E.A.R 834p. VS Graham Slee Reflex

Just got mine. Can't say it's ho hum on this side,bit of an opposite experience for me. Sounds great: agree with all that has been posted on this one. Can't call it analytical, but did not want that sound.

Good luck

Ha! Just went through the same decision; let us know what you decide!

After reading every possible review on the web, I came to the conclusion that the EAR is probably $400 overpriced (maybe due to weak $)?

I've heard good things about the Graham Slee Reflex, but spoke to several that pointed me to the EAR over the Graham. The Avid Pulsus was also in the running.

Anyway, I just placed an order for the 834 with the Tele tubes - Just having a hard time with the upfront cost.

Pbowne: Glad to see your response. Mine should arrive tomorrow. I have started to read up on modifications. Any you recommend (besides new tubes) that was worth the $/effort as a DIY?

I did not do a lot of research on the deluxe vs std. Would be interesting.

From reading post, I can see how others perceive preamps which are more analytical compared to the ear now that I am listening to it.

Unfortunately it's a pain in the a*s for me to trade many units in and out to test. In the end, I choose the ear because of the "softer" sound.

That said,I really like the results (but maybe I don't know what I'm missing).

Fjn04: as far as the differences bwt the two, I spoke to two different salesmen at two different companies*. One said the main difference was a shiny chrome faceplate and a few hundred bucks and absolutely nothing else. The other said it was a completely different model and blew the standard out of the water?

I grabbed a dyna 10x5; seemed like a moderate choice with two kids running around. Not a lot of experience to compare with other pairings. To my the ear and 10x5 seem to be great with Jazz (Saxophone Colossus) and acoustic (Young Live at Massey Hall), and good with rock (Fever Ray).

*just repeating comments! not intended to offend.

Fjn: to add to the mystery. I thought the standard came with vc, but when standard mm/mc showed up, no vc.

I thought vc was now standard as well; would have liked to have it, but not going to fuss with it (I should have clarified prior to purchase).

And yes, I was thinking the same thing about this hobby earlier today - it does seem like it should be easier. Just can't decide if it adds or subtracts from the hobby?