I agree with Ralph (Atma-sphere). Why would you ever buy a separate phono stage when you can get a full function preamp with built-in top quality phono for fewer total dollars (as compared to phono stage plus separate linestage) and without the compromises associated with the separate boxes? (Compromises: (1) with separates you need another IC that can/will inevitably color the sound/cost money, and (2) the phono stage usually needs a buffered output stage so it can drive that IC, which ALSO adds a coloration.) As for tubes vs ss, I think you may be cheating yourself if you categorically eliminate one type or the other based on that distinction alone. Disclaimer: I own and use an Atma-sphere MP1. Other balanced phonos, both tube and ss: Ayre P5Xe, ASR Basis, BAT, Aesthetix Io (but lower priced models are not true balanced), Hagerman Trumpet. There are many more but my mind has gone blank, as usual.