2. amps-preamps
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Solid state phono/linestage vs Tubes

I have had different combinations of phono stages and line preamps, but have never had a full combination of solid state. Currently I have an Aesthetix Calypso and a Rhea Signature feeding into a couple of Krell EV-600's. I prefer a warmer sound and have always believed tubes were the avenue to that sound. With tubes, there's a certain amount of tube rush, but because I mainly listen to progressive jazz and older rock, I don't need a "dead quite" system, and once the music starts, the tube rush is masked. I have a Theta Casablanca with supreme boards just sitting around and am going to run the Rhea through the Theta, but I think I will still get the tube rush sound from the Rhea. There's also the problem of incompatibility with Theta remote sensors and Aesthetix remotes. (admittedly once the Rhea is set, there is no reason to need the remote and the Rhea remote sensor can be masked) I know with classical music, one prefers the dead quite, because there are so many passages that require absolutely no floor noise. Anyway, I'm asking for recommendations for a solid state phono stage and line stage under 10K.
My front end is a Scoutmaster with either a Dynavector DRT XV-1S, or a Urishi Black Cart; speakers are Wilson Maxx II's.
handymann
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,800 posts
 
A tube phono section can be just as quiet as a solid state phono section if a stepup transformer is used.

The advantage of a good tube phono section is that you can have a lot less ticks and pops if it is properly designed (this is a function of high frequency stability in the phono section design; if unstable it can exacerbate ticks and pops that you would otherwise not hear, and has nothing to do with bandwidth).
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Manley tube stages are dead quiet; I've owned both a chinook and now a steelhead, absolutely no tube rush, just music
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,800 posts
 
The Manley phono stages have a semiconductor input and are not true all-tube phono sections.
billstevenson
352 posts
 
I like Manley phono stages. Currenly using a cj TEA2MAX that is also a hybrid and is dead quiet too.
handymann OP
383 posts
 
Thanks for all those who took the time to respond. I think I may have over exaggerated my tube rush noise. It's really quite low, but still wondered about quality solid state preamps. I've yet to connect my Rhea to my Theta, but may do so today(too many irons in the fire) I wouldn't mind trying a Manley, but I use mainly XLR cables, with exception of my TT cables and I noticed Manley uses only single end connectors. I guess I need to "clean up" my cable runs, but I have so much equipment with cables running here and there, it's hard not to cross them. Using XLR connectors/cables, I have no AC hum at all and am free to criss cross over and over. We all like experimenting with different equipment from time to time, but after adjusting here and there, I think I'm well satisfied with the equipment I mentioned. I neglected to mention I have a couple Krell 600's that I absolutely love. I can pump as much as I want into my Wilson's without hearing any harshness or strain. It literally took me years to understand-you can't have a power amp that's too big.
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