Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: EAR/Yoshino 834P Phono Preamp by RM

Model:	834P
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$995?
Description:	mm/mc tube phono stage w/vol. pot
Manufacturer URL:	EAR/Yoshino
Manufacturer URL:	EAR/Yoshino

Review by RM on September 04, 2004 at 18:04:00
IP Address: 203.33.167.211

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Marc Bratton's review says it all - mostly. Tim de P's 834P is a quality product that has a sense of musical "rightness" especially with acoustic music. I also subscribe to what its designer believes: a well designed circuit is the key issue, and as such is always more than the sum of its parts. In fact, IMHO there is only one aspect of the controversial issue of whether individual parts improve or degrade sound quality that is NOT controversial, and that is, parts manufacturers make a lot of money from people whose passionate hobby has become an obsession.
The 1 negative I have is that the 834P is too expensive new, which is why Tim de P is a rich man. All his products are overpriced. But hey, this is hifi isn't it! I got mine cheap as a demo unit anyway.
In any event, the 834P sound CAN be improved by focusing on ACTIVE rather than passive components, specifically, tubes and power supply quality. And by power supply quality, I mean the mains quality that feeds the unit. I use a balanced line conditioner (great for power amps) feeding a second power conditioner which isolates, regulates and re-shapes the mains. This 2nd conditioner has no effect on power amps, but certainly improves the quality of small signal retrieval.
I also use 3 PEARL cryovalve Mullard CV4004's in V1,2 & 3.
In my system, the 834P sings in the midrange, which is where the most critical area of our hearing resides. Female vocals are detailed, sweet and alive. Acoustic music of all types is reproduced, well, naturally. It just sounds right. In fact, the Red Hot Chili Peppers sound great too. Yes, the bass is tube-y (not tubby) which to me sounds natural. The highs are full of life and from top to bottom, there is seamless coherence.
Yes, there is better hifi out there. And there are more expensive phono stages out there which are most likely just as musical if not more. If that's your obsession, go for it. For me, the 834P gives me all the musicality I need which is great because I can now spend my money on more vinyl.

Product Weakness: Stock valves make the unit sound bright, flat & boring compared to what can be achieved with NOS tubes.
Not the last word in detail retrieval and all the other hifi parameters but then, it makes enough music to be emotionally satisfying - like good music.
Product Strengths: Musical rightness - top to bottom coherence.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	1959 Quad II monos
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	EAR 834P with home brew Noble dual mono volume pots
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rega P9 + Garrott Bros Optim FGS
Speakers:	Tannoy Turnberry
Cables/Interconnects:	Nordost Red Dawn interconnects/Blue Heaven Speaker
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Mainly acoustic
Room Size (LxWxH):	3.9m x 3.6m x 2.8m
Room Comments/Treatments:	drapes & wall hangings
Time Period/Length of Audition:	18 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	DBA Electronics Line Balancer and RC3000
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Stock valves make the unit sound bright, flat & boring compared to what can be achieved with NOS tubes. Not the last word in detail retrieval and all the other hifi parameters but then, it makes enough music to be emotionally satisfying - like good music.
Product Strengths:	Musical rightness - top to bottom coherence.