2. analog
  3. 152278-1614

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
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.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Yes Ralph you are correct usually j fets I think and I do believe it is to reduce noise. My next phono amp Is going to be balanced. Can't wait to try that. I would like just a little more gain for ultra low output cartridges and I believe from what I have read that a balance design should have lower noise levels. Cartridges are balanced to begin with.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,769 posts
 
It's also possible that some phono amps "throttle down" gain with no signal present. That would give a false reading on the ear to speaker test.
clearthink
1,421 posts
 

noromance"It's also possible that some phono amps "throttle down" gain with no signal present"

That is ridiculous there is no such phono preamplifier in existence that is intended for Music Reproduction Systems.
More to discover