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  3. 191798-100047

EAR 834P Preamp right channel issue

Hi folks, I have an EAR 834P preamp that I bought used a few years ago. I have not done any mods or changed any tubes. Last week the right channel cut out. I have opened it up and looked at some schematics, but it is not at all clear to me what to look for. I was expecting that there would be a seperate tube for L/R channels, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

I am not close to any repair shops so hoping I could fix myself. Any help/ideas appreciated! I currently have no backup so cannot listen to records :-(.

Rick

rykk999
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,653 posts
 

Reverse the left and right channel and see if left channel cuts out. Are you sure that there is not a tube for the right and left channel? That EAR has 3 tubes! BTW, the problem might not be the Ear. It could be anything like a bad tone arm cable or your phono cartridge!!

rykk999 OP
10 posts
 

Good idea on reversing cables! No, not sure that there is not a tube for L/R channels, but from the schematics I found online it was not obvious - yes, it has 3 tubes. Ya, I thought that it could also be cartridge or cable. Started by checking amp using digital source, which was fine, so problem is upstream. Running a VPI Scout turntable with 10" JMW Memorial tonearm and an AMG Teatro MC cartridge (have a Transfiguration Axia as well). The EAR feeds into a Line Magnetic 211 integrated amp.

I will try reversing L/R channel cables from EAR to IA, and from phono to EAR. That should isolate the component.

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,033 posts
 

I have no idea if there is any relationship between the two, but I had the left channel die on my Musical Fidelity M6si integrated and it was an output relay contact that needed to be replaced.

Hope you can figure things out.

rykk999 OP
10 posts
 

So, not exactly sure what the problem was, but things are good again! 

All I did was disconnect the EAR, open it up, pulled one of the tubes, put it back, reconnected reversing L/R output and both channels were back! Disconnected again to replace EAR cover, reconnected with L/R output correct, and all good - Listening to some classic Metallica as a test!

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