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Which 12AX7 tubes for EAR 834P phono stage?

I am experimenting with vinyls, and acquired EAR phono stage for a starter. I've compared the sound of EAR against Camelot Lancelot, and Sutherland PhD on two different systems. To my ears EAR sounds lush and smooth, perhaps a little too much so. I would like more lively and dynamic sound, like Sutherland phono stage. Can I replace the tubes in EAR and make the sound to the direction of more lively and dynamic? Or do I need to look for a different phono stage? I'm currently using a Rega table with Benz Micro MC cartridge loaned from my friend. I will be using a B&O table with moving iron MMC 20CL cartridge when I have everything set up next week or so.
jylee
craigandchris
1 posts
 
We added a EAR MC-4 to our 834P, switched it back to MM and were blown away by the improvement.

The built-in step-up transformers defiantly leave something to be desired, but then again we doubled our cost.

There are lower priced alternatives, see www.10Audio for a DIY step-up.

You might want to try a (lower gain) 5751 at V3. This allowed us to turn our volume control up a little where our preamp sounds better.

Cheers
lonestarsouth
54 posts
 
The sound might even out with the B&O rig.

I use Mullard tubes in my 834P Signature.

When using a MC cartridge I would suggest a higher spec external step-up transformer for the MC input. I run a Fidelity Research FRT-3 that levels out the lush bass and brings out the highs a little for a really enjoyable performance. My cartridge is a Dynavector Karat 17D3.

This is a great phono-stage non the less.

Dont bother with still-points of other accessories. The mechanical construction is more than adequate for proper support.
maxmad
182 posts
 
I would say, try NOS Tungsram. Much cheaper than Teles or Siemens, but soundwise, to my ears anyway, great.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I was using Telefunken smooth plates but when I switched to new JJs the improvement was evident. More dynamic with improved depth and top/bottom extension.
hanaleimike
125 posts
 
I have a modded 834p deluxe. I use GE 5751 black plate silver clip in the first position closest to the front. Of all the tubes I tried, this tube gave the best extension on both ends and the best bass by far, not really a choice. The middle and end tubes took a bit longer to find a match. I was told by EAR that these positions are the left and right output tubes, but one is NOT for the right and one for the left. 1/2 of one tube is for the left, and the other half of the same tube is for the right, ditto for the other tube. This allows for a sonic blending.
I tried many combinations and settled on Sylvania black plate 5751 for the back position, and a Mullard cv4004 for the middle. The sylvania brings the vocals a touch forward with a wonderful midrange, and the Mullard has very nice extension. I could go on trying different combos for years, but at some point you say that sounds great, stop listening to the tubes, and start listening to the records again. I just recently added 2 of Herbie's "sonic stabilizers" to the top of the EAR, and was quite blown away with the improvement, the next day I ordered 2 more for my Cary slp-98. Highly recommended.
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