My linestage is tubed as are my monoblock power amps. Yet I prefer a solid state phono stage. I cannot explain why from a technical standpoint but my guesses are:
1) Tubed phono stage would be too much of a good thing
2) Tubes ever so slightly soften vinyl which is already softer than digital.
3) My ears just prefer a speedier delivery with analog.
4) I own little that could be considered state of the art but my Klyne phono stage is one!
This is all personal preference. But I also preferred my McCormack Micro Phono Drive to the EAR, Trimax or Audio Research tubed units, all of which were more expensive than the Mac. Try both ways and see which one you like.
1) Tubed phono stage would be too much of a good thing
2) Tubes ever so slightly soften vinyl which is already softer than digital.
3) My ears just prefer a speedier delivery with analog.
4) I own little that could be considered state of the art but my Klyne phono stage is one!
This is all personal preference. But I also preferred my McCormack Micro Phono Drive to the EAR, Trimax or Audio Research tubed units, all of which were more expensive than the Mac. Try both ways and see which one you like.