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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
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.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 
There are tube preamps that accept the phono cartridge as a balanced source using XLR connections.

A nice advantage of that is the cable no longer plays a sonic role in the sound of the system. That's what the balanced line system is for after all...
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Hey Handymann,

I too run fully balanced cabling, although I actually had AJ Conti, (owner of
Basis Audio), terminate my Vector's tonearm cables with XLRs, so I run
balanced from my cartridge, to my phono preamplifier, then to my line
stage preamp, and finally into my monoblock amplifiers, (Lamm M2.1s). It
is an extremely quiet system.

FYI, the ASR Basis exclusive is actually two phono preamps in one chasis.

If you have the money, the Atma-Sphere MP-1, (3.2 version), full function
preamp would be good way to go, especially now that it comes with a
remote control. (You can have Ralph configure it precisely the way you
want it. I spoke to Ralph about his unit many times, (as I was considering
buying a used one, as I could not afford a new one), and he was very
generous with his time.)

Good Luck with your search!
analogluvr
859 posts
 
Ralph's phono is supposed to be exceptional(ive never heard one but trust those who say so). I have tried a rhea signature with a Jim mcshane premuim tube set and was completely underwhelmed. It also had some tube noise so probably that is common to the unit. I tried it the same time as the zesto and the Herron and those 2 really outclassed it. The zesto had a bit of a mid hall presentation with the Herron putting you up in the front row.   The rhea was very dark sounding without the same level of inner detail. The other 2 were dead quiet. 
I ended up buying the Herron and have never looked at photos since. 
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