You should post this question in analog forum. As from my experience, tube phono is still way better too me.
The only one I am very curious is the expressive SUT-1 step up device. It is hard to avoid lower noise of J-Fet vs tube in the MC head amp. The transformer based stepup doesn't always work for all cartridges. As far as for MM section, the tube version sounds much more spatious and open than SS. However, as many said, poor tube design ones gives noise and can't handle the dynamic. I had about half dozen of the tube and 4 SS design. I like the Jadis stand alone phono and MFA Reference pre phono section.
However, I end up with vintage Harmon Kardon Citation I and Music Reference RM-4 combo. The Citation I can play any type of LP dated from 1950s to todays RIAA equalization. Furthermore, it puts many modern MM phonos to shame that cost way more. Obviously vintage gear is not for everyone as it might require some repair or replace all the parts to give it a new life.
The RM-4 is a tube and J-fet combo which gives one of the best quiet and detail sound for the MC head. This is the best stepup device I have used and still own it.
Btw, how is the Fi X amp sound? I am very curious as I have a DIY 12Watt WE421A PP amp. My speakers aren't as efficient as yours so I need at least 7 Watt from SET and 12 Watt from PP.
The only one I am very curious is the expressive SUT-1 step up device. It is hard to avoid lower noise of J-Fet vs tube in the MC head amp. The transformer based stepup doesn't always work for all cartridges. As far as for MM section, the tube version sounds much more spatious and open than SS. However, as many said, poor tube design ones gives noise and can't handle the dynamic. I had about half dozen of the tube and 4 SS design. I like the Jadis stand alone phono and MFA Reference pre phono section.
However, I end up with vintage Harmon Kardon Citation I and Music Reference RM-4 combo. The Citation I can play any type of LP dated from 1950s to todays RIAA equalization. Furthermore, it puts many modern MM phonos to shame that cost way more. Obviously vintage gear is not for everyone as it might require some repair or replace all the parts to give it a new life.
The RM-4 is a tube and J-fet combo which gives one of the best quiet and detail sound for the MC head. This is the best stepup device I have used and still own it.
Btw, how is the Fi X amp sound? I am very curious as I have a DIY 12Watt WE421A PP amp. My speakers aren't as efficient as yours so I need at least 7 Watt from SET and 12 Watt from PP.