This preamp has all a preamp needs to have, no more no less.The sound is indeed very natural, without being "cool" or "dull".
There are, however, some minor drawbacks: to my opinion the input sensitivity of all inputs (except MM/MC) is too high, even when you lower the sensitivity with the plug-in resistors that come standard with this amp.
Since the volume "pot" is in fact a rotary switch, you only can get 21 different volume levels, and sometimes the lowest step already gives you too much volume.
Another "strange" thing is that the signal path goes through ordinary CD4066 solid-state switches, and most opamps(!) are placed in IC-sockets.
From an engineering point-of-view that's not done in an amplifier.

Nevertheless, it sounds great, especially the MM input, and the tone "controls" (see other review) are fine.
I use the 34 with an old 303 power amplifier and these 2 give me a relaxed sound that is always worth listening to.

FH

Quad 34