Add Bob Devices CineMag SUT to EAR834P Deluxe

I can't comment on the EAR , but I use a Bob's Devices CineMag SUT with a Shelter 501 II .

It is a great match that belies the Price of the SUT and Cartridge combo . I have used a Bent [ Copper Wire ] . Jensen 44 [ home made Unit ] and a K&K Audio with Lundahl LL9226 Trannies . Only the much more expensive Bent compares .

I have not heard the CineMag, but own the EAR. If you did not follow this thread, check it out:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1278350882&&&/SUT-shootout

Personally, I would be careful about inserting another set of interconnects/jacks/wire/solder between your cartridge and preamp, with the hope of improving on what are already good SUT's in the EAR. I can tell you that a surefire upgrade would be to have the EAR upgraded with better caps/resistors by someone like Mitch Singerman. I had the mods done a few months ago, and I am extremely impressed with the results. I would bet that this would be a much more significant upgrade than using different external SUT's.

I own both a EAR834P (standard model modified with upgraded parts) and a Cinemag based SUT. I don't currently own a Shelter but have used both products with a Koetsu RSP and Benz Ebony. I prefer the EAR over the Cinemag in my system. Unless the Cinemag is a better technical fit for your cartride I don't necessarily think the move will be an upgrade. Of all the SUT's I've listened to, my current favorite in my system is the Hashimoto based SUT from Choir Audio. Not sure how it would match up with the Shelter but it's something you may want to check into. John at Choir Audio (very nice guy) produces SUT's with both Cinemag and Hashimoto transformers so you can ask him about specific recommendations with the Shelter.

You would benefit more from a better phono preamp. Euphonic it may be, and gets great press, but the EAR 834P turns details to mush. Sell the Ear (they go for $800 or so here), and with the money you would have spent on the cinemag, you could afford, for example, an AR PH3 SE.