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

For several years, the Czech manufacturer has offered a highly capable tube phono preamplifier designed to be more “accessible” than the brand’s higher-end models. Following its deserved success, E.A.T introduced a new version called the Petit 2, alongside the Petit B, which is essentially the fully balanced version of the Petit 2

E.A.T E-Glo Petit B: chassis

The E.A.T E-Glo Petit B is built into a solid aluminum chassis available in black or natural aluminum finishes. The two gain tubes protrude from the top panel and are protected by glass “sleeves.”

All settings are accessible from the top of the enclosure through four toggle switches and two rotary selectors.

The front panel features LEDs indicating the selected settings, including capacitance loading and gain.

On the rear panel, the connectivity remains simple and elegant, with high-quality RCA inputs and outputs as well as the external DC power supply connector.

E.A.T E-Glo Petit B: technology

E.A.T devoted considerable time and effort to designing the power supply of the E-Glo Petit B. Considering the power supply as a critical part of the signal path, it is fully regulated and carefully filtered to optimize overall performance.

The first stage is a fully balanced gain stage composed of three discrete solid-state operational amplifiers. After balanced signal processing, the signals are summed and passed through the first of two discrete RIAA equalization stages. The perfectly balanced gain stage optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio, providing ideal operating conditions for the equalization stage.

The second stage is a hybrid tube/transistor asymmetrical amplifier built around two ECC83S triodes and a transistor. This stage integrates the second RIAA equalization section along with a switchable subsonic filter. This hybrid design combines the musicality and tonal richness of tubes with the precision and stability of transistors. RIAA correction is implemented entirely passively.

The output stage uses a dual discrete solid-state operational amplifier to convert the asymmetrical signal into a balanced signal while ensuring low output impedance. Dedicated DC servo circuits maintain extremely low DC offset at the output.

E.A.T E-Glo Petit B: balanced operation

The new E-Glo Petit B features a completely balanced gain stage from input to output.

A balanced gain stage extracts the final musical information from the positive and negative signal phases while eliminating unwanted noise that may be introduced during signal transmission.

It should be noted, however, that only MC cartridges are truly balanced and therefore required for fully balanced operation. Standard MM cartridges are generally not compatible with balanced phono preamplifiers because their internal generator grounding can introduce additional noise on the right channel.

Some MM cartridges are compatible, but they remain rare and would not fully justify using a phono preamplifier of this quality.

Of course, any MM cartridge, whether balanced or not, can still be used via the standard asymmetrical RCA inputs.

E.A.T E-Glo Petit B: settings and adjustments

The E.A.T E-Glo Petit B offers extensive adjustment possibilities depending on the cartridge used.

The controls located on the top panel allow impedance adjustment from 10 to 75,000 ohms across 16 selectable values. MM capacitance can be adjusted from 50 to 620 pF with six different settings, while gain can be selected from 40 to 70 dB across five steps.

A switchable 18 dB/octave subsonic filter is also included. Operating at very low frequencies around 20 Hz, it does not affect the audible frequency range.

E.A.T E-Glo Petit B: listening impressions

From the very first tracks, the E-Glo Petit B demonstrates remarkable dynamics, rhythmic drive and impressive impact. It reveals a tangible texture and richly detailed timbres while maintaining excellent tonal neutrality.

Every nuance and subtle detail is reproduced with outstanding precision. The E-Glo Petit B creates a vast stereo soundstage combining impressive width with beautiful depth and a very convincing three-dimensional presentation.

Bass performance is powerful, tight and perfectly controlled regardless of the recording or musical genre.

On slower and calmer tracks, the E-Glo Petit B remains smooth, refined and highly musical. Vocals are reproduced with delicacy and subtlety while retaining warmth, sensuality and striking realism.

The E-Glo Petit B delivers an exceptionally musical and captivating presentation with a nuanced and realistic approach to music reproduction. This new balanced version of the already excellent E.A.T E-Glo Petit B phono preamplifier fully reveals the unique character of each cartridge and allows it to perform at its absolute best.

Highly recommended +++