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Source Components

Many people think of vacuum tube amplification when they think of E.A.R. and Tim de Paravicini. Sometimes we forget that E.A.R. also produces world-class CD Players and DACs, and one of the best turntables to be found anywhere.

They next time that you’re shopping for source components, or if you feel the need to upgrade the sound at the beginning of your audio system, keep E.A.R. at the top of your shopping list.

Please read on to learn more about these exquisitely designed and built source components.  For questions, please call 573-696-3551 or email info@audiointelligent.com.  To order, please give us a call or visit our Online Store.

CD Players and Digital to Analog Converters

E.A.R. Acute Classic CD Player/ DAC

The E.A.R. Acute Classic CD player is an all new ground up design by Tim de Paravicini.  Tim’s thirty years of experience in designing digital source components has culminated in a CD player that accurately produces the clear and smooth sound of analog.

The Acute Classic’s abilities are not limited to CDs, thanks to its built-in DAC.  Inputs for USB, TosLink, and S/PDIF are supplied on the back panel to allow for the Acute Classic to be used as a standalone DAC. 

The Acute Classic features a Tim de Paravicini vacuum tube output stage featuring two ECC88 valves.  This layout is related to that of the statement E.A.R. DAC 4.  The Acute Classic also features two dedicated output transformers, hand built by E.A.R. to exacting standards for the lowest possible signal-to-noise ratio.

The digital processing circuitry of the Acute Classic is also a Tim de Paravicini design.  Using the Wolfson WM8741 DAC, the design is such that noise and distortion are minimized, allowing for crisp, clear sound without any of the high frequency harshness commonly associated with digital playback.

Acute Classic CD Player/ DAC in Chrome Finish

E.A.R. Acute 4 SACD Disc Transport

The Acute 4 transport is designed specifically for use with the E.A.R. DAC 4 DSD DAC and is connected using the E.A.R. AcuteLink cable, which is supplied.

The Acute 4 reads red book CD and SACD discs and transfers the data to the DAC 4 without any alteration or conversion.  This elegantly simple solution eliminates many of the possibilities of data conversion and clocking errors and thus provided for the likelihood of better quality sound.

Acute 4 SACD Disc Transport in Chrome Finish

E.A.R. DAC 4 DSD DAC

Along with connectivity to the E.A.R. Acute 4 SACD disc transport through its E.A.R. AcuteLink jack, the DAC 4 offers USB, AES/EBU, SPDIF, and TosLink connectivity for use with just about any digital source available.  It also feature one line level input on RCA jacks, which allows the DAC 4 to also be used as a line stage preamplifier.

Features include an analog volume control, two Wolfson WM8741 DACs, each configured for bridged mono operation, and an analog output stage with four 6DJ8 vacuum tubes.

DAC 4 DSD DAC in Chrome Finish

Turntables and Tonearms

E.A.R. Disc Master and E.A.R./ Helius Omega Tonearm

Tim de Paravicini began contemplating a radical new design for a turntable several decades ago, but the advent of digital audio put the project on hold. With interest in analog not only continuing, but also growing, he has finalized his design, and introduced the Disc Master turntable. While many turntables have appeared on the market in recent years, few offer as many novel features as the Disc Master, but this is not novelty for its own sake. The Disc Master represents a new standard for LP playback.

Most striking is the no-contact drive system. The need to transfer power to the platter of a turntable has always been problematic, as any system with the capacity to transfer power can, by the same means, transfer vibration. Flexible rubber belts have proved a satisfactory solution, but suffer problems of slippage (hence, uncertain speed) and they pull the platter sideways, which can result in stability problems. Tim de Paravicini has arrived at an ingenious solution that solves these problems. A low-noise motor, controlled by a carefully optimized servo loop, drives a sub-platter via a geared belt that ensures absolute speed control. The sub-platter drives the platter via an arrangement of opposing magnets. This method not only eliminates slippage, but allows enough compliance to filter out any remaining vibration from the motor and belt, while applying a fully symmetric driving force.

Bearings are another problem for a turntable designer, one that Tim de Paravicini has solved by the use of Swiss-made, precision angular contact bearings, which are as quiet as the more common point-contact types, but wear much more slowly, so that their performance after years of use will be as good as on initial purchase.

E.A.R. Disc Master with E.A.R./ Helius Omega Tonearm

The platter is made of an ultra-low-resonance composite of resin and inorganic filler, accurately machined and supported on an instrument-grade aluminum chassis. Adjustable, damped feet support the assembly. Three speeds—33, 45, and 78—are offered, with a continuous speed control for 78 to accommodate discs cut at non-standard speeds.

All common tonearms can be mounted and adjusted with ease. The Disc Master is also available with a special EAR version of the Helius Omega tonearm. The Omega arm is as radical a rethinking of tonearm design as the Disc Master is a reconsideration of turntable design, and the two work superbly together.

Please specify when ordering.

This is a limited production, special order item.  Please call 573-696-3551 for more information on purchasing this product and expected delivery lead times.

Osage Audio Products, LLC ∙ P.O. Box 232 ∙ Hallsville, MO  65255
  573-696-3551 ∙ www.osageaudio.com ∙ info@audiointelligent.com
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