Valve phono stage

Sorry if I still enjoy my work.

LOL!!

Have had the Aesthetix Rhea signature for a number of years.  Balanced out, multiple arms supported, MC demagnetizer, and with some late 50s Amperex or Millard 12ax7 and 6dj8, for the money, it’s very hard to beat.  You can find them used often, and can get ‘re-warrantied’ By upgrading to either signature or eclipse version if you buy on secondary market.   I can not recommend more highly their support and service.  Jim white is on to something here.  I’ll be jumping into some Atlas mono locks the first chance I get!!!!!!!

Any tube fan can explain me what is the advantages of the tube phono stage compared to the great SS design? 

Chakster if you value music that sounds like music, tubes are the way to go.  If you like the way CD's sound or go after the black background nonsense, you might want spend your money on something else.

Tubes are for people who can hear and feel music.  If you want numbers then avoid tubes.  If you want a piano or trumpet or etc... to sound real with soul, well you get the idea.

12ax7 are just OK  look for some one who designed with another tube if possible.  Easy to work with but!!!!

Another little secret, see if anyone is using interstage transformer output final stage, so you can lose the nasty cathode follower. They are cheap and look good on paper but where did the music go.

I know this is not a builder forum so I will shut up now and let the regulars continue the dog fight.

Enjoy the ride
Tom

@chakster  Any tube fan can explain me what is the advantages of the tube phono stage compared to the great SS design?

There are no advantages per se, it just a listener preference.