Rhea Noise

Dear Xagwell: The all tube Phonopreamps were not designed for low output MC cartridges. As a fact, this technology is not the right one for use in Phono stages.

If you really care about the quality music sound reproduction through analog technology you must to go for and SS active gain Phonopreamp, it is the best choice and is the best choice not only because the reduced noise/distortions and high gain but because only the SS technology can give you an accurate ( +,- 0.05 db from 20 Hz to 20 kHz ) inverse RIAA eq. that is the the most important characteristic on any Phonopreamp and as a fact that inverse RIAA eq. is the reason why we need those high gain active Phonopreamps.

The problem of noise that every all tube Phonopreamp has it has nothing to do with the type of the tubes or the quality of them or good/bad design, the problem is that the tube technology is totally inadequated for use it on Phonopreamps, that's all.

Don't change the tubes on your Phonopreamp, it does not work ( don't loose more time and money ): you have to change your Phonopreamp!!!!!!!!!

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear R f: +++++ " I have yet to hear a plausible explanation for why tubes stir my emotions greater than transistors. " +++++

This " explanation " is almost imposible to have, there is too many issues about: first depends on your live music experience and if this live music is your " reference ", second, your trainy ears in live music againts reproduced music, third, music priorities, fourth, how good SS design you heard it and how well those SS audio devices make good synergy, fifth, how much time do you take to desequalized your " tube " ears and to equalize on SS " ears ".

The fact that many people ( like you ) likes the heavy distorted and colored tube sound does not means that is the right way to go.
You can travel from NY to Madrid: " swiming ", but this does not means that it is the best way to go!!!!!!!!!

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.