[Sander deWaal]

said:


Let's say you have a tube amp without phono.
If you consider a phono preamp, would you more likely go for tube phono
preamp? Then, why?
What would you think is a best tube phono preamp at under $400?

Or, a solid state phono preamp would be equally good? If you think so,
what would you think is a best solid state phono preamp that would work
well with a tube amp at under $400?


I use both, DIY tube preamps and DIY solid state preamps.

Both can have their attraction, be it that selecting the right tube or
semiconductor for the job is an important task.
Once you've found a suitable type, buy a stash of them, test them
thoroughly for microphonics and reasonable matching, and enjoy.

Solid state is usually better when it comes to low-output MC
cartridges, the noise level is (can be) very much lower.
A 'hybrid"solution I use now, is that one can built a MC-prepre with
SMT devices and mount it in the plinth or even in the tonearm, giving
a large enough signal to be used with a normal MM (tube) input.
In such cases, careful selection of the device (either IC or BJT,
Jfets are usually too noisy for this application) is important as well

I have had good results with both SS and tubes, but since I'm an old
tube tinkerer, I find it easier to achieve good sound with tubes.

Tube wear is usually grossly overstated; when on for 24/7, a good NOS
tube can keep its parameters reasonably constant for about 10.000 hrs.

I wouldn't know about a factory unit, I build all this stuff myself.

HTH.

--
"Due knot trussed yore spell chequer two fined awl miss steaks."