
- Attenuator is located in a special aluminum box (10 mm thick walls) which provides perfect shielding and absorbs the vibrations
- Is a Class-A preamplifier and was designed to avoid ANY global feedback
- Analogue part is separated from the power part by a solid aluminium wall (10 mm thick) which contributes to the elimination of interference
Product Considerations
- The tubes require a lengthy break-in period of several hundred hours
- The system remote control could be bigger
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Hyperion and Virtus combo's sovereignty brings the acoustic events to 'life' more convincingly
Takeaway: The Hyperion P1 is made to provide high signal quality sound. It has excellent workmanship to ensure amazing sound quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canor Audio is a hifi brand that uses proprietary CMT circuit board technology to match the performance of point-to-point wiring while maintaining consistency in manufacturing. Their tube-based designs include unique features like a tube output stage in their DACs and custom-made output transformers with Permalloy cores in their amplifiers, setting them apart in the high-end audio market.
Visit
Hyperion P1
Page
Product Page
XP-32
18375
/
Released
2021
Pass Labs
The XP-32 is a three-piece modular preamplifier consisting of one control/power supply chassis and two additional gain chassis each containing analog signals of a single channel. The XP-32 generates less noise, crosstalk and distortion while delivering greater dynamic range, gain, output voltage and output current.
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tonally, the XP-32 is a more beautiful, engaging preamplifier with a beautiful class A sound that presents fatigue-free
- Exceptional build quality
- Supreme clarity of sound lends a feeling of speed, precision, and vivacity in music across various genres, from jazz to opera, symphonic to rock
- Brings forth a feeling of speed, precision, and vivacity in various genres of music, from jazz to opera, symphonic to rock
- The metaphor of the veil being lifted—or ripped away—is applicable here
Product Considerations
- Not the most neutral or transparent unit
- Needed a lot of volume for it to get a Griffin amplifier moving
- Takes up a lot of space, especially if not stacked
- Missing was a touch of body to Netrebko's voice and a sense of air around it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to PASLabs XB30, the XP-32 is a better line stage
- Compared to the XS preamplifier, the XP-32 uses a single-stage volume control as used in the XS preamplifier and has more range, with 0.5dB steps; it is quieter and more accurate
- Compared to the XP-30, the XP-32's inputs are DC-coupled and a servo is used after trimming
- Compared to the XP-22, it was just slightly more explicit
Takeaway: The XP-32 is a well-built preamplifier that gives a clean and clear sound, bringing more excitement to music. If you want to hear everything in music, the XP-32 might be what you are looking for.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
Visit
XP-32
Page
Product Page
EAR 868
10484
/
Released
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EAR Yoshino
Handling a variety of analogue sources, the EAR 868 is designed to be the most capable of analogue pre-amps. With 5 analogue inputs, connect your Hi-Fi to the latest devices, like the EAR Dac 4.
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Transparent and neutral sound signature with a richness that gives music life and texture without coloration
- Top-notch fit and finish with a thick chrome faceplate that exudes quality
- The tube phono stage sends the signal to a third stage of amplification and dedicated moving coil step-up transformers, which provides dead quiet amplification—plus serves as the resistive load seen by the cartridge
- Offers balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs
- The EAR 868 is a versatile preamplifier that can drive both tube and solid-state amplifiers without issue
Product Considerations
- The user manual is sparse and lacks information on setting up the phono stage, requiring either expertise or dealer assistance
- The manual recommends 60 seconds of warmup to reach operating temperature—it took 30-40 minutes to reach its fullness of sound and best resolution
- The 868 is not fully balanced, but a conventional unbalanced design in which input and output transformers interface with XLR cables to reject common-mode interference
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Primare Pre30, the EAR 868 was noticeably more transparent
- Compared to the Herron VTPH-2 phono stage, the Mercury-plus-Herron's tone on mono pop recordings such as Nat King Cole's Unforgettable was more open—leaner, more contemporary-sounding—while the 868's sound was dense and eerily saturated on Cole's baritone
Takeaway: The EAR 868 is a well-regarded preamplifier known for its transparent, neutral sound, and high-quality build, making it a great addition to a high-end audio system. With its versatility and ability to enhance the musicality of various recordings, the EAR 868 is a valuable component for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
Visit
EAR 868
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Beautiful construction
- A thorough range of options and tools make this unit feel complete
- Nearly dead neutral and transparent sounding
- Actively enhances the sound of a stereo system
- Offers clarity, openness, and control
- Makes recordings sound better than they really are and has the ability to pull out more music
- The design is a fully balanced differential design that provides ultimate performance with extremely low distortion
- Low inaudible noise levels of any tube amplifier design lead to impeccable soundstage reproduction
- The unit has a lot of inputs and outputs, with four balanced and four single ended inputs
Product Considerations
- The plastic remote does not match the feel of a high-end preamp, although Audio Research is seeking a replacement
- When living with high sensitivity speakers, one will be down there at the bottom range of the volume control
- The chassis isn't excessively heavy with fanciful metalwork
- Grain, or extra grittiness in the bass, was detected, but it always revealed itself to be an extra texture inherent on the recording
- Steers the system gently into a realm of clarity, openness and control that is addictive and does not offer wild party bass or seductive treble sparklies
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The LS28SE provides a greater sense of the singer's intentions, presence, breath, timing, and overall musicality, whereas the Pass Labs XP30 is more neutral but less emotionally engaging
- The LS28SE wasn't multidimensional like the Allnic
Takeaway: The Audio Research LS28SE is a transparent preamp that brings clarity and openness to the sound, making it a worthwhile upgrade for serious audiophiles. It is very functional and complete, offering many options to tune the sound.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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