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EAR 834P + Bent Audio Stepups = greatness?

I have an EAR 834P unmodified and am constantly reading how this amp is certainly one to be on the short list of anyone who wants a decent entry level phono. I have the deluxe version so it can handle low MC carts. When modified, many claim this unit is exceptional competing with units well past its price point. My question, if paired with exceptional step ups from Bent Audio, would the EAR perform in the same league as higher end units? The EAR has a very short signal path, is very simple so there shouldn't be much to lose from the cartridge to the main amp save for problems with the decent but not wonderful internal step ups. throwing in some of the world's best into the chain, would I see a world of difference or would money be better spent on a new phono outright? By that I mean, should I modify the unit and get the Mu's or would that $1600 or so paired with the 900-1000 I might get selling the EAR get me more on the used market?

Thank you in advance
zanth
mgreene
107 posts
 
I have read several of Raul's posts with great interest - even preserving his post about the best MM carts in my archive. I tried to open a dialog with him regarding his own phono pre some years back but he did not see fit to respond.

In this case, re the 834P, I must say that this is just his opinion. The 843P may have not worked in his system but that is no reason to slag it off once and for all. IIRC, someone responded to one of Raul's posts saying that Raul's choice of reference loudspeakers was rubbish - so to each his own. I was careful to report in my post above that my main phono is FET based, yet there are things about the XF step-up that I still like very much. I would be the last one to tell someone not to try something just because it didnt work for me - specs notwithstanding.

Gregm - I am only about 2 weeks away, I'll make sure to report...

Mike
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rauliruegas
13,005 posts
 
Dear Mike: I don't like the people that give " facts " that are false like the ones you posted.

Here is what you ask me ( by email ) on 03-03-2006:

+++++ " I have been following the thread about your preamp. Mostly, I am curious about your implementation (schematic)........" +++++

and here is what I answer you on 03-06-2006:

+++++ " Dear Mike: Tks to your interest on my phonopreamp. I can't give you the schematics, as a fact we are in the process to get 4-5 patents about.

If you really liked I can send info about and I can build one unit for you. " +++++

I don't want to follow this dialogue with you: I don't like a lying like you. Period.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Zanth

Looking at your cartridge I would have to say that the Koestu and EAR 834P deluxe is not a great match. This is mostly that the koestsu likes to see a low impedance and the 40ohm tap in the 834P is a little high for the Koestu.

The 834P is a wonderful musical phono stage, so take what Raul says with a grain of salt. If it sounds good in your system, it is good - period.

I own the rosewood and it does not gel very well with my 834P.

Have you considered the EAR MC-4?? This has 4 taps to virtually have all sonic options covered. Art Dudley gave it a rave review in Stereophile.
I do not think the Bent is being manufactured at the moment.

Also the 834P works very well with twaeking of tubes. I have 1 mullard in mine and it transformed the sound.
btw
11 posts
 
Hi Zanath,

Try this ..... Switch the EAR phonostage to MM then connect your Koetsu direct to MM setting... The gain should be sufficient ... If this works... don't think you be thinking of any SUT soon...

I'm running my Urushi direct to the my EAR 834... and I got sold off my Billington's trannies... All the best
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,005 posts
 
Dear Downunder: IMHO and with all my respect: The fact that you and other people like to hear a heavy colored and distorted audio item does not means is " right ".

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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