Canuck Audio Mart

I recently purchased a used EAR 834P phono pre amp. It came with three nice Ei Elites (12AX7E's). After reading the users info. I discovered that I can substitute a single 12AU7 in the non-gain position of the pre amp (front socket in the photo). Have any EAR owners tried this substitution? I love 12AU7's, especially Amperex 7316 D-getters.

What other tubes have you tried in the two gain positions?

Cheers,
Loyd

Hi, Lloyd,
Welocome to tube rolling!
I used Partsconnexion for my tube needs. They have many selections.
I recently bought SED, Electro Harmonix, Mullard from them and i am happy.
I always researched on the net first for the good quality ones, then order the ones i need.
My experiences told me used ones are good values but not always top quality.
I am sure you wanted hi quality stuff like Nordost Silver

Welcome to the journey of never ending tube rolling!
Your Nordost friend
Cheers!

I am very curious about this thread as it is almost time to change the tubes in my 834p. I don't have any experience to offer,but am looking forward to learning something here.

Actually, one thing, I have heard raves about the tj meshplates and wonder how they would be.

I am nervous about substituting tubes for different types- I think I'd only do it if Dan Santoni or Barry Falcon recommended it.Good luck!!

If you want to just "spice the sound up" you can play with the tube rolling on this unit...but if you are hearing the unit is a bit lacking, you are on the way up from this unit...it is great design, but it is also a bit "limited" (aged) design.
http://www.goodsoundclub.com/GetPost.aspx?PostID=2052

Thanks Libor:
The threads are interesting, but I don't intend to mod my EAR at this stage. Right now I am running it directly into my MF 308 amp through the second set of inputs. Truthfully, I find the EAR rather bright. It also produces more hiss through the left channel than the right. For these reasons, I am wondering about tubes. I am going to try a 12AU7 in stage one of the EAR. Hopefully it will warm up the sound. If not, I will run the EAR into the Aux input of my MF 308 pre. I hope to hear from others about the EAR. This thread (my thread) is open to ANY and ALL comments about this phono stage.
Cheers,
Loyd

I tried a couple of things. First, I changed the left channel tube. Presto The channels are balanced, (slight) hiss and all. I also substituted one of my precious NOS Amperex 7316 Bugle Boys (12AU7) into stage one of the EAR. This tamed some of the harshness. I am expecting even more sonic improvement over time as the Bugle Boy breaks in. I run similar tubes (matched D-getter version) in my Cary 308T CD player.

I'm still wondering what will change if I run the EAR into my Musical Fidelity pre amp

Cheers,
Loyd

Loyd, if you are looking to tame things down with tube choice I have found the Blackburn Mullard AU7's to roll off the high's the most amongst the AU7 family types.

If this EAR design has heater current to spare then try a 12BH7 in place of the 12AU7. Warmest of these to my ears are the grey, 60's RCA round getters.

- Kerry

Thanks Kerry
Cheers,
Loyd

I have been checking into tubes the last while. I bought an NOS 12AU7 Blackburn Mullard to try out in the step-up stage of the EAR. It won't arrive for about two weeks. I have also been checking into the 12BH7's. I found this one Kerry. Is it what you meant by "try a 12BH7 in place of the 12AU7. Warmest of these to my ears are the grey, 60's RCA round getters":

For Sale "1960's RCA 12BH7-A tubes-G. P, O"? I would appreciate some direction before purchasing the tube.

The 12AX7's are a bit of a mystery. These tubes are in the gain section of the EAR which requires low noise, low microphonics tubes. I'm not sure how to calculate the voltage gain given the few specs in the users manual. Can anyone help me? One tube I discovered is the Brimar Ribbed Plate platinum (1962). Does anyone know this tube?

According to some articles I have read about the EAR, changing the gain tubes will not make much difference. Apparently, I would be better off investing in a good power cord and some clean energy. Do other EAR owners feel the same?

Cheers,
Loyd

The12AX7 is a 60% gain over the Au7.
I like what ElectroHarmonix does with this tube, very high gain, not anti-microphonic ( I did not damp them in my phono preamp).

Thanks for that info, yournamehere. Originally, I had a 12AX7 in the step-up stage of the EAR. I found the sound far too loud and harsh. So I replaced this tube with the 12AU7. I'm pleased with the initial outcome. The tone has improved and will continue to improve over time (as was my experience when I substituted the same Amperex tube into my Cary CD player). My main complaint right now is that the EAR sounds too much like an excellent CD player. The sound is clean and detailed, but not particularly musical. The set-up I had running through the phono stage of the MF 308 pre-amp had raunchy (almost live)edges that I enjoyed, especially with jazz and blues. My guess is that as I play with the EAR, I will eventually find the sound I want. If not, I will begin to mod it. I must, however, be patient. The Amperex tube will take many hours to break in.

Cheers,
Loyd

You have chosen the right tube, Mc, IMO.

Loyd,

Why don't you contact Tim de Paravicini and ask him about it. He designed it and knows more about it than anybody. I have spoken to him several times about a pair of Lux MB3045 monoblocks I have (which he designed while at LUX Japan) and he has always been helpful, insightful, and gracious, even though it's not one of his current products. His email is earyoshino@aol.com

Yaukui
Thank you
Cheers,
Loyd

mccsiz: Please let us know what you find out! I am very curious about what TdP has to say.