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Preamp for Herron VTPH-2A

Ok, the eventual goal will be to try a Herron VTSP-360.  However, that is not in the budget, even used, until sometime next year.  So, I've decided to get an interim preamp.

I have approximately 3k to work with right now.  

I'd like to hear what VTSP-2A owners are using now or have used in the past with success.

As for other suggestions, here's what I'm looking for right now.

*Needs:

Gain - I need a preamp with gain.  Somewhere around 10db to 12db would be optimal.

Transparent.  I'm not looking for coloration.  I'd like to find one that does the best job of sounding like it's not there.

Input impedance:  47K or higher with on the SE inputs.

Line level only:  No phono stage, no DAC, etc.

*Preferences:

True balanced output.  Nice, but not necessary.  I'd like to place the turntable in a spot where it needs approximately 25 feet of cable run between it and the power amp, but can live with it if it stays near the power amp.

Tone Control Bypass (no tone controls preferable)

Remote control:  Nice , but not absolutely necessary.

*Don't care:

Tubes/Solid State. As long as it is sufficiently transparent, the tech doesn't matter.

Thanks in advance.  I'm sure based on the recommendation I got for the VTPH-2A, I'll get some great suggestions.

TIA
psychoticreaction
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Hey, you don’t tell me what to do ok? 

I just posted some facts, I don’t care about your speakers, but the nonsense I read on audiogon about GAIN is just a result of those inefficient speakers, let’s face it.


You can buy tremendous amount of power (huge amps, high gain preamps etc), but a good high efficient speakers can work perfectly without all that ... , just with 1.5 watt triode tubes and passive volume control (or passive preamp).

I’ve been using inefficient speakers before. If you bought your phono preamp by audiogon member recommendation then you could learn a bit about GAIN and why it’s not enough gain for you in your system.

99 dB’s and above = ultra efficiency

95 - 98 dB’s = very high efficiency

91 - 94 dB’s = high efficiency

88 - 91 dB’s = medium efficiency ( most common )

85 - 87 dB’s = low efficiency

85 dB’s and below = power suckers


bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
I own a VTPH-2A and use it with a VTSP-3A (r03).  It is an excellent combination.  Plenty of noise-free gain even when using a Clavis D.C. (0.2mv) and speakers ~ 87dB. Some speakers I've used with this combination have been ~ 85dB, one pair (single driver) came in a little below. No problem. (The Clavis D.C. has been replaced by a Lyra Skala.)

I'm satisfied. I can identify no shortcomings with the VTPH-2A / VPSP-3A(r03) combination. They do not introduce any coloration, masking, veiling, hardness, softness or other distortion of their own. 

I have some listening experience with a VTPH-2A in combination with a VTSP-360. The -360 is a better preamp. To my ear. Matches well with the VTPH-2A (as should be expected). 

Note that at this stratospheric level of performance, there is little, if any, competition for either combination. One must take a hard look upstream or downstream to move the marker forward.  

If someone is going to purchase new equipment, the question is whether the VTSP-3A is still available.  

wturkey's avatar
wturkey
722 posts
 
Schiit Freya+. Surprisingly good. Well within budget. Easy resale. Current production. 
vinylvalet
836 posts
 
The Herron website currently lists the VTSP-360 as "out of stock".
psychoticreaction OP
37 posts
 
@bpoletti
Yeah, auditioning the VTSP-360 is the ultimate goal, but I won't have funds for it until next year, and VTSP-3A's come up used, but only occasionally.

@wturkey,
I thought about the Freya+. Ordering one now looks like a 4-6 month wait. If I were to wait that long, I'd just wait a bit longer and look at the Herron next year.
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