Herron VTPH-2

Just to chime in late in the game here....I had a Herron VTPH-1 MC+ and compared it to a new Fosgate Signature Phono Preamp. The Fosgate had great extension on high and lows, but for my low output MC the VTPH-1 had a more lively energetic presence and wider soundstage. Fosgate had a deeper soundstage. Biggest difference (again I was running Fosgate full on for low output MC) was the Herron was completely silent....zero tube rush. I was so impressed with the Herron that I just bought the VTPH-2. And some of the Herron interconnects (which in a blind study in my system beat out my long-term choice of Cardas Neutral Reference on a couple of dimensions). And, like others have quoted Keith Herron is a true engineer and gentleman, who is patient and committed to delivering the best and most natural sounding products. There are a handful of companies with founders in the US who have the real deal at the helm. Herron is one of them.

If I wasn't using the simaudio i5.3se integrated, i would but the herron pre-amp and a really nice tube amp (eg audio research).

Thanks! I spent some time this year assembling my 2 channel systems -- with the centerpiece being getting back into vinyl after 20+ years .... I was hoping I could go all digital but when comparing digital versus vinyl at my brother's (maggie 20.1 + ARC amps etc) via Ayre dac and/or flagship Audio Research cd player versus Linn LP12, the analogue won 8 out of 10 times. On my more humble system, differences are not as pronounced, and my Perfect Wave dac + bridge are pretty close to analogue but not quite the full distance. There is something organic and right I get with vinyl that is missing with digital, but the PS Audio setup is best I've heard anywhere.