First impression: Herron VTPH-2A phono preamp

professorsvsu OP
George,
I found my Goldpoint and it's a 24 step SA1. If memory serves me correctly, I bought the "standard Issue" which means it's impedance is 25K ohms. I'll run the VTPH-2A through it this weekend direct line to my Bryston 4B Cubed and give an update.

A ladder attenuator configuration (the best) https://ibb.co/kCLLKJ 
A 10k ladder has a max output impedance of 2.5k, and with the 30k of the 4B that's a 1:12 ratio, pity yours 25k if it's a ladder it will be 1:6 ratio, but saying that, it maybe fine as below you see that out of 30 audiophiles only two detected something below 1:10

We conducted 30 strong audiophile group listening, level matched using 1khz test cd at the speaker within 10th of a volt, then with music.
Using an amp I made to be able to change the input impedance quickly, and my Lightspeed (a ladder) the group could not hear any difference from 1:100 ratio down to 1:10 ratio. 
A couple "thought" they heard something lower than 1:10, but it wasn't till 1:3 ratio that 50% thought they heard a difference. 

Cheers George  

@scm I don’t know what Herron uses in the VTPH-2a. He’s pretty accessible. Give him a call.

I keep all my Herron Audio units as-is based on how the Keith has designed and implemented them. If Herron changes his recommended tube complement, I will let him do the rolling using individual tubes he has tested.

I gave you my honest assessment amd experience over the last 20+ years of using VTSP-1 and -2 units.  My enthusiasm is just a reflection of my opinion of their performance.  

Just to amplify what some of the others have said regarding the upgrade from the VTPH-2 to 2A, the improvements are easily heard in a more dynamic presentation (perhaps due to the quieter background), even sweeter treble and punchier bass.

I've loved my VTPH-2 for years and now that its been upgraded to the 2A version, I'm even happier.

BTW, not many people better to do business with than Keith Herron. YMMV.

Thanks,

Tim

@beatlebum   IMO, Herron Audio has the best customer service in the industry even if a request doesn't come from the owner of a piece of Herron Audio equipment.

I am in your camp re: the VTPH-2a.  All my electronics are from Herron Audio.  Well, not my CD transport.

almarg

Just heard from rob67 Al with the Lyra, Herron, Gryphon Antillion, and Wilsons, very impressed with his sound, and looks like he has plenty of gain. I asked him post up here to say where the volume controls are set as I don't know either, he bought the dual mono Lightspeed.

Cheers George