As far as the tube noise goes, it depends on what level of gain you need. Higher gain, higher noise floor. Unless you have an amazing(and expensive) tube phono unit. So why do we use tube phono sections? They sound good. The EAR is a good tube unit. Haven't any experience with the Plinius Jarrah, but people say it is very good. If you don't change cartridges often, you might take a look at the Tom Evans Design Group Microgroove. They will configure it to your cartridge specs at the factory. Very good SS item. The downside is that if you change cartridges, you have to send it back to the factory in England to get it re-configured for your new cartridge.
EAR 834P vs Plinius Jarrah anyone compare the two?
Trying to decide between the two. Has anyone auditioned both? Is it the usual difference between tube and solid state sound or are there other issues that make the choice more obvious? I prefer tube gear using the VTL tiny triodes and a ARC LS2B(highbred). I'm concerned about tube noise in a phono stage. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
John
John