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Phono preamp comparison/Pass,Herron,Avid

I am shopping for a new phono preamp to mate with my Basis 2500/Vector 4 arm combo. The cartridge is a Dynavector xx2 mk ii . I have narrowed my search to a Pass Labs XP-15, a Herron VTPH-2 and perhaps an Avid Pellere. Research in the analog forum reveals a couple of recommendations for the XP-15 and xx2 combo, but I have found no direct comparisons of the Pass and Herron units. I find very little on the Avid either but it is a newer unit. I would be interested in hearing from you if you have one of these units on why you chose it and how it impacted your system. I have Pass and Avid dealers in my town but neither has a unit to demo presently. If you are wondering what my goals are, at this price point, they are transparency, neutrality and low bass fidelity.
Thanks in advance for your posts.
teeshot

Showing 2 responses by davt

davt
500 posts
 
Well, I will weigh in on this one. I got the Herron VTPH-2 first, Loved it. Very quiet, very musical. Loved it so much ordered a pre-amp. Loved that too. Was very impressed after comparing to a number of other preamps. Then amp time, auditioned a number of power amps and settled on the Herron. I have a nice four day weekend this week, registered for Axpona, got my flight, reserved my room for three nights. Four hours before I was to leave it dawned on my that I want to spend four days listening to MY system and not anyone else's. No upgrades needed. Canceled the trip and now I am two days into a marathon vinyl listening session. (yep, just got an Audio Desk cleaner last week). I do not plan on changing the Herron for some time.
davt
500 posts
 
Czbbcl, I listened to the Ayre ( not the top line model but the 5 series ), luxman, Classe, VTL, Bat 55se and belles MB200. The Luxman has a lot more power than the 30 watt rating! The thing that really hit me with the Herron is that I wanted to sit back and listen to the music more. Every amp Wowed me with the exception of the BAT and I was excited at first but each and every time I went back to the Herron and felt I enjoyed listening to music more with it. The details did not rattle my brain but when direct comparison they were all there. Now, one qualification, all the above amps were demo'd in single ended mode so I may have not gotten the best synergy out of them. That being said, of all the Herron products I have slipped into my system, the M1A are my favorites. (I also have them all on Stillpoint Mini SS risers)
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