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This is a fair ask, sitting exactly at the £772 median of three recent comparable listings. It is neither a bargain nor ambitious, but the price is defensible for a genuine EAR Yoshino MC4 in sound working order.
The MC4 remains a particularly appealing step-up transformer: its four gain and impedance options—roughly 10x to 30x—make it unusually adaptable across low-output moving-coil cartridges, while its compact, quiet, richly textured presentation is a big part of its enduring reputation. At £772, the key is confirming clean RCA sockets, absence of hum, and that all four transformer taps work properly. Original packaging and documentation would improve the proposition, but a healthy example is still a worthwhile, long-term analogue upgrade.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
EAR Yoshino: Editorial Brand Description
Esoteric Audio Research was founded in England in 1976 by designer Tim de Paravicini, launching with the EAR 509, a 100-watt valve monoblock power amplifier that balanced performance, reliability, and cost—a philosophy that continues to define the brand today. De Paravicini's career spans decades of audio innovation, including formative work at Lux Corporation in Japan during the 1970s, where he developed acclaimed pre/power amplifier combinations and custom valve designs. Yoshino Ltd. was established in 1994 to manufacture de Paravicini's designs under the EAR Yoshino banner, combining his English engineering heritage with Japanese manufacturing precision.
The brand specializes in valve-based audio electronics, with a product range spanning integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, and power amplifiers. Notable designs include the iconic EAR 834P phono preamplifier series, the V12 and V20 integrated amplifiers, and the 912 preamplifier. More recently, EAR Yoshino has ventured into hybrid solid-state designs, such as the 834T integrated amplifier, while maintaining the company's core commitment to valve technology and unconventional circuit architecture.
EAR Yoshino occupies the high-end luxury segment of the hi-fi market, with products commanding premium prices that reflect meticulous design and hand-built construction. The brand has accumulated numerous awards across multiple product categories and maintains a strong global reputation among discerning audiophiles who prioritize sonic excellence and engineering integrity. De Paravicini's legendary status as a designer, combined with the company's award-winning heritage and commitment to exceptional servicing, positions EAR Yoshino as a boutique manufacturer for those seeking the finest in analog and valve-based audio reproduction.
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