A few years back, one of my friends (A Hi-end Audiophile) came home to listen to music in my house. He told me I lacked 2 things in my set up. Some good cartridges and matching phono stages. At that time, I was mostly using Shure original cartridges. So, he suggested that I get a EAR 834 p phono stage. But it was quite expensive at that point of time and did not buy them. Recently, the same friend informed that the EAR 834p clone using very good components is available. So we both ordered and mine has just come. Fortunately, I had some NOS Philips MINIWATT ECC 83 tubes. I was told that the tubes used are very critical to the performance. I have listened to it only for a few hours and already I can feel the silken smooth vocals and the wide sound stage coming out of this amazing phono stage. I am told that it will take a minimum of 50 hours for it to break-in. I am looking forward to better presentation from this phono stage in the days to come. Will keep you posted.