Tube Pre Amp or Tube Phono stage


Hello FriendsI have put this question, to this site before??, But did not received, the answers??I have, a solid phono stage , a JLTI , what I like about it is I can inset RCA Cartridge loading plugs, that is a good option??Howe ever, the Pre amp, and phono stage, are all solid state, I wish I can retain the bass, but shave a bit of the top, which sounds a bit edgy!!For best results, should I replace the phono stage, with Tubes, or keep the solid state Pre amp??I want a deep bass?? with sweet highs??My Phono amp is a JLTI, solid stage, with cartridge loading via RCA plug's at the rear, I'm running a Zu/Dennon 103 cartridge, It has a cartridge loading at 300 ohms, I have both RCA plug's at that loading, but it sounds bright!!I have replaced one RCA plug, rated  at 250 ohms, to try and tame things down, if I wan't more bass, Should I inserted, the 300 ohm in the red out put, or the other way around??Which comes back to my original question, for better bass, and nice highs!!Tube phono stage, or Tube pramp??Friends, I live on the far south coast of Australia, the nearest hi Fi shop, is three hours drive away!!Can some one put me on the right pathMany ThanksDavidAustralia
128x128daveyonthecoast

Why do you or any one needs sweet highs when live MUSIC at near field position where the recording microphones are seated never pick-up " sweet highs"? Makes no sense that you want to change the kind of sound of live MUSIC. Same for that other gentleman that speaks of "warm" when live MUSIC is not warm at all.

What live music do you mean Raul? A live Pianist or String Quartet can be exquisitely sweet and warm. So can an entire orchestra. The ’sweet, warm’ parts of music sound sweet and warm — composers want them to: they write dolce, expressivo, an entire glossary to guide the players to the desired feeling or emotion.

I heard/saw Hendrix live in big halls (Fillmore, Lincoln Center) and in small clubs (Ondine, The Scene) and “sweet/warm” didn’t apply in either acoustic space — but that’s the nature of the music.

During the same time I heard/saw Arrau play Chopin/Beethoven at Carnegie, and the Julliard Quartet play Ravel/Debussy at Julliard, and was bathed in warmth and sweetness. It’s the nature of the music.

When I play music at home, I want the feelings the music and artists intended. Whether it’s harsh and tough, or sweet and warm, that’s what I want to hear.

What music do you listen to that has no sweetness or warmth?


You can load the denon down under a 100.  Get a tube phone which uses 6922 tubes.  Get a pre amp which uses 6sn7 tubes.  If you can find either without a cathode followers it would be a big plus.  Also maybe play with different  suts.  

That zu 103 can sing with the right set up.  Not sure which arm you are using but some extra weight on head shell is cheap and easy.  Denon 103s love heavy arms.

Maybe call Kevin at k+k audio.  He has units, kits, and I think  will custom build.

Enjoy the ride
Tom
I own both the Sutherland 20/20 and Duo on two separate systems. Can't be happier, quiet and dynamic. No need for tubes. 
ThanksEveryoneI'm still in the dark??I want a deep bass, and a sweet sounds, with out a sub, so back to basic's??Tube phono stage, if not, a tube preamp, I mean, is it to hard, for some one, to recommend Brands, etc, I wish I can shave a bit of the harshness, on the top, but whish, to have deep bass??Many Thanks