If the Herron is SE all the way through and the Herron preamp provides 14 db gain then that explains the difference in level as the BHK in SE only provides 3 db gain so turn it up. Are you connecting the DS Sr. to the BHK balanced and the Herron phono SE?
PS Audio BHK versus Herron VTSP-3A(ro2)
I'm currently using a Herron VTSP-3A(r02) pre amp. I purchased a used mint condition BHK on agon; it arrived today.
My first impressions: With the BHK, streaming SQ is noticeably better than with the Herron. I'm using a DirectStream Sr. DAC. Playing vinyl with the BHK, the Herron sounds noticeably better. I'm using a Herron VTPH-2A phono pre.
All things being equal, when playing vinyl with the Herron/Herron combination, the sound is much stronger and fuller than when streaming the same CD quality song using the Herron/DSD combination. With the BHK, its the exact opposite, that is, the BHK/DSD streaming sound is stronger than the BHK/Herron vinyl sound. In both cases, I can increase the volume to achieve about the same sound.
Playing vinyl, I prefer the Herron/Herron vinyl SQ. For streaming, I prefer the BHK/DSD SQ. I am a bit disappointed in the BHK/Herron vinyl sound. Even when I turn up the volume, it lacks the full bodied Herron/Herron sound. Before I get too excited, I'm going to try different loading plugs to see if that helps. Any other ideas are welcomed.
My first impressions: With the BHK, streaming SQ is noticeably better than with the Herron. I'm using a DirectStream Sr. DAC. Playing vinyl with the BHK, the Herron sounds noticeably better. I'm using a Herron VTPH-2A phono pre.
All things being equal, when playing vinyl with the Herron/Herron combination, the sound is much stronger and fuller than when streaming the same CD quality song using the Herron/DSD combination. With the BHK, its the exact opposite, that is, the BHK/DSD streaming sound is stronger than the BHK/Herron vinyl sound. In both cases, I can increase the volume to achieve about the same sound.
Playing vinyl, I prefer the Herron/Herron vinyl SQ. For streaming, I prefer the BHK/DSD SQ. I am a bit disappointed in the BHK/Herron vinyl sound. Even when I turn up the volume, it lacks the full bodied Herron/Herron sound. Before I get too excited, I'm going to try different loading plugs to see if that helps. Any other ideas are welcomed.