Help me pick a phono, pre and cart

@rauliruegas HA HA “It’s always easy to spend other people’s money” is one of my most favorite expressions, although it’s usually used when I’m talking about government or business. 

Generalizations on SS vs tube aside, I get your points;  that the P5-xe would match well with the current Ax-7e, and later an AX-5 Twenty, or VX & KX-5 Twenty pair if I were to stay with Ayre.  As well as the point that the cart will make a bigger difference than the pre. 

Thats is why it- the Ayre phono pre - and the Herron are the two on my short list.

Right now, although it would be a bit more initial cost, and despite the obvious synergy with other Ayre products, I’m leaning toward the Herron. This is because primarily because of its adjustability to different amps and carts, and because it’s well received by many here (some with Ayre gear), whose opinions I respect. 
 
 Unfortunately, getting a personal Px-5e to VTPH-2A comparison will be near impossible. Which, actually, is another reason I’m thinking Herron. If I go with Ayre again, because of the frequency that their components are resold, I could get a Px-5e, do a comparison, and if I decide to keep the Herron, resell the Ayre pre for  the same price I just paid. 

Dear @jetson :  Learning time your time, and your call. Good luck.

R.

@rauliruegas Which models of Herron Audio equipment have you heard?  Which carts did you try on those units?  

Dear @bpoletti : Many years ago I heard the VTPH-1 MC version and latter on the VTPH paired with the Shelter 90X and latter that same Herron with the XV-1 by Dynavector.

I know very well both cartridges because I owned and even that the Herron sounds " so so "/good in reality can’t honor the true both cartridges quality level performance I knew and know it has.

The Herron is made at a price point but it has in the LOMC and MM cartridge signal tubes and tubes are not for audio any more, we have to remember that we are living in 2018 ! !.

I don’t have to repeat/analize what I’m sure you already read about in some other threads from my posts in that specific tube regards and how damage the audio signal and why damages it.

That many people are accustomed to tubes only says that: are accustomed to but in any way says is rigth because is totaly wrong to use tubes in audio signal home systems. No matters what.

That many persons like what is wrong does not converts it in the rigth way/rigth road to go.

A good SS design always ( and I mean it. ) performs truer to the recording, tubes can’t do it.

That you as other gentlemans are accustomed to and are unaware of the damages it produce means only that: that are unaware of those damages.

Yes, we all need to grow up learning into our each day by day audio experiences ( everykind of. ).

I remember you that for years I owned tubes till I learned till I took in count what in reality I was accustomed to listen with tube electronics. No comeback there at any price. I'm for MUSIC and its emotional envolve.


R.

@rauliruegas It's obvious from your latest comment that you don't have any clue about the design of the VTPH-2a.  That's not my opinion, it is a reflection of facts.  The Herron VTPH-2a is not a pure tube phono stage.  And your statement  " A good SS design always ( and I mean it. ) performs truer to the recording, tubes can’t do it."  is unfounded in any facts.  And you can present no proof that supports your statement.  Facts do not support your description of the VTPH-2a.  Your hatred of Herron Audio equipment is hard to understand.  

I would forward that opinion that the Herron Audio VTPH-2a is the best in the field.  I have not heard any better phono stage at any price.  The price point you suggest is a figment, a fabrication, in your own mind.  Just because it isn't unaffordably expensive or have a 3 inch thick face plate and weigh 100 pounds does not mean it is cheap or limited in performance.  That is your error.