The WD Phonostage is cleared for take off!

[Dave Cawley]

At last, I have signed off the WD Phonostage and PSU. They sound good and measure good. In a direct comparison with a fully loaded EAR 834P, both on the bench and in the listening room, the WD washed its face nicely. The EAR is 2.4 times the price, and it is a tad better as you might expect.

I just need to get the parts list to Matthew who can update the PDF and away we go!

Regards

Dave

[Clive]

Originally Posted by Dave Cawley

At last, I have signed off the WD Phonostage and PSU. They sound good and measure good. In a direct comparison with a fully loaded EAR 834P, both on the bench and in the listening room, the WD washed its face nicely. The EAR is 2.4 times the price, and it is a tad better as you might expect.

I just need to get the parts list to Matthew who can update the PDF and away we go!

Regards

Dave

I'm surprised the EAR is better. The Phono2 bested it by a considerable margin - when used into an active preamp.

[pre65]

Depends what Dave means by "fully loaded" ?

The 834P I had was nothing special.

[Clive]

Originally Posted by pre65

Depends what Dave means by "fully loaded" ?

The 834P I had was nothing special.

I'm very familiar with much modified ones, mostly with Thorsten's mods. Ultimately the EAR is a bit opaque. If it's been totally redesigned then who knows?

[Greg.]

Hi Dave,

I completely share Clive's opinion. My Phono II albeit tweaked significantly out performs the EAR and I know Phono III does the same. I suspect you will find this opinion is shared by others here including, probably, all of your moderators although obviously it is for them to say

Regards,

Greg

[Greg.]

Originally Posted by Clive

I'm very familiar with much modified ones, mostly with Thorsten's mods. Ultimately the EAR is a bit opaque. If it's been totally redesigned then who knows?

Yep, but wasn't Thorsten's final take on it almost a complete redesign resembling little of the original?

[Really Aardvark]

A phono II / III / IV(?) shoot out will be interesting then!

[Clive]

Originally Posted by Greg.

Yep, but wasn't Thorsten's final take on it almost a complete redesign resembling little of the original?

Pretty much but I think that's as far as it can be taken. I'm sure your Phono II with my board :-) would best it.

[colin.hepburn]

Haven't heard the EAR so can’t comment but I can say my phono 2 is amazing all be it highly tweeked

[Greg.]

Originally Posted by Clive

I'm sure your Phono II with my board :-) would best it.

Oh yes! It's your board that made all the difference