Valved Phono Stage v Solid state for MC cartridges

[Toppsy]

Hi All,
my first posting on the new forum!

My WAD PHONOII is playing up and I'm experiencing drifting of the soundstage to one channel. I have isolated the problem to two things. A dodgy valve base and a couple of tracks that have lifted off the PCB as a result of numerous component changes.

I had intended to rebuild but hard wire everything and use tighter tolleranced audio grade components (0.1% Metal oxide resistors and better Capacitors) and wire with 0.5mm dia solid silver. However, having read latest issue of HiFi world on one article Noel Keywood commented that Valved phono stages are not recommended for use with low output MC cartridges because they are too noisy! So I am contemplating building a White Noise phono stage and Cascade Power Supply.

My question is do you guys have any views on this or experience of the White Noise Audio grade phono stage?

At the forthcoming PHONO SHOOTOUT will there be SS and Valve phono stages to compare? If so I may hold off and attend the meet to get a more subjective listen.

Thanks for your time guys.

Toppsy

PS. My front end setup is: Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck (heavy platter) with Mitchell Technoarm 'a' and Rondo Bronze MC.