Herron VTSP-3A

Bill, I bet there is no doubt there is great synergy between the VTSP-2 and the M-150s. For me, I am using the Modwright KWA 150. I thought about maybe getting the M-150s, but now I just do not see the need, since introducing the VTSP-3A I don't see the need to do anything to my system. I had planned on playing around with speaker placement, not now, everything sound so good. I am planning on doing some room treatments, but again I don't see the need(however, I'm still going to go through with room treatments.) It is kind of like the VTSP-3A took care of all the sins in my system. How about you Bill, are you thinking about moving upgrading to the VTSP-3A?

Slazor, good post. like you I have heard my fair share of preamps. I have had preamps from Thor, Unison Research, PS Audio, ASL Twin Head II, Pathos, Audio Research REF 5, Red Wine Audio Isabella, and Musical Fidelity. I'm not ready to say it is the best out there, but it is certainly better than anything else I have heard or had in my system.

Violin, yeah from what SFlazor posted above, it sounds like the 3A is considerbly better than the 3. Let us know your thoughts after it comes in.

I have been spending some more time listening, I still can't get over how good this preamp is and I'm still using the stock power cord and I have it plugged in to the wall too. I mentioned in my initial post, the Herron pretty much ehances or improves all aspects of the sound. I would describe it as a preamp that does not have any trade offs. It has good spacing, air, warmth, soundstaging, imaging, tone, yet at the same time has outstanding frequency extension and detail.

Lewinski, is not having a built in phono a dealer killer?

I only have a problem with dealers that call me Francis.:). Yeah, I wish there was and edit button. Oh well. Correct me if I am wrong, but it looks like neither the First Sound and the LL2 have remote control. That might matter depending on what your listening habits are. For me, I have a computer as a source. Of course this allows me to choose any song from any album at any time. Most of the recordings have different loudness so since I do a lot of switching it is nice to have the remote since I adjust the volume levels frequently. If had a cd player or table as a source, then it wouldn't matter as much. In that situation I normally would just play that one artist or album during the listening session. Being able to control sources from the Herron remote is a nice too. Anyway, good luck with whatever direction you decide to go, looks like you have a great preamps on your list.

I agree with Sflazor. No need to be concerned about the bass performance from the VTSP-3A. However, just like Violin said, there is a lot of other factors involved as well.

They can be rolled, but it seems for those of us that have heard the 3A don't see the need to roll because it sounds good enough as it is.

Based on a recommendation from Sflazor, I am using Still Points under mine.

I have not heard the fuzz in my system, but I haven't put the ear up close either. It also could be the amp?

I just love this preamp, of course I have already praised it enough above. Herron can make such a great product like the VTSP-3A at their price point, which to me is a heck of a value, but how are their amps? I have read a little about them on the net, but not a whole lot from owners. Anyone with good experience on the Herron amps?

Indeed Fig. Congrats on becoming a dealer. A little more commentary on the preamp. People need to ignore the price on the VTSP-3a. If you think it cost to much and you are one of those caught up in this hobby (as most on this board are), it will actually save you money. You will not feel the need to move up or anywhere from where you are with the VTSP-3a. On the other end, if you don't think the VTSP-3A is "high end" enough for you, don't worry about it. It's performance will compete with stuff that cost A LOT more.

Does your amp have a gain switch or something?

So, is everyone else leaving their's on 24/7? I never really shut mine off.

Hey guys. How about the AC Polarity switch? Do you mess with is much to see if it sounds better in the A or B position?

I was just reading back through this thread. I saw a couple of comments (one from Rossop)on running it in high gain or low gain or full gain to half gain to get better range on the volume. Huh? How is that? There is not a gain switch or anything. What am I missing here?

The pre is still wonderful. I am so glad I bought this pre. I have changed everything in my system in the last year, even tried a couple of integrated's but with whatever configuration I put together, it never sounded as good with out the VTSP 3A in the mix.

Cool Thanks Wig. I guess I should have read the manual some more. :).