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Phono preamp comparison: Herron vs. K&K

For those of you who listened to them side by side: how do you compare the sound of the Herron VTPH-1MC to the K&K Maxxed-out Standard and to the K&K Maxxed-out Premium ?

The sound of a phono preamp is very dependant, among other things, on the cartridge used, but anyway I am supposing you listened to them in good to very good situations. I use a Shelter 501 MKII.

By the way, they are both hard to find in the used market, but I have seen some Herrons, and not a single Maxxed. Can we conclude anything of that ?
tabaregg
vortrex
273 posts
 
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?
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
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
tabaregg OP
11 posts
 
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.
palasr
526 posts
 
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.
david12
1,454 posts
 
I have been using the earlier Phono SE for some years and it has been a fixed part of my system. It's not going anywhere.
This is not only it's undoubted quality and value for money, but the fact it is'nt fixed. Kevin periodically produces these add on upgrades to take advantage of. He will also show how to make changes you want. I added a mono switch a couple of years ago, at minimal cost.
Is it the best phonostage out there, probably not. Is it hard or near impossible to beat at the price, I think it is.
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