EAR 834P - Sale or try and repair...


I have an EAR 834P and the volume is decreasing on the left channel. I opened the case and the tubes appear fine. However, there is some browning on the breadboard on one wire (coming from the toroidal power transformer), to the single phase bridge rectifier, and resistor (breadboard: P5, D3).

I have done some simple soldering (ex., DIY bottlehead amp) just not sure about diagnosis this issue.

  • Does anyone have any ideas on a possible repair?

Otherwise, I plan to post it on the forum for sale. Just hate to take a loss on the price if it is a simple part replacement.

 

abp689

I would fix it or find someone to work on it.  Maybe change the resistor and rectifier and drop in a new set of tubes and see what you got.

IMO, worth fixing.

For reference, there's a used working black face EAR here locally going for $750.

If you're considering having someone fix it, I'd recommend emailing Mitch Singerman at itchmay1@yahoo.com

He knows the 834P  very well. He fixed mine and did a wonderful job on it. I can't recall exactly what the issue was with it, but when I eventually sold it, the new owner just raved how wonderful it sounded.

Thank you for Mitch's email... I have been interested in some of his modifications, but figured he was no longer in the business.

Ah, $750 is a bit lower than I expected. If Mitch is able to repair and mod, this might be the best route

I will respond back once I hear more!

BTW elrod; what preamp did you replace for the EAR and are you happy with the transition?

I have enjoyed with the EAR for ~ 10 years, but am curious to try something new. Just not sure what I would have to jump up to to notice a solid improvement in performance (and at what cost).