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Phono amp gain too high? (EAR 834p)

Hi everyone,

I have long been interested in trying the EAR 834P, and I recently came across the old Stereophile review of it.  In the measurements section, the gain for MM carts was 49.2db and 68.2 for MC.  That seems to be an inordinately high gain if I'm not mistaken.  I don't  know how to determine whether this would overload my integrated amp.  I am running an LFD LE V and a Clearaudio Maestro V2 (3.6mV).  I can't find specs on the integrated as far as gain and input sensitivity.  As I understand it, there is no active preamp in the LFD, but I can't even confirm that.  Is there someone with better technical understanding who can help?   

Thanks for your thoughts,Scott
smrex13
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
And his usual great advice from Al! I haven't heard anything about it's sound quality, but Mike Moffat (Theta designer) offers a phono amp with only 30dB of gain, the Schitt Mani. It'll cost you only $129 to give it a try.
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Thanks so much for the input, gentlemen.  I have heard nothing but fantastic reports on the Herron, but it's a bit out of my price range.  The EAR comes up here used reasonably often, and I'd always wanted to try it.  Actually, right now I have the problem of needing just a little more gain.  I'm using the LFD LE/SE phono stage (39db for mm) and with the Maestro V2 (I think the V1 was 4.2mV and the V2 is 3.6mV) I get enough gain for a decent listening level, but not for anything more than that.  The EAR might actually be a good fit.  I'll have to do some more investigating...

Thanks again for the input,Scott
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 

Having no need for the extra gain of the VTPH-2 (which has switchable mm/mc sections), and not wanting to have to pay for it anyway, I gave Herron a call to see if he knew where I could find a -1mm model (it was discontinued and replaced by the -2 over a decade ago). Keith informed me he just happened to have a traded-in (he does direct sales, I believe) -1mc, and that he could convert it into a -1mm for me. Sold!

Keith reconfigured the amp, put in new tubes (even switching two of the 12AX7's to 12AT7's, for a gain reduction of 2dB---from 44 to 42, and sent along the AX's in case I in the future wanted the 2dB back!), burned it in, and gave it a complete checkout. All for $1225! You could give him a call and see if he has another.

smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
That's great to know!  I was looking at the older model - I'll get in touch with Mr. Herron to see if he has any others that have been traded in.  He sounds like a true audiophile and not a salesman.  Good to hear!
abnerjack
101 posts
 
I second and third the above endorsements of Keith Herron's wonderful phonostages.  I have the VPPH-2 and couldn't be happier.  Keith indeed is great to work with and often has used/demos available.  Also here is a link to used sold listings on Hifishark http://www.hifishark.com/search?q=herron+vtph.
I hope we're not pushing too hard.  By the way, no relationship to Herron, just a satisfied customer.

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