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EAr 834p vs coph nia phono pre amp

I need a new phono pre amp and concidering either the ear 834p or the coph nia. I curently have a music hall mmf-7 with golgring cartridge. the rest of my system includes a rogue 88, old nad intergated used as pre-amp, and tyler acoustics ref monitors. I just fell in love with the sound of tubes and getting back into vinyl. has anyone had any luck with either of these phono pre amps? any other suggestions new or used? I also plan on uprgading my cartridge. Any suggestions on that either?
Thanks,
Brian
caleco
tswhitsel
126 posts
 
You will love the 834P! One of the best phono stage values out there. You have to spend a lot of money to beat it. I also recommend the Grado cartridges.
cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
I, too, would go with the EAR. The Sept/Oct issue of "The Listener" had a phono stage shootout, inclucing the Coph Nia. It did not come out as well as others, although the EAR was not in their review. Nonetheless, you cannot really go wrong with the EAR.

If you are looking for a unit that can compete with the EAR, you might look at the ARC PH3, Blue Circle BC-23, Linn Linto (more expensive), Plinius Jarrah.

Which Goldring are you using? Is it one of their MM or MC ones? If you are committed to only MM cartridges, then that can affect your phono stage choice, but if you have a MC (and are sticking with MC), then the choices change.
caleco OP
4 posts
 
I have a Goldring Eroica mc cartridge. I'm new to analog cartridges and not sure the diferences between mm and mc. Please explain how this determines what pre amp I should get. My problem is i'm using an old Nad integrated amp as a pre amp. I am required to turn the NAD almost entirely up in order to reach a satisfying listening level. I'm looking for something much better and concidered the EAR 834p. I also understand the ARC ph3 is far superior. Please help.

Thanks to all for your responses.
Brian
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