OP,
“the preamp reveals the flaws in bad records as much as it enhances the quality in good sounding records.‘
“The other issue I’m having (not really a problem but a concern) is the difference in texture between the records and digital sources.”
Both of these are valid and completely fixable problems. How sensitive your system is to bad recordings is a function of how far over to the scrape details / lean side of things your system is… quality of turntable, the “kind of sound” your cartridge has, phono stage, preamp and amp. The Sutherland 20/20 is not really on the cool side, although it is very detailed. So, I would first take a look at the cartridge. Is it described as really detailed? Maybe look for one that is described as musical / natural. Of course, upgrading your table will help as well. Tubed phonostages and preamps can be more natural and warm and not highlight the details (they are still there) and make all but the worst recordings sound better.
i am just trying to say, this is a completely known thing and can be changed. If not now, by your next choice. I struggled with this many times as I built my systems… I learned not to buy stuff that was billed as really highly detailed (at all costs).
As for the second one. Let me say this is the same, completely fixable. The character of my system through digital and analog is exactly the same. This is by design (a lot of years of learning). My Phonostage, and DAC are made by the same company and are at the same level. Also, I have a very good streamer (hence every natural and detailed) and I chose a natural sounding (Koetsu) cartridge. While you might be able to accomplish the sound matching with different companies for the Phono Stage and DAC…it would be challenging.
The other important quality of my system is that all components are ARC tubed equipment. The presentation is very natural… you get all the details… but the details are not over emphasized… it is the overemphasis of details that highlights many recordings in a bad light.
Let me give an example from my own history. I had a great mostly solid state system. When I would put on a classical recording and there was no sound yet (the symphony had not yet started playing)… I would instantly hear the venue… the little sounds reflecting off of the walls and ceilings and the noise floor of my gear. When I do that with my current system I hear mostly silence. Out of nothing comes the music when they start. This identifies what I am calling detail overemphasis. When I go to the symphony… the venue does not slap me in the face… it is there, I can hear it… like my current system.
Many people evaluate a systems performance by how obvious little detailed are (I used to) and not on how realistic proportional the sounds are. You end up with less musical, picky systems. You end up listening to the system instead of the music.
Give this some thought. You have to relate it to your own experiences to grok it in fullness.
