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
inna OP
5,245 posts
 
This is not about my current system. It is an open question, I am interested in other people's opinions and rationale. But since you mentioned speakers, though it was implied in my question, we'll assume that either particular speakers work well with either tube or ss, or that they can be replaced.
My rationale is that the beginning of the signal chain is the most important step. But that would have to be a great tube phono stage or I wouldn't bother.
timlub
1,649 posts
 

If you are asking for advice about which one for you???? It depends on what you are trying to achieve. 

This is all general and a given piece can make it all wrong...

So, In general, If you are after that So called Tube Bloom and you have pieces that all 3 give that bloom,  the amp will add the highest degree of bloom.  Depending on the cartridge and phono section, it could be either after that, Although, for me,  I would rather not have a overly rich phono cartridge with a phono section with a lot bloom... So it could be the Pre or phono section either... Of course,  if you are trying to add that Richness or Bloom as I've been calling it,  if you grab it from your amp or pre,  you can then have it throughout your system, rather than your phono section only....

But,  if you truly just like a certain Tubed piece because it is just better than the ss counterparts that you've tried,  I would then recommend that you just get the tubed component that you want. 

I hope this makes sense,

Tim

rcprince
2,830 posts
 
I would have a solid state phono stage, tubed preamp and solid state amp (with an appropriate input impedance to work with the tubed preamp).  I have the first two in my system now (a Shindo preamp and a prototype of the Merrill Jens phono stage), and they work extremely well together, and I've heard enough really good solid state amps like the Ayre to believe that I could live with a solid state amp in my system (at least with the right speakers).  My rationale on the phono stage is similar to yours, Inna, but I feel that the lower noise floor of the solid state unit works better with a low level signal from the cartridge--I certainly found this to be the case when I replaced my Lamm phono stage with my current one.
inna OP
5,245 posts
 
Would not want an excessive bloom and certainly would not tolerate decrease in PRAT and dynamics. A little more rounded bass OK. I prefer speakers on a slightly warmer side, somewhat relaxed not uptight. So the idea would be to create a hybrid amplification with more natural presentation.
Tha cartridge..let's think of Lyra or Transfiguration.
Lamm phono is in very high esteem, it would take quite a phono stage to compete and better it.
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Not all devices, and not all systems are equal, of course. Some only listen to vinyl "seriously" others like me are all about music that fits on a memory device somewhere.

However, based on past experience, I'd say the preamp should be tube, and I don't know enough about vinyl to say what I'd do with the phono.

The issue that has come up a few times in my life has been tube amps faced with a very difficult load, such as an electrostatic. Swapping out the amp for a solid SS was a fabulous combination. In fact, in the Electrostatics I did hear, a tube preamp was ideal. I helped sell a couple of pairs of speakers that way. :)

Best,


Erik
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