Yoshino Ltd. 88PB

About the Yoshino Ltd. 88PB

The EAR 88PB is a definitive statement in valve electronics, designed by Tim de Paravicini. It is a hybrid phono preamplifier that combines solid-state components with four PCC88 tubes to deliver intense musical involvement and remarkable dynamic contrasts. It supports two inputs to accommodate multiple turntables or tonearms, with one input switchable between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, using renowned step-up transformers for MC input to ensure low noise and high fidelity. The MC input impedance is adjustable internally. The unit includes a volume control allowing direct connection to a power amplifier, and a highly linear buffer stage with an output transformer providing balanced (XLR) or single-ended (RCA) outputs at low impedance to drive long cables. Additional features include a stereo/mono switch and a unique high stability circuit for precise RIAA equalization. The 88PB is praised for its powerful and resolving sound, especially excelling in bass performance, treble clarity, and dynamic range, revealing layers of definition and previously unheard details in vinyl recordings. Its build quality is solid with a chrome facia and gold or chrome knobs, making it a sublime-sounding tube phono stage favored by audiophiles and professionals alike.