But do you not have to have them on 15 mins before listening ?

Is it a similar sort of difference in living with vinyl over CD ? CD being instant noise maker, while vinyl takes longer and much more loving and TLC, but the rewards a ten fold in return.

The valve sound and being my cup of tea, well the fact of the matter I have never really listened to a valve amp. I have heard that they are more musical than SS.

I guess I am going to have to listen to a valve system before I start going in the wrong direction.

With regards to the phono stage, may be that should be my first port of call, I do like the Regas very much !