2. amps-preamps
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Solid state phono/linestage vs Tubes

I have had different combinations of phono stages and line preamps, but have never had a full combination of solid state. Currently I have an Aesthetix Calypso and a Rhea Signature feeding into a couple of Krell EV-600's. I prefer a warmer sound and have always believed tubes were the avenue to that sound. With tubes, there's a certain amount of tube rush, but because I mainly listen to progressive jazz and older rock, I don't need a "dead quite" system, and once the music starts, the tube rush is masked. I have a Theta Casablanca with supreme boards just sitting around and am going to run the Rhea through the Theta, but I think I will still get the tube rush sound from the Rhea. There's also the problem of incompatibility with Theta remote sensors and Aesthetix remotes. (admittedly once the Rhea is set, there is no reason to need the remote and the Rhea remote sensor can be masked) I know with classical music, one prefers the dead quite, because there are so many passages that require absolutely no floor noise. Anyway, I'm asking for recommendations for a solid state phono stage and line stage under 10K.
My front end is a Scoutmaster with either a Dynavector DRT XV-1S, or a Urishi Black Cart; speakers are Wilson Maxx II's.
handymann

Showing 3 responses by kurt_tank

kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Well, if you don't mind a hybrid line stage preamp, (which is dead quiet, btw), I would recommend what I use, which is the VTL TL-6.5 Signature, (with only two 12AU7 tubes.). The phono stage is a battery powered, solid state, ASR Basis Exclusive, (2010 model with the gold boards). I paid $4K and $3K respectively, (bought used of course).

FYI: I use a Dynavector XV-1S on my Basis 2500, with a Vector M3 tonearm. The system is indeed dead quiet, and that is how I like it.
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Hey Handymann,

You might want to try posting your question on Audio Asylum, (in either the preamp/amp asylum or the vinyl asylum). Sometimes you get different, (and/or more), answers there.

Good luck!
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Hey Handymann,

I too run fully balanced cabling, although I actually had AJ Conti, (owner of
Basis Audio), terminate my Vector's tonearm cables with XLRs, so I run
balanced from my cartridge, to my phono preamplifier, then to my line
stage preamp, and finally into my monoblock amplifiers, (Lamm M2.1s). It
is an extremely quiet system.

FYI, the ASR Basis exclusive is actually two phono preamps in one chasis.

If you have the money, the Atma-Sphere MP-1, (3.2 version), full function
preamp would be good way to go, especially now that it comes with a
remote control. (You can have Ralph configure it precisely the way you
want it. I spoke to Ralph about his unit many times, (as I was considering
buying a used one, as I could not afford a new one), and he was very
generous with his time.)

Good Luck with your search!
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