What's better?

An EAR 834p MM/MC with or without a volume control?
I wouldn't actually want to keep unplugging and plugging IC leads from the back of the power amp as I've already damaged two when wanting to swap to CD/Pre amp.
Any thoughts?

 

prize of a Farlies Rusk for anyone who replies?

 

I've no idea about the differences, but at least I've replied. Does that mean I get the rusk?

 

probably depends on the quality of the pre amp that would replace the built in one, i will making the same choice myself soon, and may chose with volume control for flexibility in the future, but for purism then without and a first rate pre amp would be my inclination - its a guess as have not heard direct to pwr amp and variable is the pre used.

 

Quad 99 pre. The 99CDP sounds better through the pre than direct into the power but not sure that would extend to a phono stage.

 

The baby was sick on the rusk but I've always thought they were too dry...

 

I doubt it makes that much difference, tbh - I've owned the 834P without volume control and it was a wonderful device! Us 'purists' can obsess about extra connections and potentiometers, but I'm sure Tim deP knows his biz and any degradations would be slight in comparison to the overall excellence of the unit. Strongly recommended in either form I should think.

 

i now have one; wonderfully detailed withot ever being sharp and complete lack of glare. Bass a bit strong though?