I recently converted the first gain stage of my Atma-Sphere MP-1 MkII to SS, thanks to Lewm and Allen Wright, who posts a schematic of his hybrid phono stage for DIYers. With a medium-output Helikon this was a significant improvement over the stock all-tube design. S/N is way up, as is bass control & dynamics, without any apparent loss of favorable tube-like qualities in treble and midrange. On any day I would consider a high-gain SS or hybrid design like this preferable to a step-up transformer. (I've tried both Cinemag & Jensen step-ups.) My understanding, however, is that the all-tube MkIII version of the MP-1 is quieter than earlier versions.
Science & Sound, Tube or Solid State Phono?
I have heard that for very low level signals solid state will be better than tubes. I am curious as to the impressions out there. I would love to know from a theoretical point of view that is made for the layman what is better or what are the strengths of each. I would also like to know if anyone has compared similar price high end phonos both tube & solid state and had a preference and why? Does the choice depend on the cartridge in use?