tube or solid state phono amp with a tube integrated amplifier?


Hello,

I’d like some advise as to whether to pair a tube phono preamp or a solid state phono preamp with a vacuum tube integrated amp, or does it not make a difference?

Thanks,

Mike
mcole01
  I have tried both with my setup, but the results are not 100% that they would be the same for you. In fact, it has more to do with the quality or matching of the phono pre to your equipment. 
  Without telling what car you drive, what are the better tires to use? Same thing.
One of the first and best choices I have made was to add a tubed phono stage to my system. The order I added tubed components was preamp, phono stage, cd / DAC, and finally amp. Each step added musicality and emotional connection I have never been able to get from solid state (and I have owned some pretty good solid state stuff).

If I was starting from scratch I would buy all tube gear.
i have preferred a very clean quiet ss phono stage (esp w lomc carts) then add tubes in the linestage

have had trouble with noisy tubes in the phono stage in the past... can be pita and frustrating 
In practice, tube phono stages are more susceptible to picking up RFI & EMI. If you live close to radio towers, cell towers, etc., this can be a nightmare that you may not overcome without a Faraday cage, which ain't happening. 
If a tube phono stage suits your system, it's well worth a home demo or return policy if that's an option to make sure you don't have an issue.
In my former location I tried 4 different tube phono stages before abandoning that route. Now that I'm elsewhere, I might give it another go at some point. Cheers,
Spencer