The Ear deck has arrived, I just played one tape and sounds great, different presentation than the Technics/King Cello combo - both great! - The Nagra still awaiting for service.
I could easily live with any of the two decks, the modified Technics with the King/Cello preamp delivers more ambience, detail and roundness to the music, the Technics/EAR is more dynamic, crisp and fun deck.
I really don't want to start another battle camp all I can say is that to my ears and in my system it does sound great (any of the three decks) - an entry-level RtR set-up (just as vinyl) is just something anyone needs to consider to reach a great playback setup.