i have had the 834l for about 2 years - it is a very simple design, and the sound is very similar to my AR sp10. retubed with yugo's it is very clean and transparent. tube life alleged to be about 5 years (left on all the time). some one wrote a review on this in audio asylum and i agree with his comments. the black face unit can be had used in 600 - 700 range which is in my opinion a bargin. this line stage has also been reviewed very favorably in the big mags. i can't comment on the 834p - i use my sp10 for vinyl.
EAR preamp and phono products
Several local highend shops here in California are touting the EAR products (made in UK). Specifically, I have been shown the 834L line amp and 843P phono stage. They do sound very good through a CJ SS amp that was used as a demo. Anyone have experience with these products?