Can any other common reagent other than than H3PO4 cause this conversion?
Eaton's reagent - $\ce{P2O5}$ in Methanesulfonic Acid - is a good alternative.
JOC 62(1997) 3552

Conc. Nitric acid risks nitrating the aromatic ring. I have never seen conc. Nitric or conc. $\ce{HCl}$ used for this