869

The EAR Yoshino 869 integrated valve amplifier. Prices exclude valves. Please call for prices.

Designed by Tim de Paravicini, the EAR Yoshino 869 develops the output topology of the EAR 859 with a revised output transformer and a modified input stage incorporating one additional small-signal valve. Output power is increased to 15W per channel, while the operating conditions are controlled more consistently across different valve parameters and as valves age or are replaced.

The EAR 859 was first launched in the early 1990s, initially as a kit offered through Hi-Fi News magazine before becoming a regular EAR product. It was Tim de Paravicini’s response to the growing interest in low-power single-ended triode amplifiers, following more than a decade of producing push-pull amplifiers including the 509, 519 and 549.

Rather than using established output valves such as the 300B, 211 or 2A3, the 859 was based on the EL519, one of de Paravicini’s preferred valves. In its conventional form, the EL519 is a pentode, but the design introduced a new connection known as Enhanced Triode Mode, or ETM. The term refers to its analogy with Enhancement Mode MOSFETs.

In a conventional triode-connected pentode, the screen grid is connected to the anode. ETM reverses this arrangement by connecting the control grid to the cathode and using the screen grid as the input. This gives the valve greater linearity, a higher power rating and improved reliability than the alternatives used in the design.

The resulting 859 became an established EAR amplifier, combining valve clarity and openness with low noise and freedom from mush. The 869 retains this basic approach while providing increased output, more consistent operating conditions and the same design character with greater duration between changes in valve performance.

Customer requests also led to expanded input facilities. The EAR Yoshino 869 can be used as a power amplifier by bypassing its selector switch.