Herron VTPH-1 vs Allnic H1201

Just to update an old thread. I sent unit back to Keith and have been very happy with the results. I also switched to EH gold pin tubes which opened up the unit considerably. Thinking about pulling the trigger on the VTPH-2 but it's still a lot of money.

I use NOS Telefunkens in my VTPH-2 with excellent results although they can be kinda pricey. Better resolution across the audio spectrum.

Chuck

I concur. 
I recently switched to Telefunken ECC 83's for the first and second gain stages and a Genelex GEC A2900 for the line stage on my VTPH 2. I was amazed at how the Herron is now transformed into a giant killer.  The nice thing about the Herron is you can tube roll to tailor the sound to your prefrences. The stock rubes sounded nice but the NOS Tele's really made a difference. 

NOS Telefunkens make any phono stage that uses 12AX7/ECC83 sound better.  I am using them in my vintage Quicksilver preamplifier, also upgraded with Vcaps.  The Q has some circuit design features that have fallen out of favor on the one hand (like use of NFB in the linestage) but has a hefty tube-rectified, choke input power supply on the other.  It's quite surprisingly great with the upgrades. The VTPH2 gets so much love on these forums that I have to admit I am curious.  Yet the circuit is rather pedestrian in general characteristics.  Goes to show... something.