Solid State Phono Stages

Capacitance alone doesn’t tell you much. Depends also on the B+ voltage developed in the supply. Tube devices develop high voltages, e.g., 250V and higher and require less filter capacitor. SS devices usually operate at or below 100V, but 100V would need less filtering than say 25V. Also Class A devices place different demands on the PS, compared to Class AB or B. That can be ignored since preamplifiers are nearly all Class A.

But manufacturers commonly tout massive capacitance as an unalloyed virtue and offer “upgrades” where adequate filter capacitance is replaced by even more than adequate capacitance. This can help in a Class AB amplifier but I’m skeptical how much it helps SQ of a preamp, providing the original filtering was adequate.

Bliss, I assume 203 hours means 2-3 hours. I keep the PS of my SS amplifier on standby at all times. Then when in active use it takes 30 to 45 minutes to bloom. (This is not about the BMC, which I keep on at all times.)

In my last paragraph above, replace “amplifier “ with “preamplifier”.

@lewm Yes, I absolutely meant 2-3 hours, thanks for the correction, as well as shining some light on capacitance. Your wisdom is always appreciated.

Ayre is releasing their brand new phono pre in Q3. That should be on anyone’s list.

Not too long ago, I have made it known, I am a Valve Phon' individual who has come to this place after being a user of SS Phon's.

I do admit the change to a Phon' with a Tube Input/Output, took one to be Bespoke Produced for myself.

Over the past few years, I have been an invited guest to offer a assessment on a SS Phon' Design that has been undergoing R&D as a Prototype.

During this span of time, I have also been invited to be auditioned / demo'd a selection of Phon's, mainly SS, of which some are DIY Builds and one other being the being the Phasemation EA-350.

It was not until I was demo'd the Phasemation, that I could even suggest I was hearing a Phon' had a remote comparison to the Prototype Phon' I have been familiarised with. Without both Phon's side by side compared, my thoughts are only that, merely recollections of two produced sonics with quite some time between each of the experiences encountered.

More recently something happened as a result of having my first demo' of my Pre-Amp' that is being built for me.

The outcome being that I have now developed a curiosity similar to the Threads OP, where I am very curious, to learn how a SS Phon' will present in my system, when supported by my new pre-amp's.

For myself this is quite a profound shift, as I thought I was limiting myself to discovering how a few SUT's from the same designer/Brand were to perform as a home demo'.

The SS Phon' curiosity has evolved in recent days further.

I have discussed with the EE/ Designer and in my case Builder (This Phon' is already available to be purchased a Commercial Sale Item)  a Bespoke end Build for this design of Phon'.

lt will be initially unique from the off set, in keeping with my Pre Amps, as the cases will be produced from Densified Wood.

Where the Bespoke will come, is that I will be suggesting a selection of Components to be used, that I have come to learn as being very valuable when added to a circuit. (I have yet to attain permission from the designer of these hooks for components to be able to use them). The end product will be attuned to my own preference using the design that has already thoroughly impressed as the measure for the changes to the sonic be put in place.

I though I was spent with Vinyl as a Source, where I had a arrived at a place where  my only concern is for the care/preservation of the Source Material and the careful looking after of a Cartridge.

Hey Ho, no more rolled up trouser legs having a paddle, it is back in the water and  having a swim, fortunately in trusted water.