Yamamoto Sound Craft EQB-01 Vacuum tube phono equalizer amplifier

No step-up transformer required. High gain of 58dB and ultra-low noise of 110dB bring out the freshness of the MC cartridge.

EQB-01 is a vacuum tube phono equalizer amplifier with a completely redesigned circuit and significantly improved S/N ratio. It uses a unique circuit system that uses a Telefunken 6AK5W pentode in the amplification section.

A combination of amazing high gain and low noise

• Super high gain 58dB: Compared to the normal equalizer amplifier of about 34dB, this unit has a high gain of 58dB. This is obtained using only two vacuum tubes, so there is no lack of information.
• Ultra-low noise 110dB: Although it has a CR type circuit configuration, the residual noise is 2.3mV, achieving a **S/N ratio of 110dB**. This achieves both noise reduction and large gain.

Improved sound quality by direct connection to MC cartridge

• Freshness and amount of information: It has a maximum output of 28V and allows direct playback of MC cartridges without using a step-up transformer. This results in a sound with high freshness and significantly improved information content.
• Wide range of MC/MM compatibility: The level is such that the company's YC-03S (output 0.25mV) can be directly connected, and it is also compatible with most MC cartridges and large output MM/high output MC cartridges.
• Setting the optimum operating point: This high performance is achieved by resetting the 6AK5W's operating point to the optimum point.

Thorough separation of power supply circuits andHigh-Fidelitytransformation

• Independent power supply: Interference is eliminated by dividing the power supply ripple filter into each amplification stage and supplying it from an independent power supply. The rectifier circuit uses double wave rectification to improve regulation.
• Independent heater ignition: Each of the six vacuum tube heaters is equipped with an independent rectifier circuit to completely eliminate interference between the vacuum tubes.
• High-Fidelitysubstrate: The substrate has a copper foil thickness of 70μ and is additionally gilded to improve sound quality.
• Composition: The line amplifier section, input volume, and selector switch of the CA-03 and CA-03L are omitted, and the configuration is simple and specialized for the equalizer function.

Clear rise that does not feel like a vacuum tube

The first thing that left an impression on me when listening to the EQB-01 was the good rise of the sound and the tranquility of the background. As imagined from the preconceived notion that it is a tube-type phonoequalizer, there is almost no sweetness or looseness. The sound is neatly organized and sounds neatly without unnecessary coloring.

Clarity of sound field outlook and localization

The goodness of S/N is directly reflected in the sound field expression, the background is quiet, and the view of the space is very good. It is excellent not only for the left and right spreads, but also for the depth of the front and back directions, so you can naturally grasp the positional relationship between instruments and vocals. It is impressive that the sound image is less bleeding, which is common in analog playback, and that it can be localized in focus.

Midrange density and natural texture

The midrange has a moderate thickness but does not over-swell. The vocals have a sense of substance, and the nuances of the words and breathing are naturally conveyed. On string and woodwind instruments, timbre changes and harmonic compositions are smoothly depicted, giving a subtle sense of the good texture unique to vacuum tubes.

Balancing low and high frequencies

The low frequencies are not the type to show off their volume, but the contours are clear and the braking is effective. The bass line and timpani pitch are clear, and the foundation of the entire music is stable. The high frequencies are stretched, and there is a lot of information while suppressing the stimulation, and the high-order harmonics of cymbals and strings spread naturally.

Honestly bring out the nature of analog records

The EQB-01 is not designed to beautify records. It reflects the condition of the disc and the quality of the recording as they are, delivering astonishing freshness and dimensionality with good records, while showing the corresponding character with records in poor condition. This "honesty" is a major appeal for a phono equalizer that you can rely on for a long time.

Yamamoto Sound CraftThoughtful Design Philosophy

The design philosophy emphasizes careful selection of materials and reliable circuit construction over flashiness, and this is reflected in the sound. Despite being a tube phono, it has minimal coloration and does not disturb the overall system balance, making it easy to pair with a wide range of cartridges, whether MC or MM. It is a solid, highly complete phono equalizer amplifier that you will want to set as a benchmark for analog playback.