Herron VTSP-3A

Kclone I agree with you completely. My 3A that I just got back last Monday has improved so much just breaking in that I do not see how any tube rolling would help.

After listening to my updated VTSP-3A (from VTSP-3) for a few weeks I would like to add a few comments.
Much more detail and dynamics with greater bass heft are the main plusses. Also increased soundstage width and depth are more apparent with greater stereo separation.
I bi-amp using 4 Herron Audio M-1 monoblocks. Before the upgrade I used to listen at about 48 on the pre. Since the upgrade it is down to 38. Anything above 42-45 got a bit harsh for me. This is due in part because of prolonged break in and, I think more importantly, the fact that Keith Herrron has reprogrammed the volume contour so it gets a good deal louder after about 35. What I have done (as Keith suggested) is drop down from full gain to half gain on the pre. This was a good move I believe as it enables me to use a greater range of volume. It has also reduced the harshness I was experiencing to almost none and I'm sure it will go right away with full break in. A big thanks to Keith Herron!

You can roll the tubes - but I don't see the point.

1. The preamps already sound superb. SUPERB.

2. Keith voices the Herron gear incredibly cunningly. He chooses his tubes exceedingly carefully, for reliability as well as fidelity. These things are darned near bombproof. He designs around these specifically chosen tubes, ones that he knows will sound great and give long life without changing sound. They aren't exotic, so you can replace them if you ever need to.

3. Part of the beauty of Herron gear is it's neutral without being colorless or lean - neutral in the best sense of that word i.e. "natural" sounding, just getting the hell outa the way of the music.

4. Although Herron gear is less sensitive to cables and PCs than most tube gear I've had (and that's true of the Herron ss amps too), you'd probably get more mileage for less trouble by replacing the stock cord than rolling the tubes.

5. Every dedicated tube roller I know of that swapped out the stock tubes eventually put 'em back. You look at the humble stock tube and think: "what if I substituted XYZ NOS tube? Must be awesome..." Not. Please see #2 and #3 above.

6. If, after all that, you just have to swap the tubes, talk to Keith first. Really.

Nice to hear so many posted on Herrons. I have a different story, I am a very early user of VTSP-2, loved the unit. Upgraded to version 2, than to version 3. I did not like Ver.3 at all and actually swapped it back!! I found it has more performance but robbed the silly smooth highs. I just felt it's somehow a little harsh or to say less relaxes. Version 2 sounds more like a tube amp and version 3 is too neutral that leans towards SS! I wonder what sonic character is 3A compared to version3 …more neutral or more emotion….?

Is anyone out there using any tube dampers in their Herron pre's? Also, what about isolation devices underneath the pre? Right now, I just have mine sitting on a Flexi-rack made out of hard maple shelves, about 1.25" thick. Thanks.

Bill