2. amps-preamps
  3. 138235-118425

Herron VTPH-2A vs Rogue Ares Magnum

Hello all!

For some time I've been thinking of buying "my last phono stage". Not necessarily in a literal sense, but I'm sure you get my point: a really good phono stage that'll keep me happy for years. The VTPH-2A and the Ares Magnum are the two I've boiled it down to, both because they're priced at levels I'm comfortable paying and because every review I've read has been overwhelmingly positive.

The thing is, while I can hear the Ares (non-Magnum) for myself, I can't hear the VTPH-2A and I have a sneaking suspicion the latter is the better phono stage (based entirely on what I've read).

So the question is: have any of you guys and girls hear both of these and can you give me an opinion on the two? I'd be very grateful for any insight you can supply.

- B
agrippa

Showing 6 responses by jmolsberg

jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
I own both, the Herron going on a month. I can still hear it changing for the better. They are both very good but the VTPH-2A is brilliant. 
Listen to the Ares, imagine lower noise floor and surface noise, more impactful bass / energy, and a very pleasant refinement. 
If that doesn't sound good to you, pm me, as I have an Ares (w the Cinemag blues) for sale. 

jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
BOOM! It will sound great from the get-go and outstanding in a few weeks. 
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
^ standard, with the blue Cinemag and some very nice NOS tubes. It is an exceptional phono pre, but that Herron was a significant upgrade. It's so darn musical!
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
@mulveling I just had a lQQk at your system, wow! 

jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
It’s going to get a lot better.
Mine just keeps on getting more musical. Listening to highway 61 revisited and blood on the tracks last night was an out-of-body experience.

I’ve never rolled tubes in the Herron... in fact I haven't even played with the loading plugs it sounds so good. 
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
467 posts
 
I’ll be interested to see what you have to say in a couple months. Must be pretty close.
More to discover