First impression: Herron VTPH-2A phono preamp

georgehifi,
I would be excited to read about how the Herron performs in a truly high end system. My system is almost a starter kit in comparison.
I'm glad that you brought up the Lightspeed. I have a Goldpoint floating around that I haven't used in years and I may experiment with that as well when I have free time.

dweller,
I have not heard the Chinook, although it's my understanding that it is quite good as well. My last two preamps were both solid state, the Parasound JC 3+ and Simaudio Moon Neo 310LP. The JC 3+ was new and returned after a few week audition. It was okay, but I couldn't live with it's noise. I went through the whole dog and pony act of isolation, changing cables, grounding, etc. to no avail. Parasound believed the unit had too much gain for my system and was willing to trim back the gain if I wanted to send it back to them. Great offer, but it was disturbing to think a new item would need factory alteration right out of the box. The 310LP is a gem in it's own right, just not complete enough.
I digress. My advice would be to audition, if possible, whatever it is you are strongly considering. I was afraid with the VTPH-2A that I wouldn't be objective, that the power of suggestion in reviews would influence my thinking. All I can do is concur with what I've read, it is the most musically dynamic component in my system. The AT-ART9 cartridge I use sings with accuracy. The beryllium tweeters in my Focal speakers offer clarity to highs like never before. I can finally understand the definition of tight bass and vocals that are live. If you listen to the Chinook and can have that kind of experience with the music, you've hit the jackpot. If not, I'm sure that you'll find it with the Herron. 

georgehifi,
Before I start rewiring my system, I'll probably set the gain as low as it will go on my preamp (Parasound JC 2 BP) and kick the gain up on my 4B Cubed. A fun adventure for tomorrow. As far as the Goldpoint is concerned, I haven't used it in about six years and really don't remember the impedance. I'm sure I have literature on it somewhere or it's tagged on the unit.
Just finished listening to some old Starship, Knee Deep In The Hoopla. I'll bet I listened to the song Sara six times. The VTPH-2A is something really special. I've gotta know what rob67 thinks of the unit in his system. I wouldn't be surprised if it puts a grin on his face from ear to ear.

salectric,
I owned a Vincent and two Graham Slee phono preamps as well. They were disappointments, especially for the money. Until I purchased the VTPH-2A, the best bang for the buck phono preamp that I've owned was the Neo 310LP.

Thanks celander, I'm enjoying it immensely. I'm only two days into the VTPH-2A experience and 100% sold out on the product. I'm 64 and have to admit that some of the vinyl I've listened to the past few days has made me as giddy as a kid. At least 50 years of listening to vinyl and I've never heard anything this good.

I had a few brief e-mails with Keith Herron since I purchased the preamp. In complete honesty and at the risk of sounding hokey, I believe he's invested part of his soul into what he's doing and it shows. I wish his company a large measure of success and have no reservations so far giving the VTPH-2A a five star, A+ rating.

No problem Al. I'm having a great time being a bystander as you and George go back and forth. It's entertaining and somewhat educational. I'm pleased to have started a thread where folks can have a hearty, decent conversation.

bpoletti,
I've picked up your comments about the VTPH-2A on other threads. I've got your back buddy, I've got your back. It's a bad-ass extraordinaire.

George,
I found my Goldpoint and it's a 24 step SA1. If memory serves me correctly, I bought the "standard Issue" which means it's impedance is 25K ohms. I'll run the VTPH-2A through it this weekend direct line to my Bryston 4B Cubed and give an update.

George,
Thanks for the feedback that I requested. I too did a little bit of experimentation. Hooked up my Goldpoint SA1 to the VTPH-2A then directly into the back of my Bryston 4B3. Kicked up the gain on my amp to 29dB and nothing (just kidding). Actually, I have more than a sufficient amount of volume control. The only difference that MAY have occurred going this route as opposed to running through my Parasound JC 2 BP is a little better channel balance. 

djohn,
I've had the VTPH-2A for about six months now and have not been disappointed one bit. Keith Herron must have been divinely inspired when he came up with this beast. If he retires, the listening community will be at a loss. His skill, talent, and passion are very much relevant in a market of overpriced, mediocre crap.