2. analog
  3. 1362621676

Phono preamp comparison/Pass,Herron,Avid

I am shopping for a new phono preamp to mate with my Basis 2500/Vector 4 arm combo. The cartridge is a Dynavector xx2 mk ii . I have narrowed my search to a Pass Labs XP-15, a Herron VTPH-2 and perhaps an Avid Pellere. Research in the analog forum reveals a couple of recommendations for the XP-15 and xx2 combo, but I have found no direct comparisons of the Pass and Herron units. I find very little on the Avid either but it is a newer unit. I would be interested in hearing from you if you have one of these units on why you chose it and how it impacted your system. I have Pass and Avid dealers in my town but neither has a unit to demo presently. If you are wondering what my goals are, at this price point, they are transparency, neutrality and low bass fidelity.
Thanks in advance for your posts.
teeshot
bpoletti
1,556 posts
 
I have had extensive listening on the VTSP-2 and consider it as good as it gets. I have not had direct comparison of the VTSP-2 to other phono stages and only have heard it through other Herron equipment, but it is superb.

Disclaimer: Keith Herron is a personal friend (as he is to many of his customers).
swanny76109
382 posts
 
Hi Teeshot, I have the XP15 with the XX2mk2 on my VPI Classic 1 and it's a great combination. I have found you need a lot of gain with this cartridge. I run the XP15 at 66 db gain loaded at 100 ohms into my Pass XP10 pre which provides another 10 db gain. The XP15 does everything very well, esp the midrange, and bass control is astounding. It's completely smooth and grain free. Very flexible in terms of loading and gain, but the tiny switches on the back are a bit of a pain to dial in. When everything is set up properly, excellent recordings sound fully three dimensional, wide and deep. Poor recordings can't hide but they can be bearable with the XP. I listen to a lot of rock and jazz and it does those genres great, but everything sounds great on this phono pre. You can work with Mark at RenoHiFi and get a great deal and a 2 week trial. I have not heard the Herron or the Avid but considered those brands while shopping for mine. Good luck and keep us posted.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
I would find a way to audition in your home for pieces in this price range. If your local dealer doesn't have anything you can demo there are certainly dealers of these products online that have excellent return policies. Music Direct for AVID (and I'd talk to Chris there about the AVID preamps, he is a fan and has heard the Pellere), and Reno HiFi for the Pass. Both places are excellent to work with.

I have an Avid Pulsus that I love, so I'd highly encourage you to find a way to listen to the Avid that most interests you.
More to discover