EAR Yoshino 868
The EAR Yoshino 868 pairs a low-noise, low-microphonic PCC88 valve circuit with a seriously substantial chassis, giving analogue-focused systems a refined, professional-minded control centre. Hifi Statement highlights the tube design’s reduced noise susceptibility and the 10mm front panel, while generous line, balanced and optional MM/MC phono connectivity make it an unusually flexible tube preamplifier.
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Kinda Soggy
Sound Quality
54/100
Build Quality
66/100
Features Connectivity
89/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
PCC88 valve implementation is designed for low noise and reduced susceptibility to microphonics.
Substantial 10mm-thick front panel supports a notably robust physical build.
Cons
MC input impedance adjustments require internal jumpers rather than convenient front-panel switching.
Some operating conveniences and metering available on the flagship EAR 912 are omitted.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 54/100
The available review evidence is narrowly focused on low noise and reduced susceptibility to microphonics rather than a full listening assessment. It offers little information on tonal character, dynamic expression or spatial presentation.
Transparency Resolution
65/100
Hifi Statement identifies the valve choice as offering lower noise and less susceptibility to microphonics, qualities that can support a cleaner signal. The review does not provide direct listening observations about detail retrieval, neutrality or perceived transparency.
Tonal Balance Musicality
50/100
The supplied review does not describe the 868's tonal balance, timbre, warmth or musical involvement. There is therefore no reviewer evidence on how its tube circuit shapes recordings.
Dynamics
50/100
The review says little about macro-dynamic scale, micro-dynamic shading or the preamplifier's sense of drive. No listening comparison addresses whether music feels especially lively, punchy or relaxed.
Soundstage Imaging
50/100
No supplied reviewer comments address soundstage width or depth, image focus, layering or dimensionality. Spatial performance is not meaningfully documented in the available evidence.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
66/100
Hifi Statement notes the substantial 10 mm-thick front panel, describing the unit as effectively bulletproof from the front. Beyond that observation, the supplied review says little about internal construction, controls, long-term reliability or overall fit and finish.
Features Connectivity
89/100
The 868 provides five RCA line inputs, an XLR input, dual RCA and XLR outputs, and a tape-monitor connection. The 868PL version also includes an MM/MC phono stage with selectable moving-coil loading, while the 868L is a line-only alternative.
Value for Money
85/100
At a listed price range of $5,399 to $6,482, the 868 sits in a premium preamplifier segment and offers unusually broad analogue connectivity, particularly in 868PL form. The supplied review does not assess whether its performance and facilities represent strong value against competing models.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Valves
- EAR 868L (Line only) Two PCC88 (7DJ8) EAR 868PL (with Phonostage) Four PCC88 (7DJ8)
- Performance
- Signal-to-nosie on Line amp: 90db (1v out ref) Phono Noise (weighted): -80db (IHF)* Phono MM Impedance: 47KΩ* Phono MC Impedance: 4Ω, 12Ω & 40Ω*
- Connectivity
- Five Line Inputs (RCA) One Balanced Input (XLR) Two Ground Terminals One Phono Input (RCA) EAR 868L: Line only input EAR 868PL: Moving magnet/Moving coil
- Output
- Two Line Outputs (RCA) 5V into 600Ω Two Balanced Ouputs (XLR) 5V One Tape Monitor (RCA)
- Dimensions & Weight
- Weight: 10kg (22lb) Length: 380 mm (15”) Width: 305 mm (12”) Height: 100mm (4”)
- Power
- Total Max Consumption: 24 watts 240 volt / 110 Volt / 100 Volt (depending on model) * Only available on EAR 868PL
Manufacturer's Description — EAR Yoshino
Our classic design valve pre-amplifier with five line inputs and a studio quality balanced input (XLR). Two line outputs and balanced outputs. Option of a built-in photostage with moving coil/moving magnet capability for direct vinyl playing.
Pride of Craftsmanship
Encased in solid built construction, to a quality you would expect. Each front fascia is CNC milled for a high level of precision typically associated with finely crafted watches. It’s 10mm thick fascia is hand-finished in flawless chrome and is matched by it’s clutter-free interface. Four gold or chrome finished controls dial in the experience.
We have a heritage of crafting products for more than 30 years and if that wasn’t enough, it’s good to know that its designed and made in England.
Breadth of Capability
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. Aided further by its studio heritage to bring you a pair of balanced inputs in the form of XLRs, you can connect to a whole host of devices you never thought imaginable.
The additional built-in phono stage in the EAR 868PL edition becomes its own when connecting your pickup. You’ll notice your turntable’s Moving Magnet cartridges come alive with grace and with the addition of a Moving Coil toggle switch, the 868PL can support a wide range of cartridges.
Built on Excellence
Engineered on the same core technologies as the studio grade brother, the EAR 912. The EAR 868’s smaller size may mean theres less of it but there’s nothing less to it. It’s still big on performance with circuitry designed by Tim de Paravicini. The 868 utilises the same reliable PCC88s in a configuration of four.
The carefully built circuit boards enable performance that is low in distortion, low in noise but full of sound. Leaving reliable service that is suitable for high end professional tasks.
Inside Story
Every decision is considered. There’s no power brick. The 868 has it’s own built in power supply that reduces clutter, leaving visible just a single power cord. It’s great for performance too, keeping hum at bay and allowing for the inclusion of a high capacity design.
Both the output transformers and power transformers have been tailored for the 868. Each transformers is hand wound to exacting specifications that ultimately produce it’s exhilarating sound. Design that is intentional and rigorous.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for EAR Yoshino 868
- Acoustic Dimension — in-store — Steenderen, Gelderland, Netherlands (website)
- Alternative Audio — in-store — Taunton, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
- Assai Audio — in-store — Centro, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Aktoren — online and in-store — Horten, Vestfold, Norway (website)
- Audio Emotion — online and in-store — Glenrothes, Scotland, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio Gallery — online and in-store — Las Rozas de Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Hum — in-store — Norte Sierra, Andalucía, Spain (website)
- Audiocompagniet — online and in-store — Odense C, Denmark (website)
- Audiophile Zone — online and in-store — Baywood-Los Osos, California, United States (website)
and 35 more verified dealers