2. amps-preamps
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Herron VTPH-2A final thoughts.

A year ago, I took the plunge and purchased a new phono pre-amp, the VTPH-2A. I'd read numerous posts on this forum about how special it is, head and shoulders above the rest. I'd also read that Keith Herron is the definition of quality, in terms of knowledge, customer service, and being real as a human being.  I'll be as objective as I can be: everything that was stated is 100% true. I've easily spent hundreds of hours spinning up vinyl with the VTPH-2A and nearly every time my comment to myself is, "damn that's good." Many audiophiles would fret about the synergy with other system components. My opinion is that it would be an overachiever in any system that endeavors to produce fine music.
With respect to Keith, I contacted him not for technical support or customer service, but to let him know how pleased I was with my purchase. His response was so gracious, I felt like I was talking to a friend or good neighbor. Definitely someone honest and worth doing business with.
I want to close this post by thanking the folks on the forum for sharing experience and what you know. I live a very rural life and don't travel much. Opportunities to critique a variety of equipment at shows or audio shops are virtually nonexistent for me. Audiogon has been an excellent place to narrow down the thousands of possible choices that I could never possibly pursue and sometimes get solid advice =)
professorsvsu

Showing 2 responses by professorsvsu

professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
I use an AT-ART9 through the infinite load setting and it sounds brilliant. You'll almost certainly toy with different load plugs to see if there's any pleasant difference in sound. I did the same with my ART9 and just stayed with the infinite load.

It sounds as though you haven't fired up your VTPH-2A yet. Just a little friendly advice, set aside some serious listening time when it's ready to go. You'll listen to everything you're familiar with, then you'll start on the stack of vinyl that's collected dust for years. The VTPH-2A is good enough to create an addiction.
professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
It's almost impossible to gauge the difference between day 1 and day 101 by ear alone, but I do believe more detail/nuance is still on the way for you. Being blown away should continue for a long time.
I haven't left my unit on 24/7. I too have noticed a slight improvement in sound after it runs for a while, but nowhere near 45 minutes. After a year and hundreds of hours of use, my VTPH-2A settles down in less than 10 minutes. Maybe a little break in time will help.
three_easy_payments, I've got a hunch that either you or I will soon be telling the world just how great the VTSP-360 is as well. The VTPH-2A is as good as it gets and I can't imagine that Keith Herron would build something crappy to compliment any of his components. My heart beats a little faster when I think of adding the VTSP-360 to my system, but the smell of melting credit card slows it down. If you take the plunge and buy one, keep us all posted on what you think.
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