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Tube vs. Solid State Phono Stage

So, I've always had toob amplification; mostly SET. Upstream, I have analog vinyl only. In keeping with my philosophy, point of view, style, whatever you want to call it, I've felt compelled to go with an all tube phono stage:
Cary PH302.

In summary, this has 55db gain, tubed rectification, RIAA equalization and gain stages.

I have no complaints.

However, I can't help notice that some, what seem to gennerally be considered, as world class phonoo stages are solid state.

In my price range, I'm at least thinking about what a Pass Xono would add to my system.

Any insight or opinions?

thanx
pawlowski6132
glory's avatar
glory
1,373 posts
 
I have all Audio Note gear with a Meishu 300B amp with phono.

I bought a E.A.R. 324 phono and put it in my system.

It blows away the phono in the AN Meishu. If you can find one buy it as soon as you can as it is a world class phono amp.
jameswei
795 posts
 
The Pass would be among the most neutral of the solid state choices and would not be expected to add anything to the sound except gain. You would lose the contribution of "tube sound" from the Cary phono preamp, but you clearly already enjoy the benefits of tube sound via the other amplification components in your electronics chain. Some of these benefits, like soft clipping, are more associated with the power amp anyhow. It should be worth a try -- buy and sell on Audiogon.
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
I share your sentiments and have lived with a number of tube and hybrid phono stages. Living close to a radio tower, and suffering from high RFI, a solid state phono stage is the best and almost only way for me to eliminate RFI noise in my rig.
Many designers and retailers have used similar thinking in assembling their reference systems. As an example, Lloyd Walker of Walker Audio comes to mind.
Other ss phono stages that you might check out include the Vendetta Research, Klyne, Whest & JLTI. Cheers,
Spencer
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