All too many A/B listening tests are skewed by mismatched volume levels. As just said, unless the spls are pretty closely matched, comparative listening like this won't tell you too much.
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.