Thanks @sbank , @elliottbnewcombjr and @mesch for the inputs. I think I'll go with SS phono.
Tube phono pre amp or Tube preamp + SS phono
Hi,
My current chain is
VPI classic + Ortofon MC quintet black -> Goldnote (PH10+PSU10) phono -> Eddie Current Studio Jr -> Focal Utopia and Hifiman HE1k. I am very happy with the chain. But want to add a little more warmth to the sound. I do not want to change the Amp or the headphones.
I am wondering if it makes more sense to have a Tube phono preamp or keep the Phono SS and have a Tube preamp?
One thing I am very sensitive to is the noise floor of the phono stage. Even my Goldnote had some some noise floor that drove me crazy and I spent a lot of time correcting it.
I am not looking for higly analytical sound but very good resolution + some tube warmth.
My current chain is
VPI classic + Ortofon MC quintet black -> Goldnote (PH10+PSU10) phono -> Eddie Current Studio Jr -> Focal Utopia and Hifiman HE1k. I am very happy with the chain. But want to add a little more warmth to the sound. I do not want to change the Amp or the headphones.
I am wondering if it makes more sense to have a Tube phono preamp or keep the Phono SS and have a Tube preamp?
One thing I am very sensitive to is the noise floor of the phono stage. Even my Goldnote had some some noise floor that drove me crazy and I spent a lot of time correcting it.
I am not looking for higly analytical sound but very good resolution + some tube warmth.
4 responses Add your response
Yeah, what @mesch said! SS phono will be better for dodging RFI/EMI when handling the tiny signal. Tube pre can also offer benefits to digital sources now & later. I previously lived near a radio tower, and tried about 6 tube phono stages before I conquered it with ss. Can't even count the hours wasted troubleshooting w/ makers and dealers trying to get the tube phono stages quiet enough. Currently, I use a Nagra BPS and a BAT tube pre. I like it, but I do sometimes wonder if new location opens the door for revisiting the tube phono route. I always wanted to try the Herron #2 that so many rave about. Cheers, Spencer |
I absolutely love my McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp, mx110z, it has 2 MM phono inputs that sound terrific, and you could use your existing phono stage thru any input. I use SUT for MC to keep using the mx110z's phono stage. They have gotten more expensive this past year. I just saw this one on eBay (it is the z version). Nice, text all clear on faceplate. Minor imperfections to black paint on rear surface of tuner glass, fairly common, and can be repaired if you really care. I broke my glass, had glass made locally (2 holes) and painted it with flat black paint as per original. Someone sells replacement glass online, McIntosh does not have any. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1971-Mcintosh-MX110-Tube-Preamp-Tuner/224365696174?hash=item343d3cd... Mine is dead quiet, I forget and leave it on frequently. If this one is not: 30 day returns, you only risk return shipping cost. this helped me decide to buy it. https://positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm |