2. amps-preamps
  3. 125799-371

Phono/preamp/amp chain. One of them tube the others SS. Which one?

Perhaps any one would do if done right. What would be your preference, generally speaking? Let's assume MC cartridge. This move could be permanent or could be the first step on the way to full tube system. I would probably choose the phono.
inna
sancho22
62 posts
 

Huge number of choices and vastly different experiences - you will need to test/listen and find the best synergy.

Regarding Shindo - I don't think you will get a better sound than a Shindo preamp MM phono stage with an Auditorium Hommage SUT - at least that Is my experience with highly efficient WLM speakers in a smallish room.

Regarding Rogue phono/preamps - great products. A friend of mine borrowed my realistically priced Tavish design phono stage and I could barely twist it out of his hands, he liked it so much. Look it up - they have a 30 day money back guarantee. I have no ties with this two man tiny company only a very happy customer.

papafrgog
34 posts
 
I'm in similar situation. I have a great TT, arm, & MC. Feeds into Mc SS preamp then to Atlas eclipse hybrid amp. Love the tube richness & quietness of the SS preamp/MC phono section. I am leaning toward SS phono preamp for total silence on cartridge output and tube line stage for the sound I prefer further enhanced by my amp. So IMO the absolute silence of a high end SS phono stage trumps the induced bloom of a tubed phono stage, even though I love the tube sound. 

orpheus10
5,988 posts
 

Theo, I've been doing some serious thinking about what you said in regard to the phono stage, and it seems 3K, or in that price range, is what a tube phono which would be similar to yours might cost.

There is no free lunch in "High End audio", and quite often, anything cheaper turns out to be a waste of money.

Could you comment on good tube phono stages?


Enjoy the music.
inna OP
5,245 posts
 
Orpheus10, you are right, and I would think of at least $4k or a little more. That would get you in used Lamm, VAC, Atma-Shere, CAT territory.Many really like their Herrons. That is if you are thinking tube phono stage.
orpheus10
5,988 posts
 

When I got into "high end", there were two high end salons within driving distance. I spent so much time in these places that my wife swore I was seeing another woman; "There is no way you're going to come home late every evening listening to some dumb stereo equipment", she stated when I walked in the door.

My purpose was twofold; one was to verify the validity of the "Stereophile" rating system, the other was of course to hear equipment I could not afford. I discovered the "Stereophile" ratings were quite valid.

Now there is no way I can audition expensive equipment; I have to rely on you and what I read.

Upon examination, I see my rig has a component no one else has "A computer interface"; it does whatever it does, and has an adjustment for level in. SS phono, and computer interface do 100% of nothing in regard to improvement or detraction of audio.

High end computer interfaces were not available at that time; I rebuilt, using expensive capacitors to such an extent that I had to design another cabinet, that one wasn't big enough.

It would cost in the vicinity of 3K for an unknown that I can not audition; therefore it's not in the cards anytime soon.


Enjoy the music.







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