EAR 324 Phono Pre Amplifiers

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 4ohm, 15ohm and 40ohm 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 54dB at 1kHz
(1.2V out for 2.5mV in, MM) but can be reduced by 6 or 12dB 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.
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EAR/Yoshino, Coombe Grove Farm, Ermine Way, Arrington, Cambs. SG8 0AL
Tel +44 (0) 1223 208877, Fax +44 (0) 1223 208761www.ear-yoshino.com E-mail:earyoshino@aol.com