Just got my hands on a Bellari VP530 with the USB output. This is the first tube anything I've ever tried. So far really liking the sound of this thing. It replaced a Parasound phono pre that I was content with. Was just curious about tubes. Midrange seems more detailed, especially the lower midrange. Was worried about some roll off up top, but I'm not getting that. Bass sounds full and detailed. I really like the USB thing too. Was a bit lost about what cable to get, but found the right one and after messing with Goldwave a bit to get the hang of how to set it to be able to listen while recording and I'm all set. Got a stack of 45s I'm burning right now. Good sound and useful functionality make this one of the more fun things I've started messing with for quite some time.

I was worried about the gain on this thing, but I'm not noticing a problem at all with a Shure M91ED. Of course, now I may have to think about finding a different cartridge to mate with this thing. But that will be a while down the road as I just got a this Shure NOS to replace the more modern Shure 97. I seem to prefer the M91 for some reason, seems a bit more high end to my ears without losing the strong bass I like about Shures in general.