Rega EAR Headphone amplifier

As you know, amplifiers of the most famous British company Rega are not equipped with a headphone output, and so that the brand's fans do not have inferiority feelings, EAR amplifier was designed especially for them.

At first glance, its appearance seems to be unsophisticated, although it has the recognizable family traits. The only functional addition to the extremely simple device is the MUTE button, but its action extends only to the LINK outputs, designed for connecting an additional amplifier or, for example, active loudspeakers.

Power supply is external, medium-sized, with an output voltage of 24V.

Listening starts, as always, with 300-ohm headphones. I immediately note the complete absence of any coloring and impressive bass density. The realism of the transmitted sound picture is striking, even some kind of scene is built, at least, the localization of the instruments is accurate and clearly three-dimensional. But to be honest, all this, of course, is not the most significant. The main thing fascinates.

Let's try the dynamic rock of Def Leppard - the pressure is reproduced powerfully, distinctly and without coloring.

Change to low-impedance headphones somewhat blurred the blissful picture: unpleasant stiffness appeared, the bass became thinner, and the drive was weaker.

I should note in the end that Rega EAR is very picky for interconnect cables - I don't think this is a disadvantage, rather, a consequence of the "breed".