I had the PH3SE for close to 20 years. Bought new, a terrific phono stage. Never really felt the need to upgrade. Ran it with a Benz Glider, then a Ruby. Wonderful sound.
Everything else in my system got a lot better and after a while when I started coming across comments on the Herron it got me doing my usual thorough research and finally calling Keith. You will not pay full price, unless there is a dealer nearby he will discount I think 10%. Which you said there are none, so there you go. A hair over three grand. I would leap on it.
When I got mine it was staggering how much better it was. You don't know it, but your ARC is woody, colored, slow, congealed, lethargic, sorry shouldn't beat it to death like I said it is a fine phono stage. Just nowhere near the same league as the Herron. My wife heard it immediately through the closed door of my listening room! WHAT DID YOU DO!?!?!? Lol!
Seriously, search my threads, read my review. Not a lot of reviews out there because Keith Herron does not give them out for review. You have to buy one to find out how good it really is. Get one and you will understand why so many say they are done looking now.
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But wasn’t the ARC reference 2 phono several cuts above the PH3SE? So is it not possible that the reference 2 might outperform the Herron ? I come from a position of not having heard either. |
While I certainly have read many positive reports on the Herron phono, I have not heard one yet. I have been using an ARC Ref 2SE for three years now, and it has none of the negatives that Millercarbon reports for the older PH3SE. Sounds to me like it could be a horse race between the two options! It likely just depends upon which "course" you are running for which "horse" you might prefer, so I'm just saying don't rule out the ARC. It would be nice if you could find a way to compare them, but it sounds difficult with the Herron. |
Is it possible for your friend to loan you his Reference 2 to try out in your system? If you can give it a listen that might make your mind up for you.
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Sure, Lyra Delos , Triplaner, Brinkmann Bardo, into both a REF2 SE phono and currently a Herron 2a, in my system, to my ears, no contest ARC is flat out better definition, air image, weight, tonality. The Herron maybe plays a bit better below 80 ish, and is a hair quieter, and generally does not reward tube rolling . So why didn’t I buy the ARC ? doesn’t really fit in my rack. I supplied a custom faceplate to Keith and we made the 2a work. Keith is a gem, builds great sounding very well engineered gear, super nice guy.
I don’t blather on about gear I have not heard. |
and since you asked, the Lamm which I also auditioned has the same positive qualities over the Herron, very close to the ARC, essentially a tie w my front end. As they should be, considering the $$ |
ditto for Aesthetix, and there is a phono pre that rewards tube rolling..
Have fun, enjoy your journey, and the music.
Jim |
I have not heard the ARC, but the phono pre upgrade topic has not been on my mind since I bought the Herron a few years ago.
just all around fantastic, soundstage, punch, clarity, all there. Is there different, sure, but at this price level the Herron delivers alot.
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I agree with MillerC, it is sublime. Infinite loading is just a no compromise, no degradation dream. I had run mine via pass amps/pres and to DeVore O/96s, through Thorens with a AT Art9. Just as articulate as can be, and so, so customizable. I have no idea what else I would place in my system if I didn't have this unit. And I took a long, long time of research before I pulled the trigger.
I'll be sad when I see this unit go, because I don't know if I'll ever be able to replace it once it's gone. Ugh. I wish Keith would continue to make them. If I didn't absolutely have to get rid of my entire vinyl system due to having a very bad vehicle accident, I wouldn't even consider it parting ways with it.
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That’s a nice rig you’ve got. And those are 2 of the top phono stages I’d be looking at for your Benz Ruby Z, which doesn’t work well with Step-Up Transformers. I had a Herron 2A and it should do very well for your Ruby, but mine went out the door right before I got a Benz LPS in, whoops!
I also had a Reference 6 preamp and the ARC Reference series really really impressed me. If I were you I’d be highly tempted to go for the ARC if it’s either the 2SE, or a particularly sweet deal on a 2.
The only weird thing about the ARC is that its high gain is VERY HIGH if you run XLR outputs - 74dB. That’s a bit on the high side for the 0.35 mV Benz, but should be OK. Or you can run it SE. The Herron’s gain is perfectly suited to the Benz, but SE only.
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@nolojunko so sorry to hear of your accident - hopefully full healing on horizon for you. IF i were you, i would auction the Herron as it has a well deserved following. My best to you.
jim
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I've got a Herron VTSP-360 line preamp and VTPH-2 phono preamp and they are both superb, and yes, Keith is great to talk to about this stuff...
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The best piece of equipment I have is the VTPH-2, it can make a Rega sound awesome.
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Ended up with a pristine used ARC Reference 2 SE phono, with new tubes. So far, I am very happy with this unit. Bought it at about 50% of retail, still more than a new Herron, which I believe is out of production.
Happy listening!
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Yes the Herron is no longer made, which is a shame because it’s a fantastic phono stage.
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Congrats OP !
enjoy the music
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