Constant noisy tubes maybe go solid state?

@tvad  I had a Freya + Vidar combo and was super not impressed. The Freya was untouchably hot and the tubes included were junk. I tried to make it all work but ultimately sent it all back. Seems like they have gotten it figured out but but I don’t know. As stated earlier I am strongly considering a Don Sachs PH14 but that wouldn’t be until end of next year at the soonest.
As for the QS, I didn’t really know about gain until I got it so my ignorance is my fault. Like I said though it specs out almost exactly the same as the Candela which was the original goal. Sometimes I think I made a mistake, but then I’m using a high gain amp with high sensitivity speakers (speakers were not what I originally was going to get but o feel I made the right choice with what I have).

@gochurchgo 

i can strongly recommend the don sachs unit - aside from the superb sound, he can specifically use the correct capacitors to do proper gain and impedance matching to your amp

don likes tubed power amps though... in one recent exchange i have had with him he (semi) jokingly says 'well ya know all solid state amps kinda suck, right?' hahahaha

Bottom line is either you don't mind messing with tubes or you're done
with it. Personally I have x amount of stereo enjoyment time. I
sold the Cary and moved to Pass. To each his own. Good luck!

@jjss49  I’ve heard that about Don. Mike is the same way. If I were to add a tubed power amp it would probably be one of Don’s although Mike’s are also highly regarded.

@gochuchgo
I have lowered the gain on my phono preamp swapping the 12AX7 with a 12AU7. You might see if you can do the same with the QS line stage!

12AX7 gain of 100
12AT7 gain of 60
12AY7 gain of 45
12AU7 gain of 19