Hi Matt.
I waited and waited, and, searched and searched - then I got a Vendetta SCP2a. Old elctrolytic caps damaged my Lavardin IT, but once replaced, and with modern IC's my phono stage search has come to an end. The only phono stage I have come across that measures quieter than the original is the top of the range Moon Audio - not sure if it would with the modern IC's I got put into the phono stage.
If you want to buy new, then GO WHEST.
Can I just say one thing though, and I do think another poster has said much the same. If you want 'dead' silent then it has to be digital. You clearly like tubes, and noise goes with the territory, unless you are buying very expesive gear. By the same token, solid state that is more 'tubey' in sound is likely to be equally costly, that said, I recall testing a phono stage made by Sugden in the UK, I did a quick review of it, and it may just do the trick for you - sweet sounding - very quiet.
I waited and waited, and, searched and searched - then I got a Vendetta SCP2a. Old elctrolytic caps damaged my Lavardin IT, but once replaced, and with modern IC's my phono stage search has come to an end. The only phono stage I have come across that measures quieter than the original is the top of the range Moon Audio - not sure if it would with the modern IC's I got put into the phono stage.
If you want to buy new, then GO WHEST.
Can I just say one thing though, and I do think another poster has said much the same. If you want 'dead' silent then it has to be digital. You clearly like tubes, and noise goes with the territory, unless you are buying very expesive gear. By the same token, solid state that is more 'tubey' in sound is likely to be equally costly, that said, I recall testing a phono stage made by Sugden in the UK, I did a quick review of it, and it may just do the trick for you - sweet sounding - very quiet.