2. analog
  3. 1362621676

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
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
No problem with the Herrons controlling speakers. That control is in the design, not the weight of the front panel
podeschi
303 posts
 
Another vote for Herron VTPH-2. I have changed over almost everything in my system but the Herron has stayed. I am running (on a Clearaudio Innovation Wood) a Benz LP-S on a graham phantom supreme thru Tara labs zero to Herron (as well as Miyajima premium mono BE on Shick 12" arm) to VAC preamp to VAC 450S to Magico S5. I previously used the Herron with a Basis table and Vector 4.

The Herron, compared to other phono preamps i have demoed, is open and transparent, spacious, with superb tonality, harmonics and timing. Very adjustable, takes mm and mc, incredibly quiet (can't believe at times it is a tube design) and low maintenance. And...Keith Herron's integrity, consumer focus and service is best in class.
jpan
110 posts
 
I'm a Pass guy. I moved up from the X1, Xono, and Aleph 5 to the XP-20 and XA30.5.

BUT, I went with the Herron VTPH-2.

I am really, really happy with this combo. So, that's another vote for the Herron. And a vote for Pass too.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Bpoletti I understand that but the heft also comes from the transformers and other functional aspects inside the other amp designs like Pass.
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
Sure, but speaker control is in the design. Big transformers, large banks of ps caps and the like don't necessarily make an amp more capable of controlling a speaker.
More to discover