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Tube vs. Solid State Phono Stage

So, I've always had toob amplification; mostly SET. Upstream, I have analog vinyl only. In keeping with my philosophy, point of view, style, whatever you want to call it, I've felt compelled to go with an all tube phono stage:
Cary PH302.

In summary, this has 55db gain, tubed rectification, RIAA equalization and gain stages.

I have no complaints.

However, I can't help notice that some, what seem to gennerally be considered, as world class phonoo stages are solid state.

In my price range, I'm at least thinking about what a Pass Xono would add to my system.

Any insight or opinions?

thanx
pawlowski6132

Showing 1 response by rgordonpf

rgordonpf
82 posts
 
Our local audio club does phonostage shootouts several times a year. We play our personal phonostages against phonostages supplied to us via a friendly local dealer. The clear cut winners at various price points have been the SS Vacuum State JLTi (US$1,500) which has bested anything we have thrown against it up to US$3,000. The original Herron VTPH-1mc/plus (JFET tube hybrid) now discontinued but available used for US$1,700-1800, beat all contenders up to $5,000. We have only matched the new Herron VTPH-2 (JFET tube hybrid with both MM and MC inputs) against a few more expensive phono stages which it bested. However, the sample is too small to form any solid conclusions. However, we do know that it is substantially better than the Herron VTPH-1mc/plus.

All three phono stages are neutral and musical.
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