Phono preamp comparison: Herron vs. K&K

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.

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.

The best phono stage out there is Kevin's new 3 stage, transformer coupled, differential series feed design. ;~) Unfortunately for us, the last I heard the projected retail was $18K. Fortunately for me I snapped up one of the beta versions when they were available. And yes, there has been several upgrades to it in the 2 years I've had it. Every one has been a major improvement. Kevin communicated to me last week a new "twist" on his series feed topology that will take it to a new level. I can't wait as this change also applies to my line stage and the input stage of my mono-blocks. As Kevin says: "No matter how good it sounds, it can always sound better". Amen

John_tracy, you're a lucky man with a beta version of one of Kevin's "all out" creations! I own a beta version of the upcoming Sonus Veritas DAC - so good that I've since sold my dCS Scarlatti transport/DAC/Master Clock. The latest iteration of his analog output stage confers incredibly satisfying body and soul to cd playback while preserving the subtlest of nuances and detail.

18K such a bargin I am sure it sounds great.

Chuck