2. amps-preamps
  3. 146549-83849

Did I just make my audio system too sensitive after adding a Herron VTPH-2A preamp?

I’ve added the Herron VTPH-2A preamp to my system and in comparisson to the my previous Tube Box DS phono stage it really exposes so much more of the instruments playing in each track. The clarity and dynamic responce is astounding, so revealing is the Heron that I actually hear much more imperfections. I’m not a golden ear, au contraire - I’m losing my hearing.
I’m questioning if audio tolerances have been affected so much that vinyl grooves, dust and static are more susceptible to be heard? Or is it something else that I’m missing downstream that ’just isn’t right’.

My system consists of the following components:

Upgraded Technics 1200 MKII Turntable,
Herron VTPH-2A Phono Preamp,
Sym Audio Moon Neo 350P Preamp,
OPPO UDP-205,
Bryston 4B3 amplifier,
Bryston Model T Signature speakers

joyofsound

Showing 2 responses by almarg

almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Slight correction to my previous post:  "247 pf" should have been "267 pf."

Regards,
-- Al 
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Gentlemen, as a point of information the AT-ML150/OCC is a moving magnet cartridge, and the 47K input impedance of the Herron’s moving magnet input is correct for it.

Also, I believe that the cartridge has not been manufactured for quite a few years. To the OP, is it possible that the Herron is simply bringing out the effects of stylus wear that was not evident with the Pro-Ject?

Finally, I see that the input capacitance of the Pro-Ject is selectable between 47, 147, 247, and 367 pf. While the input capacitance of the Herron’s moving magnet input is fixed at 100 pf. What setting were you using on the Pro-Ject? If you were using 247 or 367 pf chances are that the difference relative to 100 pf would be resulting in a significant difference in frequency response in the treble region. Although I’m pretty certain that the lower the input capacitance that is seen by that cartridge the better, assuming accurate response is the goal. (Like some other AT MMs I believe the ML150/OCC has a recommended load capacitance in the area of 100 to 200 pf, which represents the sum of the capacitances of the tonearm wiring, the phono cable, and the input capacitance of the phono stage, and in many setups it may not be possible to keep that total so low).

BTW, like the others who have responded I too am a very happy owner of a Herron phono stage, the VTPH-2 (non-A) in my case. I and a number of other members here use it with an Audio Technica AT-ART9 low output moving coil cartridge.

Regards,
-- Al
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