I have an EAR 834P MM/MC phono pre and like it very much. It is very easy to modify and tube roll with. It has 71dB of gain and will drive almost any MC cartridge out there. I bought a demo for less than $800 and a few months later, changed the tubes and now it sounds even better. Very quiet, highly detailed, great soundstage. Another benefit is that it is smaller than some of the others mentioned, if space is an issue.
If this is not good enough, there are several co's that perform mods on it. There is also much mod and tube info here and on other boards for the 834 to shape the sound to your liking.
I can't offer opinions as to how it competes with the others mentioned here, but I can say I'm happy with mine as is for now.
If this is not good enough, there are several co's that perform mods on it. There is also much mod and tube info here and on other boards for the 834 to shape the sound to your liking.
I can't offer opinions as to how it competes with the others mentioned here, but I can say I'm happy with mine as is for now.