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

That could be the case. I compared it to the onboard phono stage of a JJ Electronics full featured preamp and preferred the JJ. The EAR reminded me of the MM section of the Cary SLP -98. Just not very resolving or dynamic.

Shakey

Thanks-I am thinking tubes to replace a Heed Quasar. The Heed
won't be easy to trump without spending a fair amount more. It's really good, and has a sound I can see a tube guy liking.
That's coming from a tube guy. ProAc28- Not sure what the Slee sells for, but the Quasar may be worth consideration. Mine will stay until I hear something something better south of 3K. The 834P delux is $2595 BTW.

probably I will buy graham as for the first time it will be just fine:)

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).

choose ear instead of what?Rest of yours setup is?