Tube preamp with or without phono stage?


I’m looking to add a preamp to my two channel system. Currently I’m using an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 as the pre fed by a Simaudio Moon 110LP as the phonostage. My amp’s a Benchmark AHB-2 and speakers are Paradigm Persona 3F. The Personas and Benchmark are recent purchases and I’m rebuilding backwards. I’ve been targeting a clear, detailed, neutral and dimensional soundstage. Very low noise and distortion.

I’d now like to add a tube preamp and have a few questions. What are the pros and cons of the phonostage built into the pre vs as a separate? My amp only has balanced in’s but I can use an XLR to RCA adapter if necessary, are there any concerns with using the adapter? Finally, any recommendations up to about $3-5k with some flexibility?

Thanks
jszei

Showing 1 response by russbutton

With that budget, I'd buy the SP14 and PH16 kits from VTA.  Talk to them about building the SP14 with balanced outs if you like.  Not all that hard to build and a major ton of satisfaction  you can't get from any standard commercial preamp at any price.  AND the quality will be every bit the equal or better than anything else mentioned here.  Check 'em out at:

http://tubes4hifi.com/