McIntosh C 47 phono stage versus the Herron phono.

You will only determine what sounds "better" by trying the Herron. Subjective and just and endless debate if an internal vs separate is "better"

There's a  reason many like the Herron, but it's not 100% liked as anything.

It's already apples and oranges since it's SS and the Herron is tubed.

The positive reviews on both mean nothing in the end. Your Rega and Thorens will sound very nice with the Herron. You may hear it as more "realistic/organic." Or, you you find your present setup  is fine.

2A? C47? it's a step up for sure.. You would have to do a little work and move to a valve Mac pre to get that sound... Most don't like the older Macs because there is no remotes.  I tell you, their phono section is in easy comp to most anything in the 5-7K range... Again no remote, and most need work or should be worked on.. The old C11s, C20, C22, (same as C11). GREAT phono sections...
C45-49, MX119,20,50s. Good, but they are not valve phono sections..
The C50 series are good too.... $$$$$

C220-2700, different... expensive and CAN have a great phono section if you work the valves a bit...

Regards

Maybe I asked the wrong question. I’m underwhelmed with the C47/ Alpheta 2 sound. It doesn’t sound as rich and full as I think it should. It doesn’t sound bad just underwhelming. I’m looking for that cart- phono stage that just knocks my socks off. I had an Art9 on my 124, but a late night accident broke the cantilever. I think eventually I’m going to get that one fixed. The Art 9 with an inexpensive Vista Audio preamp was better than my present setup. 
So I guess my question is what’s underwhelming the cart or the phono stage or both?

You answered your own question.  The C47 is not a Herron 2A. The 2A is a step up.

That C47 is not a valve (tube) pre with all it's goodies, The 2A is..

That is what I was saying.. MY C20s and one of my C11s will dust a
stock 2A. They (the Macs) were rebuilt and by a vinyl NUT. Very good at one thing, Mcintosh!

Take you breath away?  Vinyl, man oh man. I've heard 100.00 MM carts that worked for me.  I've heard 25,000.00 MI carts that I couldn't tell the difference because of the quality of the record..

I quit spending money on high dollar cart 40 years ago.. 

It's always the cart though.. Hasn't broke in, wore out, or just an ok rig...

LPs still the best, just no Yoko Ono... ay...

Regards

If you're looking for a "rich and full sound" from a phono pre just keep in mind that the Herron isn't the most "tubey" sounding pre out there.  It's quite clear and neutral and almost has a SS character.  It uses a FET-based MC gain stage so it's a bit of a hybrid.  I find my Herron sounds significantly better using a SUT through the tube MM inputs.

You may want to consider a couple of other tube phono stages in same price rich if you're really seeking a tube sound - or perhaps the Herron will sound better to you still.  Take a look at the Allnic 1202 and the Modwright 9.0.  

Or any used, discontinued Allnic, from the 1201 up, that may be less expensive.  With all due respect to the guy who said it, I do not believe the older tube Mac preamps compete with the Herron, but my experience is with the stock units.  He mentions having bought his tube unit from a DIY upgrader.  In that case, all bets are off.

lewm7,885 posts

 He mentions having bought his tube unit from a DIY upgrader. In that case, all bets are off.

Yea that it. Stockers are great. BUT

There are TOO many great, new parts, to make them sound really, really great.

Hecfreed, much better resistors, caps that are 1-2%. Teflons, PIO, Copper, Silver, Alu, from all kinds of folks.  Great PS parts, and a TEC that has been doing it from the dawn of time. Who is picker than me...
RARE indeed..

The reason I didn't do it, he was willing to listen to what I WANTED.. Not "this is the way I do it"...ONLY..

Tough with some red sock, green sock guys, ya know...

Regards

The Art9 is neutral and the Herron certainly takes a hard set that way. It does represent stellar value and IF you don’t like it, resale should be relatively high and easy.