McIntosh C 47 phono stage versus the Herron phono.


I’m using my Mac with a Rega P8/ Alpheta 2 cart. I also have a nicely restored TD124 with an SME M2-9 arm that doesn’t have a cart at the moment. How much better is the Herron. What should I expect from the Herron? Seems that the Herron is universally well liked on here. Opinions are welcomed. I may try a Soundsmith MI cart for my 124.
128x128gphill
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.

lewm
7,885 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.