My 1st Tube Equipment Experience

It's normal enough to have louder digital. As long as your vinyl sounds good, don't get hung up on the difference.

+1 really good advice!

@atmasphere I'm also wondering how much better a Herron VTPH-2H would sound than my Parasound JC3 junior :)

I finally purchased a Herron VTPH-2A. As it say's on Keith's site, "Immediately you know!"  As recommended in the manual, I started listening without loading plugs.  Paired with my Herron VTSP-3A(r02) pre amp, out of the box, everything is better than the JC3jr, but, I wasn't blown away by the sound.  After a few days, I tried a couple of different loading plugs.  When I installed the 500 plug, the difference in SQ was everything I could hope for.  The sound is rich and full, with much better imaging, sound stage, and definition. 

I have a Technics SL1200G w/ Ortofon Quintet Black cartridge. For the last several days, I've been listening to my old Marvin Gaye, Maze, War, etc., albums that I've had for over 40 years and have played many times on other TT/system setups.  It's hard to put into words how much better they sound.  I certainly expected improvement. I had no idea how much better it would be.  I am one happy camper!

Congrats. I've heard so much about the Herron but it's expensive and I'm not sure it would beat my modded Croft. 

Expensive is relative.  Having said that, I felt the same way.  I was fortunate enough to find a used mint condition one at a very good price.