In one way or another this forum has had an influence on my rig. I first learned about my phono pre from reading threads on this forum.
After speaking with Keith Herron on and off over a couple of years he called me and asked if I still wanted him to build me a phono pre? This was after he retired from Herron Audio. He said he found enough parts to build a couple more. Of course I said yes! He unofficially called mine a VTPH-2ae. E for enhanced. It’s been in the rig for over three years. I’ve had a 6k solid state phono pre in the rig to compare but switched back to the Herron.
The crazy thing about this hobby is that I’m sure I could find a solid state or another tube phono pre that would sound better but at what cost? I need money for more albums.