@analog_tiffer - I'm currently using a Herron VTSP-360, and I've been very happy with its sound for over 5 years. What I don't like about it is the remote. It works fine and is fully functional and controls everything on the preamp, but it's a cheap plastic thing that is 3.5 inches long and about 2 inches wide. And the preamp is such that a universal remote cannot be programmed for it. From what I understand, Keith Herron was initially reluctant to have remotes for his preamps at all, but his customers wanted a remote and he eventually gave them one, but apparently he wasn't going to spend a nickel more for it than absolutely necessary. At least that's my conjecture. And Keith has also retired from the business.
Anyone own one of these preamps ?
My buddy is looking to upgrade his preamp and is considering these. We’ve both read the various reviews, I’m just reaching out to see who might have personal experience with any of them. Any positive or negative feedback is welcome.
(He’s open to s/s or tube/hybrid). Obviously he will also assess what will be a good match to the rest of his system, but here we’re just looking for personal exposure to any of them. Some are still current models, others would be used:
— Benchmark LA4 (half-chassis footprint is annoying lol)
— Anthem
— Rogue Audio RP-9
— Ayre Acoustics KX-8
— Herron VTSP-360
Thanks all!
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- 64 posts total
Anthem STR remote is metal 🤘. Point one for anthem. Connectivity is definitely a strength for them. Then there is Arc Genesis room correction. Every time I call support (mainly to have them explain to me like a five year old how something works) they are unbelievably the friendly neighbors of the north we all love so much! When my nephew helped me unbox he said he had never seen such a quality piece of stereo equipment before. We come from poor stock 😆! Still a great offering for a person who needs a preamplifier for a variety of things. The only drawback is no hdmi input. |
Why are some contributors focussed on whether a remote is plastic or metal. Even the most extreme audiophile is surely not going to contend that a metal remote improves sound quality and sound quality is what matters or so I would have thought. I haven't got first hand experience with any of the preamps mentioned but way back I did have a Rogue pre and power amp but changed to Aesthetix and currently VTL. Each change resulted in some degree of improvement especially after tube rolling experimentation. |
@mazian apparently you have never held a metal remote in your hand. It completely changes the way the sound expresses itself. Hopefully one day you can experience this joyous sound effect. Appreciate the second half of your contribution, but that first half is why… |
- 64 posts total