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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 teeshot

teeshot OP
123 posts
 
Great responses. Swanny I too have rediscovered vinyl after twenty years of digital. I listen occasionally now to my sacds but the vinyl is so engaging and really fun. I am going to AXPONA Chicago over the weekend where Keith Herron and Music Direct have rooms. My goal is to narrow the choice to two and then maybe do a home audition.

One other question: there is a 2010 ASR Basis Exclusive for sale now for $3300. Should I consider that as a bargain higher end piece?
teeshot OP
123 posts
 
Based on the fervent recommendations here and my listening in the Herron Audio room at AXPONA, I ordered a VTPH2 from Keith. If I am dissatisfied with it for any reason, which I highly doubt I will be, I may get a Pass XP 15 to try. I ended up ruling out the Avid Pellere because not only could I not listen to it at AXPONA (it was in an Avid room but not hooked up)I could not get a satisfactory price from Music Direct for a demo unit. Once I have a chance to audition the Herron in my system I will post a review. On another note,I have been very satisfied with the Dynavector XX2 mkii cartridge I have had for a month now and will be interested to see how much more musical life and content is revealed with the phono stage upgrade.
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