With regard to the Herron, am I reading it right that it is a hybrid design? The MC section is a fet based ss stage?
Looking for a new phono preamp
Hi,
Long time lurker, first time poster.
Here's the deal. I'd like to find a new phono preamp. I'd prefer solid state, tubes get noisy too fast. My latest cartridge is an AT-ART9XA. I'm currently running thru a sut into a cj pv10a with phono stage, but I have just got my hands on a Bel Canto pre5 that the new phono pre will be paired with.
I've got a hard upper limit of $2.5k, less is OK for the right unit. I'm looking to buy new. Dealers around me aren't really set up to demo vinyl, so I'm hoping the collective experience in here can at least point me in the right direction. Hopefully, it would have a one month return policy so I can try out the preamp.
TIA.
PsychoicReaction
Long time lurker, first time poster.
Here's the deal. I'd like to find a new phono preamp. I'd prefer solid state, tubes get noisy too fast. My latest cartridge is an AT-ART9XA. I'm currently running thru a sut into a cj pv10a with phono stage, but I have just got my hands on a Bel Canto pre5 that the new phono pre will be paired with.
I've got a hard upper limit of $2.5k, less is OK for the right unit. I'm looking to buy new. Dealers around me aren't really set up to demo vinyl, so I'm hoping the collective experience in here can at least point me in the right direction. Hopefully, it would have a one month return policy so I can try out the preamp.
TIA.
PsychoicReaction
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- 83 posts total
op With regard to the Herron, am I reading it right that it is a hybrid design? The MC section is a fet based ss stage? i think you are overthinking this you run your gear lots lots of hours, tubes will burn out get microphonic need replacement - last i checked they haven’t fixed that problem about vacuum tubes get a really good ss phono stage with plenty of gain and loading options - quite a few out there... be done, enjoy the music not to say herron is not good stuff... it must be, there is a loyal, vocal following for this small proprietor owned outfit, excellent reputation - but if you want coffee and folks are saying tea because that is what they have chosen to drink, then is there really a debate? would herron put tubes in his phono stage and not have it in the signal path? |
A great value for an outstanding phone pre is the PH-16 from Valve Tube Audio. It is sold as a kit, but I had mine built for me by Troy, and with a Lundahl SUT added for low output moving coil carts, the price was around $1200. Without the SUT it is just under $1000 assembled. Yes, it is tubed (four 6922 tubes). It sounds incredible. Check it out athttp://www.tubes4hifi.com/PH16.htmor an even fancier option with different parts but the same basic design is athttp://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20tube%20phono%20stage.html |
- 83 posts total