Tube preamp with or without phono stage?


I’m looking to add a preamp to my two channel system. Currently I’m using an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 as the pre fed by a Simaudio Moon 110LP as the phonostage. My amp’s a Benchmark AHB-2 and speakers are Paradigm Persona 3F. The Personas and Benchmark are recent purchases and I’m rebuilding backwards. I’ve been targeting a clear, detailed, neutral and dimensional soundstage. Very low noise and distortion.

I’d now like to add a tube preamp and have a few questions. What are the pros and cons of the phonostage built into the pre vs as a separate? My amp only has balanced in’s but I can use an XLR to RCA adapter if necessary, are there any concerns with using the adapter? Finally, any recommendations up to about $3-5k with some flexibility?

Thanks
jszei

Showing 1 response by oddiofyl

Great guys at Spearit.....I have purchased a number of components from them over the years and they always treated me right....

I purchased my c-j Classic 2 SE from them, and while I didn't take them up on a home demo, they had their demo in a seriously good system and it sounded fantastic so I was prettty confident it would sound great in my system.   

I do regret not getting the optional phono stage ,  but at the moment I have no turntable.  Fortunately I did not sell my records so someday......