I found the VTL2.5 to be less microphonic than the CarySLP98, although they were both somewhat objectionable in that respect. But if you *must* have tubes...
Compared to the Golden Tube SEP-2 (or -3) the GTA was much quieter & not at all microphonic. The trouble there is in finding one available.
But I eventually settled on a solid state Accuphase pre which in terms of features, versatility, cool quiet operation, reliability, & NO microphonics beats any tube pre that I've used. It doesn't stage euphonically like tubes do; it's much more accurate.
Compared to the Golden Tube SEP-2 (or -3) the GTA was much quieter & not at all microphonic. The trouble there is in finding one available.
But I eventually settled on a solid state Accuphase pre which in terms of features, versatility, cool quiet operation, reliability, & NO microphonics beats any tube pre that I've used. It doesn't stage euphonically like tubes do; it's much more accurate.