I have the EAR 834P and love it. Very musical. There is also a guy named Steve Huntley from Graet Northern Sound Co. that is doing some killer mods to the 834 that bring it past the AR PH3. For not tons of money. The 834 goes new for $895. plus the mod goes between $400-500. Thats right around your budget. I have not gotten the mod yet so I can't speak for it. Steve was fromery of Audio Research, Cal Audio Labs and Wadia. Not a bad resume. If you can find a used or demo of the EAR that would really be a great value. I found a demo for $625. Best of luck. Oh yeah in case you want to talk to Steve, he can give you the low down on most of the preamps mentioned here, his number is 651-578-0657
