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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
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?
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
I re-read my post. Blows away is not accurate. I am passionate with regards to the vtph-a, it is the best I have heard.
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
501 posts
 
Run the Herron directly from the wall outlet.

Why?
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948 OP
501 posts
 
@rodman99999 I’m new to tubes and have never rolled tubes. All 6 tubes in the Herron VTSP-3A are of the type 6922.  What's different about the one's you are offering?
rodman99999
6,131 posts
 
There’s a 99.99% chance that they are much better, than what you got with your preamp, without exaggeration. It appears you have an ear for sound. I’m simply offering an opportunity, to hear what’s available, without spending any money, outside of the postage to return them to me, after you’ve experimented. Call a couple tube vendors and ask them about 1960 to 1962, Amperex, Navy 6922s(gold pins).
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