Went from a Phd Sutherland to a Nagra VPS. Cleaner highs and better bass definition and more of it. The tube only output which I tried/discovered last week is the best that I have heard. For rock you can always switch to the SS output. I don't really need to switch cart loading etc. so don't really miss the absence of a remote .Highly recommended that you give this a listen and then let your ears decide.
Best of luck.