To clarify, I've gotten great results - including acceptable noise levels- from my Rhea once I switched out the tubes. Note that I use both a Grado (high output) and a Nightingale (low output). At both ends of the Rhea's gain range I'm getting acceptable noise levels. I say "acceptable" because I mean similar to the ARC and the Herron and I don't want to make any statement beyond my direct comparison to these units. Pure SS units at this price point may indeed be quieter, but I don't feel a need for improvement in this area in my system, anyway. Of course, if I ever did demo a quieter unit, who knows?
As to Marakanetz' recommendation of the PH-3, I'd disagree (in my system, anyway). The Rhea provides body in a way that makes the ARC sound thin and dry by comparison. The Herron, too, sounds dry, though not as dramatically so as the PH3. Remember, all 3 units are very good - I still own the Herron and the Rhea (the ARC was a loaner), but I use the Rhea as my primary phono amp.
The remote loading and multiple input/outputs (I use 2 Oracles, an ARC pre, a Sonic Frontier Pre and a Joule Pre) on the Rhea add a level of flexibility and user friendliness that provides real value in my unusual set-up. You may find these features less valuable in your system.
To reiterate, when using quiet tubes, the Rhea is quiet enough in my system.to keep me happy.
