Cartridge or Pre Amp

Although like Bill (Bpoletti) I am a very happy owner of a Herron VTPH-2, it would not be a suitable match for the relatively low 22K input impedance of the preamp that was linked to in the OP.

The same concern would also apply to many other tube-based phono stages, although certainly not all. The Manley Chinook, for example, which I believe sells for ~$2.4K, is a tube-based phono stage that would have no problem driving 22K. Also, it is compatible with both high output and low output cartridges and provides a wide range of choices for resistive and capacitive loading.

Regards,
-- Al

Based on the specs shown in this listing it looks like the AT-ML150/OCC has the same 100 to 200 pf load capacitance recommendation as the AT150MLX.

Regards,
-- Al

Assuming the cartridge you are referring to is the AT150MLX, as shown at the link you provided, if you are not presently using the lowest input capacitance setting of the Tube Box DS (47 pf) that is the first thing I would try.

Also, how long is your phono cable? If it is particularly long its capacitance could be adversely affecting sonics.

The AT150MLX has a load capacitance recommendation of 100 to 200 pf, which is a low value, and anecdotal reports I’ve seen here confirm that too much capacitance will adversely affect its sonics. That number represents the sum of the input capacitance of the phono stage and the capacitance of all of the wiring between the cartridge and the phono stage.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al