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My 1st Tube Equipment Experience

I just purchased a used Herron Audio VTSP-3A(r02) tube preamp, as a replacement for a NAD M12.  I paired the M12 with a NAD M22 v2.  My first impressions are the M12 has more detail, the VTSP is much warmer, which is what I wanted.  The VTSP sound is definitely different.  And while it lacks the M12 detail, I do like it.  

With the M12, my speakers were dead silent when music was not playing.  With the VTSP, I hear a slight hiss when I put my ear very near a speaker.  With the M12, I used XLR from the M12 to the M22; XLR from my Parasound JC3 jr; and RCA from my Liberty DAC.  With the VTSP, everything now is RCA.

Is a little hiss common when using a tube preamp and SS power amp with RCA cables?
128x128oldschool1948
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
501 posts
 
The Tubadour III looks interesting, the Tubadour Signature edition even more so.  Audio Mirror's trial period makes this even more interesting. 

@jmolsberg   Thanks for the suggestion.

@atmasphere I'm also wondering how much better a Herron VTPH-2H would sound than my Parasound JC3 junior :)
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,800 posts
 
Couldn't tell you as I've not heard them but I can tell you I prefer tubes especially in preamps. You need them to get things right at the front end of the system; no amount of the best amps and speakers can bring back missing elements in the signal if the preamp doesn't do its job.
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
The Herron vtph-2a absolutely blows away any solid state phono pre I've heard, be it jfet or op amps.... 

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/herron-vtph-2a-review.757256/

audition__audio
1,482 posts
 
Run the Herron directly from the wall outlet. 
rodman99999
6,131 posts
 
@oldschool1948-  When you're ready to try a little experiment, PM me.  I'll send you a nice pair of Amperex 6922s(no strings), to try in your Herron.  Even two out of six, should give you an idea of what's available, if you roll.  btw: Would your Old School 1948, happen to be a Pan?
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