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Herron VTPH-2A or Manley Chinook mk II phonostage

Anyone have a direct comparison with these two phonostage’s  the Herron and Manley. I currently have a Soundsmith MCP2 MK II with a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC ⭐️
I also am looking to upgrade my tt, and lets say my head has been spinning. 5-8000 range

current system
primaluna hp premium integrated 
focal Sopra 2
rel s/5 sub
luxman sm-150 cd
marantz tt-151S ( the one Clear audio built)
cardas parasec interconnects 

some tt I have been considering
dr Feickert - woodpecker or Blackbird
vpi
Vertere 
EAT Forte S Fatismo

not a lover of the round look

also have a VPI Classic 3 gently used offered to me by a very reliable source for 3 k

any help is welcomed as I have become overwhelmed.
 
Thanks
peter 


tastypeter
lewm
13,782 posts
 
What is the Herron solution to switching?  I've never seen a Herron product in person.  Thanks.
Us end users complain when products do not provide enough optional settings.  Then we complain again about switches, when the component offers a high degree of flexibility.  It's a cake we would all like to have and also eat at the same time. I feel for the designers.
vinylvalet
930 posts
 
Female RCA plugs; infinite loading possibilities. Have some cake.
lewm
13,782 posts
 
In other words, the Herron eschews convenient changes of settings and provision for more then one pair of phono inputs in order to avoid use of switches. Yes?  That's a valid option.  But for those who use more than one turntable or more than one tonearm mounted on a single turntable, it is an inconvenience.  If I eat that cake, I don't also have it.
testpilot
991 posts
 
Actually, the Herron uses external male rca plugs each with a specified loading resistance that get inserted into the circuit.  The Herron also has a mechanical switch to change from MC to MM.  Gain adjustment is done by changing the output/gain tubes.  I believe that the previous poster was referring to inexpensive dip switches.  
lewm
13,782 posts
 
The Herron is much loved and must sound very good.  Switches or RCA plugs, regardless.
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