From what I've been told, the tape out usually bypasses all tubes? You should compare the SC to an inexpensive phono pre and see if it makes a difference.
Use preamp section only -of integrated tube amp
I have a decent set-up and I am looking for a little advice. I have a Rogue 66 Magnum pre with no phono. The Rogue feeds a pair of Michaelson Audio tube monos into Vandy 2CE's. I have a 1960 Stromberg Carlson Integrated amp (12 watts/channel) that I have rebuilt and which sounds great for my second system. I have recently used the Stromberg integrated for a phono preamp by using the tape out into the Rogue aux input. It sounds great. My question is: Is there a way to bypass the output section of the integrated so I don't use up the output tubes/or have the output transformers powered up while using just the pre-amp section? Also, there is an AF Amp section (6AV6 tube)following the pre-amp section on the schematic. What is an AF amp? thanks in advance, Ralph