E.A.T E-GLO S Phono Preamplifier

The Czech brand offers a high-end tube phono preamplifier that is both efficient and elegant at a more democratic price compared to previous versions.

E.A.T E-GLO S: Chassis

The E.A.T E-GLO S is constructed from a solid aluminum chassis, adorned with two Makassar wood side panels. The two gain tubes protrude from the top, protected by aluminum "saucers." Notably, the tubes are surrounded by red aluminum Cool Dampers. The adjustments are also located on the top of the unit and are accessible via toggle switches. The front panel features LEDs indicating the selected settings; the R load, C load, and gain. At the back of the device, there is a simple connectivity setup with two RCA inputs and outputs, as well as the external DC power input.

E.A.T E-GLO S: Technology

The E.A.T E-GLO S is a hybrid phono preamplifier using ECC83 tubes (dual triode) in the first and second gain stages. For higher gain and reduced noise, the first stage employs a cascode connection of the tube with two low-noise J-FET transistors connected in parallel. This hybrid design aims to combine the musicality and tonal quality of tubes with the precision and stability of transistors. The RIAA curve is applied entirely passively and divided into two stages, allowing for perfect impedance matching between the gain stage and the equalization. This phono preamplifier is free from global feedback. The essential elements of its design include the power supply, which utilizes anode voltage regulation and perfectly filtered voltage. This three-stage filtering ensures a very low signal-to-noise ratio and ultra-quiet reproduction.

E.A.T E-GLO S: Settings

The E.A.T E-GLO S offers numerous adjustment options. The controls on the top of the chassis allow for MM impedance adjustment (47K) and MC (10 to 1,000 Ohms – 6 values). The MM capacitance ranges from 50 to 420 pF (7 values) and the gain (45 to 70 dB – 5 values). Additionally, there is a subsonic filter at 18 dB/octave, which operates at very low frequencies and does not affect audible frequencies.

E.A.T E-GLO S: Tests and Listening

The E.A.T E-GLO S is easy to handle, and its settings are straightforward. After about ten minutes of warm-up, one is captivated by its remarkable finesse of interpretation, resolution, and beauty of timbres. Its operational silence, transparency, and the nuances it conveys immerse the listener directly in the music. This preamplifier is sufficiently neutral and transparent to highlight all the qualities of the associated low-level MC cartridge. On acoustic instruments and complex pieces, it brings remarkable life to the music while offering superb delicacy when needed. The low background noise provides exceptional dynamics and remarkable transparency, resulting in particularly realistic percussion with surprising nuances. On Blues or Rock, the E-GLO S offers enough resolution and tonal accuracy to easily distinguish the brand of the guitar or amplifier! It is often difficult to surpass the sound quality of tubes on vocals and strings, where texture is paramount. The E-GLO S excels in this regard. Its most striking characteristic is, of course, that "tube" sound typically found in much more expensive devices. The E.A.T E-GLO S phono preamplifier is a true revelation, and in its price range, below 3,000 euros, it seems to have no competitors! The E.A.T E-GLO S is aimed at those who want the best of analog without compromise in terms of musicality and performance.

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