SOLD - thanksThis is a vintage 834L from the days of the HFNRR kits (late 80's / early 90's). An iconic design, from Tim de Paravicini. It was modified by the original owner to include the
834P phono board - no step-up transformers were installed, so it's a low-gain, or "MM" phono stage. Plenty of inputs and a tape loop makes it a great tube preamp if sonics are your top priority. 47K phono input is ideal for use with MM cartridges, or LOMC cartridges coupled to a SUT.
This pre is in nice condition and was recently overhauled and modded (with great attention to detail) by Steve Graham, for a series of articles in Wall of Sound:
Part 1:
https://wallofsound.ca/misc/diy/che-files-clear-ear-834l-or-is-it-an-834p/Part 2:
https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/amplification/c-l-e-a-r-834l-the-rejuvenation-of-an-esoteric-audio-research-classic-part-2/TO SUMMARIZE: All seven power supply electrolytic capacitors are brand new, same with the six film caps (upgraded to Cornell Dubilier), which required making some clever supports, the B+ rectifiers were replaced with fast-recovery diodes, a noise snubber was added, the Phono input jacks were replaced with large well-insulated ones, and the volume pot is a brand-new Alps Blue. Rewiring work to reduce noise and hum was considerable, you can read about that in the provided links. The grounding terminal was replaced with a more solid binding post. Lastly, the preamp got a nice soft amber power-on LED light. Bad tubes were chucked for good ones - Steve also recommends trying the low-noise 5751. As it is now it sounds so much better than before!
I'd like to keep this one, but something needs to be sold, and I have a glut of gear at the moment, including preamps and phonos. Asking
$1100 plus shipping Reduced to $900 or best reasonable offer. Must sell. Good-testing ECC83 tubes are included as shown.
