Herron VTPH-2 12ax7 Recommendations?

Might not be a bad idea to go with the Herron installed tubes for awhile to let it settle in.  Chances are they didn't skimp on the tubes and that they were selected and tested by Herron for electronic characteristics and durability.

Great Choice!  I use Telefunckens in my VTPH-2.

Chuck

Agree with stevecham, use the stock ones for a while before you start tube rolling.  Keith Herron, when he gave us a demo at an NJAS meeting, felt pretty strongly that there should be no need to change the ones he chose.  If you do decide to try different tubes, I always prefer Telefunkens, but I like their sound and their longevity.  You'll need to ask yourself what about the sound you want to change, then go from there (an excellent source for that kind of information is Andy Bouwman at Vintage Tube Services).

I've spoken with Keith about this several times and he has respectfully and gently discouraged tube rolling. He has a particular sound he is after which is achieved with the stock tubes and he is also very practical in his pursuit of hi fi so does not encourage the use of tubes that may not have the reliability of what he ships with the unit. Besides, the VTPH-2 sounds so darn good why mess?

I agree with stevecham, rcprince and dodgealum. 

I have owned both a VTPH-1mc and a [currently] VTPH-2.  I have never wanted for a different sound.  The original tubes were always very satisfying.  I'd hang with those tubes for a year or two to see how the VTPH-2 sounds to you over the long run.  That said, keep in touch with Keith Herron.  He might just find a tube combination he thinks makes a favorable difference.