509 vs McIntosh MC2301
The MC2301's power @ 8ω is 300W against the 509's 100W, its signal-to-noise 117 dB against 96 dB, and its damping factor 15 against 20. Both share thd (0.500%).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
509
EARAmplifiersTube AmplifiersPower Amplifiers
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$9,000 - $14,700
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the 509
The EAR 509 is a high-performance monoblock tube amplifier delivering 100 watts per channel into 4, 8, or 16 ohms. Designed by Tim de Paravicini, it has been in continual production for over 30 years and is renowned for its reliability, clarity, and musical transparency. The amplifier features a rectilinear polished chrome chassis, self-biasing with adjustable dials and LED indicators for easy valve maintenance, and bespoke hand-built output and power transformers. It uses industrial-grade components and offers both RCA and balanced XLR inputs for professional applications. The design avoids overall feedback, employing a unique balanced bridge mode output transformer for superior sound quality. It is highly regarded for its clear, transparent sound with firm bass and detailed top end, suitable for both professional studios and high-end home audio systems.
Specifications
Power Specifications
Amplification power output and characteristics
- Power @ 8Ω
- 100W @ 8Ω
- Amplifier Class
- tube
- Damping Factor
- 20
- Input Sensitivity
- 1.2V RMS
- Input Impedance
- 25000Ω
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- THD
- 0.500%
- SNR
- 96 dB
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Analog Inputs
- RCA, XLR
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 300 × 150 × 254 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 15.3 kg (34 lbs)
Key Specifications
Power: 100W
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions