Herron VTPH-2 12ax7 Recommendations?

Thanks everyone! I did speak to Keith and he kinda said what he said to you.... which is why I was asking for suggestions. It seems like at some point towards the end of the year, I might just invest in a pair of smooth plate Teles and give them a listen. Mine is the lower gain unit... two 12ax7s, so it’s less of an investment.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I feel like I have to say again how truly fantastic the VTPH-2 is. If you are in the market for a phono stage, even if your budget is twice the $3650 it costs, make sure you listen to one!

Also Herron's customer service is second to none. That make a huge difference when you are buying something at this level. 

Mine is around 10 years old and at the time they came factory with Ei- 12AX7.

I love mine the way it came--no desire to change it. And I agree with dhcod about Keith's excellent service.

Buy a pair of good used and matched Telefunkens and compare. If no likey, resell.