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Tube Phono with Tube Integrated Amp?

what are the drawbacks (if any) of this setup?  

i recently acquired a VPI Prime (amazing) with a Soundsmith Zephyr MKIII.   using a ProJect Tube Box S (which was a phenomenal upgrade for my previous ProJect Carbon table).  right now, running this through a vintage Kenwood KA-9100, powering Elac UniFi's bookshelf speakers. 

i'm looking to build a 2 channel system that i can grow with, so please disregard the amp/speakers for now.  I've read great things about the Manley Chinook and the Allnic H1201.   in the event that i upgrade to a tube integrated amp in the future, is there any downside?
i've read on this forum that a tube phono is better paired with a solid state amp.  



mjb87062017
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ianellis
10 posts
 
For a couple of  years I ran  an all tube amp chain (Ear 834P, VTL 5.5 II, VTL ST 150), but the background was never quiet enough. There was always some tube rush. I swapped out the EAR for an Audia Flight Phono (SS) and I could not be happier. There is at least as much clarity in the midrange and sparkle in the treble and there is a little more bass focus (not impact/volume so much as just a greater tautness). But it is a lot, lot quieter.

soundwatts
221 posts
 
Using an older Conrad Johnson PV9a into an mv55 amp. Use the Manley Chinook as the front end. Cannot tell you how great all 18 tubes sound together . The 2 jfets in the Manley are a compliment. Otherwise you would have humming transformers.
djfst
169 posts
 
I've had a Primaluna HP Integrated with a Zesto Andros 1.2 phono stage and couldn't be happier.  If you can get a used Zesto, it is the best value in my opinion.  Best of luck.
tbanis
12 posts
 
Tubes of solid state, thats the question....
first: tubes are voltage amps, second: solidstate are current amplifiers.
Both are good, but the ouput transformers in tube amplfier do have there own characteristics. With other words, there is an influence on the sound; not bad, but it still is.
(think of the hysteresis of the electro magnetic field...)

Due to a lack of these transformers in solid state this "problem" does not occur.

Normaly a solid state amp will perform better then with tubes, but if you like the tube characteristics: just do it and have fun, that's where it is all about.

regards
Ton
The Netherlands


jsm71
141 posts
 
Tubes of solid state, thats the question....
first: tubes are voltage amps, second: solidstate are current amplifiers.
Both are good, but the ouput transformers in tube amplfier do have there own characteristics. With other words, there is an influence on the sound; not bad, but it still is.
(think of the hysteresis of the electro magnetic field...)

I never realized my tube amps were "influenced" so much by traditional iron core transformers.  I've gone to fully tube based Linear Tube Audio preamp and amp, based on David Berning's designs.  This allows tube magic to drive the sound without traditional transformers. 

I also use a tube phono stage custom made by Don Sachs.  My all tube electronics provide zero background noise and emit no tube rush or other negative artifacts from tube operation. 

My all tube system now is as quiet as my prior all SS setups.  The tubes however allow for the most realistic presentation with amazing imaging.  My SS setups were always Hi-fi sounding but not that realistic. 

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