ASTORASTOR AS-XP88EZⅡ Tube Preamplifier

Faithful, ultra-wide range reproduction created by a mirror-finish stainless steel chassis and a 41-contact VR

The AS−XP88EZⅡ is a model in the EZⅡ series of tube preamplifiers, which brings together years of experience and technology. It is designed with the goal of faithfully reproducing the original sound and demonstrates excellent characteristics, capable of reproducing almost flat from 10Hz to 100kHz. It transforms analog playback sound into an even more wonderful and superior sound quality.

Chassis structure thoroughly designed for vibration and noise countermeasures

• Structure without screws: By creating a chassis without any screws, unnecessary vibrations are prevented along with enhancing the design.
• Two-layer structure: A two-layer structure is adopted using 2mm thick oxygen-free metal fittings and 2mm thick mirror-finish stainless steel plates of XP type with rolled edges. This significantly improves vibration and noise countermeasures.
• Oxygen-free copper machined feet: The feet are made by machining from a 50mm round rod of oxygen-free copper. By placing young cow leather between the feet and the bottom plate during installation, further vibration control is achieved.

Carefully selected high-quality parts

• High-precision volume control: The volume uses a semi-custom 41-contact attenuator-type VR from Alps Electric Co., achieving high-precision volume adjustment.
• Carefully selected capacitors: AMCO type metallized film capacitors from AMTRANS are used as coupling capacitors. Semi-custom Nichicon electrolytic block capacitors are used to construct a stable B-power supply circuit.
• Rhodium-plated terminals: INLET(R) rhodium type is used for the AC inlet, minimizing signal transmission loss.
• Completely handmade: We carefully select and use reliable parts for all components, and each unit is completely handmade.