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EAR 534 vs 890

dear all,

my dealer let me 2 amps for the week-end : 2 EAR products : EAR 534 (EL 34) and EAR 890 (KT 90), along with the 864 pre.
I listen to them with a Linn Ikemi and Cyrus CD8 on Tannoy Kensington speakers.
(everything has been lent for the week-end by my dealer).
My room is very 'clear'.

I'd like to have some comments / advice on the system and on my listening.
Any comments are welcome !

The best pairs are (in my view) :
EAR 534 + Linn Ikem (with the Cyrus and this amp, the sound is lacking something : I cannot define it in English, sorry !). Maybe not enough 'material'.
EAR 890 + Cyrus 8X (with the Linn too much density with this amp)

I listen mainly to classical (chamber and symhonic and jazz)

Both amplifier belong to the same family. no doubt when comparing them.
I find the 890 a bit more 'punchy', some more bass, a little warmer, which sounds ok in my room. The 534 is a little bit more neutral and maybe a little better in subtelty.

I fear I could get tired of the warmth of the 890 in the long run and tempted to go the 534 way. What do you think ? What pair would you choose and why ?


Thanks for your thoughts

Didier


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Topic - EAR 534 vs 890 - Didier R 04:59:38 10/02/05 (2)


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