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First impression: Herron VTPH-2A phono preamp

I got my VTPH-2A this morning and it's up and running. After about five hours of spinning vinyl, I'm pretty sure I've wet myself, MULTIPLE TIMES! I've primarily played vinyl that I've had for decades, music that I thought I was intimately familiar with. I was wrong. There's nuance I never knew existed. Everything about the VTPH-2A is "right". The bass is tight, vocals superb, instruments have places, etc.  All that I've listened to sounds new and fresh and the most masterfully recorded vinyl sounds live. What I've read about on this forum concerning the VTPH-2A (pretty much all stellar) is true. I've had five different phono preamps and nothing can compete with this, NOTHING. It's a bad ass and definitely a keeper.
professorsvsu
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
@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.  


beatlebum
184 posts
 
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
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
@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.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
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  
professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
George,
Thanks for the feedback that I requested. I too did a little bit of experimentation. Hooked up my Goldpoint SA1 to the VTPH-2A then directly into the back of my Bryston 4B3. Kicked up the gain on my amp to 29dB and nothing (just kidding). Actually, I have more than a sufficient amount of volume control. The only difference that MAY have occurred going this route as opposed to running through my Parasound JC 2 BP is a little better channel balance. 
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