E.A.T. - European Audio Team E-Glo 2

Ken Kessler found the E-Glo 2 free of hum and noise, with exceptional retrieval of low-level detail. He also heard a slightly lower noise floor through the balanced input, while E.A.T.'s balanced topology is intended to improve interference rejection for low-output MCs.

The sound is described as all-analogue, warm and naturally textured, but not overblown or excessively lush. Kessler heard a cooler, faster balance than the original E-Glo, with crisp snare work and notably lifelike piano; Ecoustics likewise highlights a natural, unforced character.

Compared with the original E-Glo, Kessler heard greater snap and speed, particularly on percussion, and felt balanced operation either lowered noise or expanded dynamic range. The review is enthusiastic about transient crispness, though it also notes headroom limitations that make cartridge matching important.

Image solidity was called exceptional, and the E-Glo 2 gave Dr. John a convincingly three-dimensional position and appropriate scale. Individual voices in harmonies remained clearly identifiable, supporting the impression of stable, well-separated images.

This is an MM/MC design with RCA and balanced XLR MC connection options, adjustable cartridge settings, and a subsonic filter. The reviewer found it especially effective in balanced mode with moving-coils, but also cautions that it is unusually sensitive to cartridge choice because of its headroom limits.

The E-Glo 2 uses a separate slim alloy power-supply chassis, upgraded polypropylene capacitors in its gain and RIAA stages, and a FET-regulated, filtered power arrangement intended to protect the tube circuitry from ripple and noise. Its illuminated valve surrounds and selectable lighting are distinctive finishing touches, while the available review evidence offers little long-term ownership commentary on this new model.

At £7,999 in the UK and around $11,000 in the US, this is a serious high-end investment rather than an affordable route into tube phono amplification. Ecoustics sees potential for a final-destination component in a system that justifies the outlay, but neither review makes a strong direct case against similarly priced rivals.