Phonostage, preamp or amp?

op

saw your post below

you mentioned your digital source is a laptop but did not elaborate

if you haven't already, i strongly suggest you get a usb reclocker/cleaner if that is your output into your dac for music... this $100 purchase can improve your sound as much as, or more than, spending 2 grand on a tube linestage

@jjss49  My laptop is a SSD HP.  Will look into a usb reclocker.
Thanks for the tip!

wyred 4 sound and ifi make inexpensive ones that get the job done

Since you opted for a tube pre, I strongly recommend a used CAT Ultimate with integrated phono. It is an exceptionally good design and the phono section is excellent as well.
The CAT easily outperforms most pres out there -- used it should be reasonably priced.
IMO, the other thing to upgrade asap would be your DAC.

get a great signal before you amplify it!

from another current thread:

I was given a McIntosh C28 SS preamp, along with McIntosh 2250 SS Amp many years ago, used for many years.

I dedided to get back to tubes, had the factory certify them, sold them, then bought tube preamp, and tube amp.

this article helped me decide to buy McIntosh Vintage mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp (you want the z version)

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm

Best FM Tuner sound I ever had or heard. My Carver Tuner could beat it for weak signals but I only listen to WBGO Jazz, my dedicated FM antenna aimed at it’s source. It gets many other stations also. Most younger than me, and even very few my age have ever heard excellent FM I have found.

Love mx110z’s sound, my Reel to Reel, and especially it’s 2 phono inputs, McIntosh preamps have the wonderful mode switch which I find invaluable refining my system, and individual trim controls to match input volumes.

My prior SS C28, I actually preferred the TT’s switchable built in phono preamp to the C28’s phono.

another mx110z link

http://www.berners.ch/McIntosh/en/MX110.htm