Herron VTSP-3A

Agree on all the comments about the spectacular sonics of the VTSP3a (Disclosure: I sell Herron gear, Departure Audio). What I think doesn't get recognized enough with this piece is how intelligently it's designed and how good the ergonomics are. There are really useful features in this pre, i.e. balance, mono, phase, hi/lo gain, more than enough inputs/outputs, etc. It's also a joy to use with a large, readable remote-controlled volume display in fine increments. As noted, the tubes are run very conservatively and produce almost no noise. Reliability is also first rate. This is a very easy tube preamp for any music lover to own. It can assimilate easily into most any system and deliver its special magic immediately.

Billspecfoc inquired regarding what amp I am using with my VTSP-3A. I am using a Jeff Rowland Model 10, which is a two chassis (separate control unit and power supply) 150 wpc solid state amp that I love. The synergy with the Herron is perfect. I have also used the Herron with an Reference Line amp that has 100 WPC pure Class A output. The Herron was perfect with the Reference Line also. One nice feature of the Herron is that it affords the user the ability to switch the preamp between a low gain and a high gain setting. With the Reference Line amp I use the low gain setting, but with the Rowland I prefer the high gain setting. The preamp is dead quiet on both settings. It is easy to switch between the two gain settings. One merely holds down the "phono" button for three seconds and the preamp switches from one gain setting to the other. When the preamp is switching from one gain setting to the other, it automatically mutes itself. Keith Herron thinks of everything.

Hi Guys, you have really stirred up my anticipation. My VTSP-3 is at Herron Audio now being updated to the 3A and I should get it back the week after next.Keith's audio equipment is everything that you have already stated,the best that I have ever used. I am using the Parasound Halo JC-1 mono amps in my system with the VTSP-3a.
Great gear.
carter

Wow! A Herron thread!!

I love Keith's gear and think he must be one of the most underrated designers in audio. Whatever he makes...pre-amp, phono-amp, power amp - it just sounds like - MUSIC. Plus they are reliable and worry free. Why doesn't Keith get more ink???

I had Keith's VTSP-1a-166 and M150s and it was heavenly with my Alons.

I do think there's a definite synergy between the Herron pre-amps and power amps. I tried Rowland with my speaks ages ago but thought the Herron/Herron combo was terrific. I highly recommend the amps as well as the pre's, they simply don't get the praise they deserve.

I too had tried many big name preamps: Hovland, First Sound, ARC, Cat, Joule-Electra etc. For me the Herron just maed music sound "alive" and natural. The gear itself doesn't really "sound" like anything at all. It just gets the heck outa the way and lets the music roll.

I can't say enough good things about Herron gear, Herron service and Herron quality. Can't wait to hear the newest preamp, and hope this piece helps spread the word about Keith's products.

Violin, yeah from what SFlazor posted above, it sounds like the 3A is considerbly better than the 3. Let us know your thoughts after it comes in.

I have been spending some more time listening, I still can't get over how good this preamp is and I'm still using the stock power cord and I have it plugged in to the wall too. I mentioned in my initial post, the Herron pretty much ehances or improves all aspects of the sound. I would describe it as a preamp that does not have any trade offs. It has good spacing, air, warmth, soundstaging, imaging, tone, yet at the same time has outstanding frequency extension and detail.