E.A.T E-GLO PETIT 2 Phono Preamplifier

The Czech brand has been offering a highly efficient tube phono preamplifier for several years, aiming to be "democratic" compared to other models from the manufacturer. After well-deserved success, E.A.T presents a new version (Petit 2) of its Best-Seller!

E.A.T E-GLO PETIT 2: Chassis

The E.A.T E-GLO PETIT 2 is built in a solid aluminum chassis, available in black or natural finish. The two gain tubes protrude from the top, protected by aluminum "saucers." The adjustments are also accessible on the top of the unit via 4 toggle switches and two rotary selectors. The front panel features LEDs indicating the selected settings; the load capacitance and gain. At the back of the device, there is a simple connectivity setup with two high-quality RCA inputs and outputs, as well as the external DC power input.

E.A.T E-GLO PETIT 2: Technology

E.A.T has dedicated significant time and effort to designing the power supply of the E-Glo Petit 2. Considering that it is an essential element of the signal path, it is regulated and perfectly filtered to optimize the overall performance. The E-Glo Petit 2 is therefore a hybrid phono preamplifier using ECC83 tubes (dual triode) in the first gain stage. For higher gain and reduced noise, the first stage employs a cascode connection of the tube with two low-noise J-FET transistors of type 2SK209. This quadruple configuration offers an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio of 87 dB, a performance seemingly unmatched by any other tube phono preamplifier on the market! Of course, this hybrid design aims to combine the musicality and tonal quality of tubes with the precision and stability of transistors. The RIAA correction is applied entirely passively.

E.A.T E-GLO PETIT 2: Settings

The E.A.T E-Glo Petit 2 offers numerous adjustment options depending on the associated cartridge. The controls on the top of the chassis allow for impedance adjustment from 10 to 75,000 Ohms with 16 different values! The MM capacitance ranges from 50 to 620 pF with 6 values, and the gain (40 to 70 dB – 5 values). Additionally, there is a subsonic filter at 18 dB/octave, which operates at very low frequencies (at 20 Hz) and does not affect audible frequencies.

E.A.T E-GLO PETIT 2: Tests and Listening

It is rare for a device in this range to excite us within minutes. We can play through records without really questioning it. It must be admitted that this E.A.T E-Glo Petit 2 preamplifier offers remarkable musicality. The listening experience is calm and nuanced, regardless of the music style. It retains the dynamics and swing of its bigger brother, the E-GLO PETIT 2. Recordings are reproduced with great nuance and subtlety, always maintaining superb tonal balance. Its most striking characteristic is, of course, that "tube" sound typically found in higher-end audio devices. This E.A.T E-Glo Petit 2 phono preamplifier is a revelation in more ways than one. Its musicality, versatility, and compatibility with 95% of cartridges on the market make it a reference in this price range.

A real favorite!