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Herron VTPH-2A Phono Preamp....anyone familiar?

Hi just reaching out to get any input/feedback  on the Herron VTPH-2A Phono Preamp.   While I'm happy with my existing Parasound JC3 Jr., someone recommended the Herron, so I got intrigued, as I've never run into, nor listened to, any Herron products.  
Thks, Jim

jhajeski
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edwyun
244 posts
 
The Herron & Modwright are both great.  But I would choose the Herron.  One reason IMHO is that the Herron has a FET first stage for MC followed by a tube second stage for the MC (the tubes also act as the only stage for MM).  So, you can bypass the FETs when using an MC cart by using a separate SUT into the Herron's tube only MM stage.  However, the Modwright has a tube/JFET hybrid first stage for MC followed by constant current source loading for the second stage.  There does not seem to be a way to bypass the JFETs in the Modwright.  YMMV.
vuch's avatar
vuch
137 posts
 
Can anyone describe what I might be able to expect by adding the Herron VTPH-2A to my system? I'm currently running a Denon DP-62L TT with the straight black tonearm wand, Grace F-9 cart with SoundSmith Nude Ruby OCL stylus, Yamaha A-S3000 integrated amp and Magico A3 speakers. I also set-up a mono TT: Pioneer PL-41A with a Denon DL-102 high output MC mono cart. I've never heard tubes before. I think my system sounds great but I'm wondering if adding a tube phono preamp takes the sonics to another level? I'd love to demo one but that isn't an option Herron offers. Thanks!
grk
228 posts
 
If you think your system sounds great, why not just stick with it? Keep in mind that if you go with tubes, you may end up going down the "rabbit hole", spending countless hours and dollars looking to get the lowest noise and highest performing tubes. This is coming from a tube guy.

If you are still "tube curious", see if you can find a decent phono stage" that comes with a trial period. Modwright, Music Direct and Tavish Audio Design all offer trial periods (to get a taste of tubes)...as does PS Audio, but it’s not a tube design. : ) Good luck!

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
If you think your system sounds great, why not just stick with it? Keep in mind that if you go with tubes, you may end up going down the "rabbit hole", spending countless hours and dollars looking to get the lowest noise and highest performing tubes. This is coming from a tube guy.


Exactly, even in the line level pre-amp or power amp.

In a phono stage can be more problematic, especially for LOMC cartridges.

If you want a very special phono stage for low impedance LOMC then check Current Mode (Current Injection) type of phono stages like 47 Labs Phono Cube or others. 
vuch's avatar
vuch
137 posts
 
If you think your system sounds great, why not just stick with it? Keep in mind that if you go with tubes, you may end up going down the "rabbit hole", spending countless hours and dollars looking to get the lowest noise and highest performing tubes. This is coming from a tube guy.

I thought my system sounded great with the previous components. Then I replaced components as time went by and my system sounded better. I'm getting the same amount of enjoyment out of my stereo as I did before but it does sound better. I doubt I could get more enjoyment out of my system but if a tube phono preamp improved the sonics then I'd be interested to make that happen. I've heard so many times that when playing vinyl, tubes take the sonics to another level.  I am curious to hear the difference they make.

The two phono preamps I am interested in are the Herron VTPH-2 and the ModWright 9.0. After going over the build of each of them, I think I'd prefer the Herron. I know ModWright offers a 14 day trial but if I liked the tube sound I wouldn't feel right about returning the ModWright and buying the Herron. Unfortunately Herron doesn't offer a trial period. So for now I'm waiting to make a decision.
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