Tube Phono with Tube Integrated Amp?


what are the drawbacks (if any) of this setup?  

i recently acquired a VPI Prime (amazing) with a Soundsmith Zephyr MKIII.   using a ProJect Tube Box S (which was a phenomenal upgrade for my previous ProJect Carbon table).  right now, running this through a vintage Kenwood KA-9100, powering Elac UniFi's bookshelf speakers. 

i'm looking to build a 2 channel system that i can grow with, so please disregard the amp/speakers for now.  I've read great things about the Manley Chinook and the Allnic H1201.   in the event that i upgrade to a tube integrated amp in the future, is there any downside?
i've read on this forum that a tube phono is better paired with a solid state amp.  



mjb87062017

Showing 3 responses by tablejockey

"First off, it’s bs to say generally that a tube phono goes better into a SS integrated. Second, the Chinook is actually a hybrid, with SS step up into a tube MM stage."

Mulveling- your system sounds great just looking at the pics..bravo!
I can only dream of having a system at that level.

I was wondering if anyone would tell it like it is. Although what's "best" is subjective, why do so many reviews of SS units say..."the unit sounds like a tube unit"? Maybe a very good designed SS amp is nicer than a so-so tube amp?

Someone can check me on this- Isn't there a FET in the 1st gain stage of the Chinook? I've demoed one in my rack next to my existing tubed phono, which feeds the tube line stage and tube amp(oh no..it not SS!)




I meant to include in my last post regarding the Chinook as a hybrd(SS FET stage)-

The Manley was impressively quiet against my  all tube(including rectifier) unit.
Such that, I initially thought the thing wasn't working! It won the noise category.

Realism presentation however, went to my existing,hissy(at ridiculous levels) all tube unit. Even the GF and her friends  present agreed. My unit has active gain for LOMC, so a wee bit noisey.

Perhaps I could achieve both, but not at a 2-3k price point.