Any Allnic H1201 owners out there?

I've had the Allnic 1201 for about 6 months now and I'm thrilled with it. I upgraded to it from a JTLI and, although I did enjoy the JLTI, the Allnic beats it by a long shot. Much fuller, richer sound but still retains all the detail that was the JLTI's strength. Bass was much fuller and more defined, too. I haven't heard the Manley or EAR, but I think you'll be happy with the Allnic. I do confess that it makes me wonder what an H3000 would sound like in my system...

Can anyone tell me how the Herron compares to the 1201? What differences and what competes with the Herron in the price range or a bit higher?

Allnic makes great stuff. Allnic H5000 DHT user here.

In the same price range, maybe a few dollars more, is the Herron VTPH-2. I have not heard anything better. I have one and I expect it to be my last phono stage.

Worldcat, I haven't heard anything that competes with a Herron VTPH-2. I own one. And I make that statement objectively, independent of owner pride. IMO, at its price, it embarrasses the competition. Without consideration for price, to my ears, it stands alone at the top.

It's detail and precision are amazing. Everything comes from a very quiet background. Every instrument has its own unique musical signature even within its section. Timing, a characteristic of all Herron gear, is spot on making dynamics sharp, tight, precise and of "correct" amplitude, never blurred or imprecise. It does not favor a specific cartridge but seems to brings out the best of whatever source it is handling.

My sonic preferences place a high value on precise imaging and soundstage presentation. That comes through clearly on the VTPH-2. Instruments are positioned on the stage as it was recorded. The better the recording, the better the image.

Vocals are reproduced accurately.

The Herron VTPH-2 does not have a sonic signature. It doesn't sound like a tube phono stage, nor does it sound like solid state. It is just transparent to the music. It just corrects for RIAA and amplifies. It is true to the signal, true to the music.

BUT... It will not hide or correct for the failings of a poor recording. It will expose those flaws, not cover them. But the music will still come through.

I can find no fault or weakness in the VTPH-2.

Just my opinion.

From a technical perspective, the Herron VTPH-2 handles both MC and MM input through separate inputs. MC loading is easily adjusted externally using RCA plugs with resistors soldered in place.


In the Herron price range, there are quite a few good-performing phono stages. I have not heard them all. But I have no driving compulsion to upgrade from the VTPH-2. I haven't heard anything better.

Just my opinion.

System includes a VPI Aries Extended (original), JMW-12 arm, AT-OC9/II, Herron VTSP-3A(ro2), Herron M-150 (2). Speakers change too often to list.