EAR 834 line stage

I have none, but I know Tim de Paravicini (RIP) was an audio legend.

834 thread

I must have had a lemon! Bought it based on Harry Pearson's recommendation - said it reminded him of my ARC SP10. 1) It sounded nothing like my SP10. 2) It was 'bright'. 3)I couldn't get clarity from the manufacturer or distributer re proper tube selection or positioning - I'm talking about type, not brand. There was a conflict about where to place them - i.e., manual sez one thing, actual tube placement by mfg was the reverse.  I opted to place them in positions where the mfg had placed them. 4)Thing was built like a tinker toy. RCA were soldered onto a printed board - obviously they came loose with ease. 6) Unit had (as I recall) 5 inputs but in reality only 3 worked - the other two were duplicative. I found it to be a POS which I couldn't in good faith sell - I deposited it into a trash can. You asked! :-(

I don't know anything about the preamp but I have the EAR 534 power amp. It sounds marvellous, is built like a tank and punches $$$ above its weight, which is considerable. Also, when I wanted info on the tubes EAR responded with the information immediately. The only criticism I have relates to the manual which is very basic but who needs a manual for a power amp anyway. My experience is totally different to that of newbee.

I believe the 834 is now pretty old. I have the newer 868, which does not at all match the description @newbee gives of the 834. The 868 weighs 20 lbs., is very solidly constructed---including chassis mounted RCA and XLR jacks, and sounds great.