Tube Preamp Paired with Tube Phono Stage?

I do try to attain a particular sonic result and that obviously means trying to balance tonal qualities and balance and manage tradeoffs. I was merely cautioning against assuming that one can determine the intrinsic qualities of one component (e.g.this amp is warm but sluggish) which means it can be matched with another component of somewhat opposite character (this component is fast and detailed) to attain a medium ground or the best of both--the results are largely unpredictable. Everything requires a trial. The results are particularly unpredictable, and often disappointing, when someone mixes and matches tube and solid state amplification.

I have often been taken completely by surprise by nice sounding systems that sounded completely different from what I expected given what I've heard from these components in a completely different system.

Yes, I do have certain general preferences and I tend to like and dislike certain types of gear, but, there are often exceptions to such generalizations--either exceptional implementation of a design, or system matching with surprising results. An example of the former, for me, involves ceramic driver speakers--I generally don't like them--but I heard Tidal speakers that I thought were promising. The example of great system matching involved a system built around Spectral electronics that sounded nothing like other systems I've heard using that gear.

The point is: it is all about system balancing and matching, but, that requires experimentation and not reading reviews or going on reputation or relying too heavily even on what one heard from a component in a different system. This necessarily involves home trial (good relationship with dealers is a must) and an open mind.

Well now it seems that I agree with Larryi. :)
Lot's of folks ask for advice, and if they know what they want you can kind of guide them in a general direction. However, there is absolutely no substitute for listening in your own system/room, with your own ears.

That Chinook looks very interesting Steve, very flexible, let us know what you think. Do you have some NOS 6DJ8 variant tubes to play with?

Love my CAT, 10 tubes total, 5 for phono stage and 5 for line stage. And I also use a tube amp for mid/hi with a SS amp for bass(<250Hz).
One can roll tubes for any balance of sound one desires, from fat and slow to lean/mean speedy machine, and any mixture between the two.

Hello everyone. Again, thanks for the responses. I appreciate your thoughts on the topic. The Manley Chinook arrived this evening. I hooked everything up according to the manual and commenced the audition. The MM gain was preset at 45db at the factory. The phono inputs were preset at 47k ohms by Manley. The only dip switches I had to adjust on the back of the unit were the load capacitance settings which I dialed in at 200pF (using a formula provided by Manley in the equipment manual). The power up sequence commenced, and liftoff occurred! Based on initial impressions with a variety of music styles, Manley has a solid winner with the Chinook. As I summarized my initial thoughts for a good friend about one hour ago, I provide same for your consideration:

- very tight bass response – I like what I hear – bass response is very good (bordering on exceptional after two hours of listening)
- good channel separation
- very quiet operation - I don't hear a thing between songs or when the stylus is elevated (dead quiet)
- very nice sound-stage overall – plenty of depth across the spectrum
- I can hear each of the instruments in isolation – very cool when they all come together to make the sound
- Advents sounding incredible (I’m so glad I never sold them)
- comes equipped with Electro Harmonix stock tubes
- first album on the turntable is Steely Dan AJA 180g pressing
- initial impressions tell me this is a keeper – I think Manley has a solid winner with this unit
- stock number #046

I like what I hear very much – clean, sharp sound with incredible depth and precision. Exploring the possibility, after the testing phase is complete, of replacing the stock tubes with NOS 7308 E188CC tubes - that should set me back some serious bucks. But, I hear they're the best for sound and low microphonics in phono stages (if they're still available).

Pony up boys - this unit is slick. By the way, the Manley logo on the front is dim lit while in standby mode; when you engage the power switch, the soft-circuit takes over and you wait 45 seconds until the Manley logo becomes brighter - way cool!

Feel free to ask any questions and I'll try to answer them as best I can.

Still happy with the Chinook? What else did you consider?