Solid state or Tubes preamp phono stage.

@mulveling

It’s semantics, but tube data sheets show 0.35 A heater current (parallel) for 5814, versus 0.30 A for 12AU7. They’re close enough it will never cause a problem for gear.

Yep, which is why I was willing to try the CBS Hytron’s. I am quite impressed with them for the $$. Really opened-up the Trumpet throughout the mids and highs, more ‘air’ was immediately noticed compared to the Brimar’s. And, with the Tele’s really changed the overall Trumpet presentation. Maybe too much of a good thing. I’m actually toying with the idea of getting 2 Mullards to pair with my 2 Telefunken’s. For some reason, I’m thinking that may be an interesting combo. I put in 2 of the stock Mullards, and think older Mullard’s just may work.

Fun with tubes.

Good to hear you still have your Trumpet. It was your glowing reviews that pushed me in the Trumpets direction.

Greetings 

I’m fortunate to have both types of phono preamps in my system. One tube and two SS.

I enjoy both of them and listen to both daily. I lean more towards the tube phono preamp. There is always a plus and minus to both forms.

P‘If you can get both types. Or as the years go by  you might eventually have both types in your system.

‘Enjoy your music no matter what kind of system you have.

Joe Nies

 

I have only ever owned one phono stage. I thought about the Trumpet, but ended up with an Icon Audio PS1 Mkii. I am curious how they compare and if I am hearing what folks are calling that "classic" sound. Anyone more experienced who has heard both and can share their impressions?

The problem with tube phono stages or any tube equipment is the tubes. There is significant variability in even the same brand so unless the tubes are being tested you have no idea what you are going to get. Tubes self destruct eventually and you never know when they are going to do it. People get psychotic with tube rolling. Tubes are a PITA. Do they ever sound better? On rare occasions yes, in most no and this is coming from a guy who has lived with a tube phono stage for 30 years. I also just bought $46,000 tube amps and there are 20 output tubes in each amp, a glutton for punishment for sure and I am very apprehensive about it. Many people have the opinion these amps are the best at driving my speakers. I certainly hope this is true because I know for a fact JC1+s do a fabulous job and they are 1/2 the price. 

I agree with Mulveling. 12BH7 is another tube type that is said to be a good sub for the 12AU7, which is to say, an upgrade.

Yogiboy said "5914, 5963,6189 and ECC82 are all replacements for the 12AU7 tube".  ECC82 is definitely only a 12AU7 by another name. In the case of "5914" in Yogi's quote, I think that's a typo and he meant 5814.  The open question is whether 5814 is only yet a third name for a 12AU7, i.e., the same tube with a different alphanumeric code, or actually a different tube electrically that can be freely substituted for a 12AU7/ECC82.  As to the 5963 and 6189, all bets are off so far as I am concerned but one can look up the specs in any good tube manual to see whether they are identical to 12AU7/ECC82.  I'd preferentially go with a 6CG7, provided a 6.3V filament supply and the ability to reconfigure the socket or with the 12FQ7, provided a 12V filament supply, that requires no soldering.  But both of those latter tubes may require a bit more filament current than the 12AU7/ECC82.  Most gear can handle it.  And I feel very strongly that the sound will improve.