McIntosh C 47 phono stage versus the Herron phono.

If you're looking for a "rich and full sound" from a phono pre just keep in mind that the Herron isn't the most "tubey" sounding pre out there.  It's quite clear and neutral and almost has a SS character.  It uses a FET-based MC gain stage so it's a bit of a hybrid.  I find my Herron sounds significantly better using a SUT through the tube MM inputs.

You may want to consider a couple of other tube phono stages in same price rich if you're really seeking a tube sound - or perhaps the Herron will sound better to you still.  Take a look at the Allnic 1202 and the Modwright 9.0.  

Or any used, discontinued Allnic, from the 1201 up, that may be less expensive.  With all due respect to the guy who said it, I do not believe the older tube Mac preamps compete with the Herron, but my experience is with the stock units.  He mentions having bought his tube unit from a DIY upgrader.  In that case, all bets are off.

lewm7,885 posts

 He mentions having bought his tube unit from a DIY upgrader. In that case, all bets are off.

Yea that it. Stockers are great. BUT

There are TOO many great, new parts, to make them sound really, really great.

Hecfreed, much better resistors, caps that are 1-2%. Teflons, PIO, Copper, Silver, Alu, from all kinds of folks.  Great PS parts, and a TEC that has been doing it from the dawn of time. Who is picker than me...
RARE indeed..

The reason I didn't do it, he was willing to listen to what I WANTED.. Not "this is the way I do it"...ONLY..

Tough with some red sock, green sock guys, ya know...

Regards

The Art9 is neutral and the Herron certainly takes a hard set that way. It does represent stellar value and IF you don’t like it, resale should be relatively high and easy.