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Phono Preamp Tube Rush

Is there such a thing as a tube phono stage that doesn't have tube rush? Is it just an inherent weakness of that type of pre or is it some combination of cartridge gain and preamp gain? I went from a silent solid state ASR Basis Exclusive to a Herron VTPH-2A (new home with space limitations) and now I'm using a Hagerman Trumpet with my Decca London Super Gold. Both the Herron and Hagerman have tube rush. The Hagerman beats the Herron in my setup and it really sounds incredible but in quiet passages and between songs, there's that hiss at high-medium and high volume. It's just there. No combination of new tubes, new cables, etc changes this fact. Same with the Herron. Anyone having a different experience with a tube phono preamp?
dhcod
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edwyun
244 posts
 
@daveyf and @mulveling
Agree 100%.  Can't avoid tube rush even with the best of tube phono stages.  It is very faintly there.  Whether you actually hear it will depend on how low output your MC cart is (and thus how much gain you need).

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,901 posts
 
I have never heard an ARC phonoamp with "tube rush."
I think you will find that ARC uses semiconductors at the input of their circuits as well.
bigkidz
3,397 posts
 
Even transistors have noise if you are placing your ear up against the speaker.

Happy Listening.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
There's a fair bit of noise with my Herron. Its actually a bit noisier than the ARC PH3SE that I had for many years before that. Although in fairness I should say most of the noise I'm hearing is not due to the Herron per se, but the particular interaction with my arm cables and cartridge. In other words it could be reduced, and would be, if it was that big a deal to me.

Which its just not. Nor does it seem to be that big a deal to any of the many people who have been over to listen. Maybe link this thread to the other one as inordinate fuss over a little hiss definitely sounds like "What is wrong with audiophiles?" to me.

mr_m
1,900 posts
 
My rule of thumb is if you can't hear the hiss, rush, or even hum at the listening position with volume at a healthy level, then it's nothing to worry about.
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