Phono preamp comparison: Herron vs. K&K

Doesn't the cost of the maxed out K&K get very close to the cost of the Herron VTPH-2.

The K&K Maxxed-Out standard is like $1500 built and the premium like $2700 built, a few hundred less for each in kit form. I think the VTPH-2 is $3500?

Understand didn't realize there was that much of a difference cost wise. I have never heard the K&K but have read good things about it and I own the Herron. I am very satisfied with it as it is a fantastic sounding unit.

Chuck

I would very much like someone to point out the sonic differences between the Standard and Premium K and Ks, as the price difference is not small.
T.

While I can't comment directly, as I've always owned the fully "Maxxed-Out" version of the K&K - I will say that every incremental upgrade I've installed over the years has reaped huge dividends on the overall sound - better from top to bottom. That said, Kevin is a fairly modest understated designer, and when he says something is better, it generally means several orders of magnitude better. The difference between the standard kit and the premium maxxed-out version would most likely be in the degree of sonic refinement, via use of higher quality transformers and parts throughout the signal chain - the Cardas caps and Audio Note tantalum resistors alone are a pricey upgrade. Couple that with the Lundahl mains transformer and choke, and you begin to creep up toward the more expensive model in a hurry. As you know, the devil is in the details.

How big is the leap between the two versions sonically? I honestly can't say. If you give Kevin a call, I'm sure he'd be pleased to answer your questions.