How much difference will a phono stage upgrade make?

Oh yeah, the Herron gets pretty good marks from everyone who owns one! Had mine since late last year. Easily the best component I've ever had. Or ever will, probably. Turns out there's a reason why they hardly ever come up used, and go in a flash when they do. My search turned up several people who had heard the various Herron versions go head to head with all the much more expensive supposedly best stages- even the earlier 2, even the original Herron, total match for anything out there. I don't want to diss the others, at this level there are no bad choices. But I did come across several people who said the Herron was better than ... fill in the blank.... and then added, and that wasn't even the current one! So you could get a used one (if you can find one, seriously, not easy- Itried!) and be very, very happy. 

But, why buy used? Why not just give Keith a call? I'm sure he'll be happy to build you one. He builds them to last, with fanatical obsession to detail.

How much difference can it make? Might want to check out my review. My wife heard it through a closed door! Cannot recommend enough. 

bpoletti:

Save your money and get a Herron Audio VTPH-2a. No need to upgrade when you have the best. The Herron is the last stop on the upgrade path.

Back when I was researching phono stages I came across a lot of comments just like this. Also more than a few deriding or mocking for being so up front about it. Now that I have one though I have to say, its basically true.

In fact only reason I can think of to qualify it with "basically" is there are people like the OP who have preferences for things other than pure sonic upgrades. The OP has his mind set on all tubes. Others have their mind set on features. Or whatever.

For those with their mind set on music, and especially for those musically minded listeners willing to listen and decide for themselves (hardly any reviews, Herron doesn't hand them out, you have to BUY one!) there may well be no better choice.

He's coming from a  Pro-Ject Tube Box DS. Could throw a dart, anything within range guaranteed to be a skin-tingling revelatory experience. Hard to go wrong with any phono stage at this level. Ought to make him very happy indeed.