2. analog
  3. 127618-83820

Question regarding the EAR 834P...

Hello all.

 Ok here is the deal. I have two very nice Thorens TT's 1 is a 125 Long Base with a Denon 103r and the other is a TD-145 with an Ortofon 2M Black Cart. My dilemma is this: I have 2 turntables that serve 2 very different functions in my listening sessions. I have an EAR 834P preamp which is MY holy grail and serves my 125 with the Denon Moving Coil fulltime the other table uses a Musical Fidelity pre amp which is very good but nowhere the sound that I get from the 834P, I have had the 145/2M Black hooked up to the EAR while my 125 was being restored and it was very nice! Well finances (and my bride)does not allow for a second EAR thus my question is how ridiculous would it be to use a very high quality splitter in the back of the 834p to allow me to keep both Tables connected to the 834p even though there is only 1 input allowed? The EAR has switching for both MC and MM carts. Keeping in mind I will NOT even power on the Table that will not be in use. Thoughts? Enter your text ...

Ag insider logo xs@2xrikintpa
mb1audio02
188 posts
 
"Keeping in mind I will NOT even power on the Table that will not be in use. Thoughts? Enter your text ..."

What Al just said. Also, not powering on your TT isn't all that relevant. That just turns the motor on and has nothing to do with the cart. So, even if the TT is off, you can still spin the record by hand and it will work. It won't sound right, of course, because there's no way you can get the proper speed spinning it manually.



bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,816 posts
 
Just as an economy try out, Schiit Audio has a really cheap mm/mc phono amp that can be picked up for almost pocket change---$129. Perhaps not as good as the EAR, but maybe good enough for awhile.
lewm
13,108 posts
 
Pure speculation here, but if there is any money to spend, would it make sense to consider the iPhono2 (rave reviews and only $500) to replace the MF?  You might be able to re-sell the MF for that much.  Sorry for maybe changing the subject, but Almarg said it all; your actual question is answered, in my opinion.  Or search Audiogon and etc, for a used tube phono, if tubes are your thing. (They're my thing, anyway.) Don't be afraid of old stuff that is relatively cheap but still quite good, if you really feel that a second 834P is out of the question.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rikintpa OP
20 posts
 
Again....Ask and ye shall find. Thanks for all the input! My gut 100% told me not to split it but I think I was looking for absolution or for someone to tell me that splitting is perfectly fine!  As a new course of action I will try and replace the MF or maybe just physically switch between the two tables and the EAR until a proper solution is found...
donvito101
278 posts
 
Here is a solution to your problem. My friend uses this for his second phono and says it is outstanding!
http://parksaudiollc.com/budgiepreamp.html
More to discover