Talk to an audio consultant

EAR - V20 INTEGRATED AMP

With a look this cool, Tim de Paravicini's newest integrated amp has been impressing everyone who sees and hears it. The V20 kicks out 24 watts using 10 12Ax7 tubes per channel. If you are not looking for concert level volume, you would be hard-pressed to find anything this transparent, musical and effortless. Class A Rated, see Chip Stern's October 2001 review in Stereophile.

More about the V20:

The V20 is a completely new concept in valve amplifier design. Forget all other more conventional designs, the V20 is a totally “clean sheet of paper” design.

The output valves are the indirectly heated ECC83 twin triode type, 10 per channel, operated in a parallel push pull class “A” circuit featuring Enhanced Triode Mode, as used in both the EAR 859 Single-Ended Triode Amplifier, and the EAR 861 push-pull triode amplifier. This circuit provides superb linearity and very low distortion. In addition, the V20 uses Tim’s highly developed Balanced Bridge Mode ultra-wide-bandwidth output transformer, and no overall feedback.

The key design parameters were to extend frequency response at both ends of the spectrum, improve low level detail, and provide optimum loudspeaker coupling. All of these points have been successfully achieved in the V20, with superb reliability from the low priced triode output valves. (All valves in the V20 are true triode valves.)

The circuit is not the only new thing with this amplifier, the case work is new and unique. Tim wanted a more natural, harmonious look to his new amplifier, something less aggressive than traditional designs with exposed industrial looking iron transformer cores, hard angles, and valves stuck up in the air. The fascia is rounded, in a kind of half moon shape, with left & right channel valves positionedon opposing sides of the amplifier. Finish is exemplary, with wood-capped valve covers, heavy chrome-on-brass fascia, and gold plated control knobs.

The name V20 was inspired by Tim’s passion for the motor car, and in particular, the famous V12 Jaguar engine. The original prototype had twelve output valves, and we at Yoshino could not resist calling it a V12 amplifier engine! Tim decided to uprate the project when the true potential of this new circuit became apparent, and it crystallised as the present V20 specification, with no less than twenty output valves.

The amplifier offers 20 watts per channel, has 5 line inputs, and can be connected to any loudspeaker load from 4 to 16 ohms. It is perfectly stable into any load, and will offer years of reliable service.

Specifications:

I.M.D.: less than 0.5%
Output Damping Factor: 10
Signal to Noise Ratio: 93dB (Less than 0.4mv)
Input Sensitivity: 40OmV
Input Impedance: 47kOhms
Power Consumption: 150 V/A
Weight: 22kg
Size: 42cm(W) x 44cm(D) x 13.5cm(H)
Valve List: 26pc ECC83 (12AX7) 4 pc ECCS2 (12AU7)
Power Output: 20 watts per channel 20Hz to 20kHz
Power Bandwidth: 12Hk-80kHz -3dB (Half power)