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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
jaffeassc
166 posts
 
Another approach might be to try a livelier turntable. I use the 834P with a suspended sub chassis turntable and find the sound to be very dynamic.
bmckenney
91 posts
 
If you want to put more money in to it (that you probably won't ever recover) and I think you would be far better of getting the coupling caps replaced and maybe a couple of other parts swapped out. Mitch the service tech for EAR USA has been doing these parts swaps for years and with the right parts you can get rid of the overly lush presentation. I think that is the more effective way of doing what you want compared to tube rolling, but I can't see it is the best from a economical point of view. You might be better off selling it and trying a different phono stage.
analog_soul
44 posts
 
Yes I agree with Lloydc. Modification + Premium tubes will have exponential improvements.

Good Luck
kbell
31 posts
 
Mitch Singerman upgraded some of the capacitors and resistors and installed JJ tubes in my 834P deluxe model. I also use Sillpoint cones which improved the imaging, definition, and clarity a lot. To my ears the 834P now sounds much better than my Sutherland Phd.
kbell
31 posts
 
I meant Stillpoints.
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