2. amps-preamps
  3. 194460-201371

Moving to Tube Separates or Tube Integrated + Phono

BACKGROUND:
Hi, I have a modest SS system. Vintage Pioneer SX850 Receiver, Fluance RT82, TEAC A2300 SD, Vienna Acoustics Bach Speakers and a B&W Powered Subwoofer.

I am cobbling together a second system for a garage attic that is turning into a listening room, and I would like this system to be tube driven. I have been gifted a pair of Klipsch Cornwall I's, and have a Denon DP51 TT, and may move the sub out there as well. 

I have been shopping the used market for the past 6 months and have gotten close to buying a few times, but I realize I really don't know what I'm doing! I lean towards an Integrated Tube or Hybrid Amp, ideally with a phono stage. Products that catch my eye and within my budget include used integrated's from Rouge Audio, Prima Luna, Vincent, Cayin, Audio Research and perhaps a vintage tube integrated like a Fisher. 

QUESTION:
If the integrated amp does not have a phono stage and I need to buy a separate phono pre, how much of the tube goodness from the integrated comes through when playing vinyl? Or is the sound of the vinyl strictly determined by the phono pre? Or both? And should I buy a tube phono pre? The extended version of this question would be, when buying separates, how much of the tone is shaped by amp vs. preamp vs. phono preamp? 
And yes I did search through the archives, but I'm still confused!

Thanks much!

seamusmacd
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foggyus91's avatar
foggyus91
52 posts
 

Quicksilver is okay stuff but there is better out there.

OP Buy a tube phono pre and any standalone phono pre will be better than the built in available from most manufacturers.

Schiit maybe a good fit. I would buy one if it was balanced.

 

https://www.schiit.com/products/stjarna

theflattire
234 posts
 

I run all tubes and for sure you can tell the difference between a SS phono stage and a tube one.  That doesn't mean you lose the tube sound, it's just more pronounced with the tube stage and only discernable if you can get then side by side.  That being said, your phono stage will influence the sound more than the amp IMO.

My phono stage is a hybrid (Modwright).

I would look at boutique builders like Burgess, Tarta, etc instead of commercial brands.  I paid less than $2k for a Burgess 2A3 set with a volume control so I didn't use a pre.  The good thing about purchasing from a builder is you get to talk to them about building your system.

 

mm1tt77
197 posts
 

Aric Audio builds great Tube gear and can customize builds, all tube gear.  LTA (Linear Tube Audio makes outstanding Tube Gear.  Both make Integrated Units, those would be my go to’s.  If you want simplicity, really easy maintenance Primaluna via Upscale Audio is worth a look, I owned the Evo 400 integrated, rock solid but I would say leans more toward a Solid State ish sound profile than Aric or LTA. 

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