tube or solid state phono amp with a tube integrated amplifier?


Hello,

I’d like some advise as to whether to pair a tube phono preamp or a solid state phono preamp with a vacuum tube integrated amp, or does it not make a difference?

Thanks,

Mike
mcole01
Depends on the sound your looking for tubes are always warmer sounding solid state has better bass.
Tubes are not always warmer. Some solid state amps can be slow and rolled off just like a poorly implemented tube amp. What tubes can bring is a tangible palpability to the music, a more fleshed-out dimensionality, air, space and transparency. There are many variables—circuit configuration, tube quality, uality of the passive components etc.
  I have tried both with my setup, but the results are not 100% that they would be the same for you. In fact, it has more to do with the quality or matching of the phono pre to your equipment. 
  Without telling what car you drive, what are the better tires to use? Same thing.
One of the first and best choices I have made was to add a tubed phono stage to my system. The order I added tubed components was preamp, phono stage, cd / DAC, and finally amp. Each step added musicality and emotional connection I have never been able to get from solid state (and I have owned some pretty good solid state stuff).

If I was starting from scratch I would buy all tube gear.