I have listened to the EAR phono preamp at two friends house and feel it is a very good unit for the money. However, if you want a tubed phono preamp, my recommendation is the Quicksilver Phono Preamp which I believe still lists for $900. To my ears, it is more accurate and neutral than than the EAR 834P. The only disadvantage?? There are so few of them in the market (probably 100 +/-), that I've never seen a used one for sale (and I won't part with mine!)
So, if $900 new is too much, go with a used black EAR 834P and save a few hundred.
So, if $900 new is too much, go with a used black EAR 834P and save a few hundred.