Phono Preamp Tube Rush

I also have the VTPH-2A. Great phono stage. I am using a Hashimoto HM7 SUT with it. At one time, I did have a little tube rush that could be heard from my listening position if I maxed out the gain on my preamp with nothing playing. So, I tried different things - changed/added grounding for the TT; changed the tubes in V1 and V2, and also V5; made the ground wires/connections a bit tighter; moved my SUT around relative to the TT and phono stage; used different shielded interconnects; created some flexible outside metal/copper shielding for the shielded interconnects from TT to SUT and from SUT to VTPH-2A, with the shielding then grounded to the ground posts. Each had a small but additive effect on S/N, eventually reducing noise by about -12dB to what the VTPH-2A is specified at (e.g., around -90dB). You should try some of the little incremental improvements that are out there because they can add up nicely and reduce noise. Noise is rarely just because of 1 piece of equipment or 1 issue.

Now, with max gain on my preamp, I can only hear a faint bit of tube rush if I place me ear right against the speakers. That’s what I would expect at -90dB. Otherwise, from my listening position, it is dead quiet. YMMV.

@ three_easy_payments

I agree. The VTPH-2A is a very highly regarded and designed unit. Even way above its price point. And very musical. There is unanimity on that.

As for tubes, I eventually found a set of 12AX7 EH tubes that tested and sounded better than the ones I had. It did make a difference. But then I found some NOS Ei tubes and they were even quieter.  I'm using the 12AX7 Ei in V1 and V1 and 12AT7 Ei in V5.

@daveyf and @mulveling
Agree 100%.  Can't avoid tube rush even with the best of tube phono stages.  It is very faintly there.  Whether you actually hear it will depend on how low output your MC cart is (and thus how much gain you need).