e.a.r 834 or t integrated - experience of?

[peez]

Hi all

anyone tried or use either of these - thinking valves may be the way forward, or tdp's hybrid version

thinking of listening to one , either the straight valve or "t" hybrid, to replace my sugden a21a, i love my sugden but find it can find some complex pieces (when i rarely play Unkle etc) too much.

speakers are zingali's tt is gyro se, phono stage is 834p sig (which i like the sound of)

 

[tones]

I have an 834L, a wonderful-looking gadget. I play it through a Quad 606 to LS3/5as and a Sizmik subwoofer. I am a predominantly classical listener, mainly baroque and 19th century orchestral.

I bought it because I was curious to hear whether a valve machine would make a difference. I had previously used Quad 33 and 44 pre-amps. I can now alternate between the 44 and the 834. And the difference is - none whatsoever.

 

[Nomoretweaks]

Hi all

anyone tried or use either of these - thinking valves may be the way forward, or tdp's hybrid version

thinking of listening to one , either the straight valve or "t" hybrid, to replace my sugden a21a, i love my sugden but find it can find some complex pieces (when i rarely play Unkle etc) too much.

speakers are zingali's tt is gyro se, phono stage is 834p sig (which i like the sound of)

I used to have both Zingali Overtures and EAR amps, but not those models you have mentioned. So I can only guess - if you feel that your woofers need more control (and Zingali bass does need some grip) go for hybrid, if you want your horn to sound beautiful - go for tubes. Pretty obvious, isn't it. I have never heard the hybrid, but a guy whom I trust says is lacks the usual EAR magic. Others like it a lot.
EAR amps are a good match for Zingali, but not as good IMO as Audio Note. But it is a matter of taste.


I also had Quad preamp, it was 99, not 44. And it was nowhere near 834L. Compared to EAR the 99 was veiled, anemic and simply boring.

 

[peez]

thanks for that, appreciated
so audio note even better? which audio notes in not silly money bracket? obviously will listen anyhow,
and why did you change from ear/zingali combo?

 

[kt66]

I have an 834L, a wonderful-looking gadget. I play it through a Quad 606 to LS3/5as and a Sizmik subwoofer. I am a predominantly classical listener, mainly baroque and 19th century orchestral.

I bought it because I was curious to hear whether a valve machine would make a difference. I had previously used Quad 33 and 44 pre-amps. I can now alternate between the 44 and the 834. And the difference is - none whatsoever.

that's worrying - the 44 is very dull sounding, and holds back a lot of upper freqs. But I always thought the 834L sounds boring.