I've used the 834P phono stage which was good but not great and didn't get my money, just my trial. The 834L is a companion model which is now out of production and has been superseded by a new all in one preamp which has had good reviews. Other sites have listed problems with the sound of the 834 series and suggested solutions using different valves. I would suggest that you go for a good sound using stock valves rather than have to tweak something you've paid good money for... Build quality is good, the sound reflects the designer's philosophy - if that's your philosophy too, go for it; if not, look further for something more neutral in presentation.
