Help for preamp and phono stage. Tube options

All you're going to get is what the rest of us have, like or are trying to sell. Many of us love tubes, but sometimes they aren't done correctly (and price or name doesn't always mean anything). You have to understand that in the tube world, there really aren't new products or circuits. Like SS, it's the discreat components that are better, hence better sound...sometimes. Does the accuphase work well with tubes? Many of the true tec types will tell you that it's hard to match SS with tubes and visa versa. What is the cabling you are using? I've found, as have most, that it just as important as any other component you are using. I personally have found the AQ stuff to be the most neutral of anything I've heard, but some cables will tip up the top end (and often it's only distorsion) but people just think that's more revealing. Some will disagree with everything I'm posting. Are you able to get some of the tube pre's and put them in your system? That's the only true way that you'll be able to tell as the room is even more important. Just my 2 cents.

I was speaking with a Linn dealer yesterday. He has had the line in the past and is picking it up again. I have enjoyed the line as it's very musical. I asked him about set up and associated components and he said that in his opinion, he feels that using an all Linn system is best. Keep in mind that he also sells Ayre and Mac gear too among others. He said most of his customers just keep it simple as they love the Linn sound.

I remember hearing Linn last year at another dealer and he had the speakers triamped I believe. It may even have been an active system. I don't know Linn that well other than hearing it at my local dealers who carry it. It was highly musical and even dynamic when bi or tri amped. I don't know which. Have you heard it in a bi amped mode?