Over the years I've owned many solid state and tube phono preamps. Four or five years ago I bought the EAR 834P and feel it is easily one of the best around, especially for the money. I have no bias one way or another between solid state and tubes although I've found that I prefer tubes in the front end of a system with solid state power amps. Then again, owning Aerial 10t's makes quite a demand on tube amps as they are not terribly efficient and I don't want the expense of owning high powered tube amps. As always, try it in your system. Only your ears will tell you what you like. These days all of this stuff is good. Finding what you like is what this hobby is all about. Have fun with it!
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?