Phono preamp comparison/Pass,Herron,Avid

Davt

What amps and pre-amps did you compare the Herron amps to? I am discussing with Keith the possibility of auditioning his equipment in my system (M1A's and VTSP-3A). I have been looking into Pass XA series but the size of those mono-blocs are akin to small ARC welders sitting next to my speakers; not to mention the heat.

Thanks Chuck

Czbbcl, I listened to the Ayre ( not the top line model but the 5 series ), luxman, Classe, VTL, Bat 55se and belles MB200. The Luxman has a lot more power than the 30 watt rating! The thing that really hit me with the Herron is that I wanted to sit back and listen to the music more. Every amp Wowed me with the exception of the BAT and I was excited at first but each and every time I went back to the Herron and felt I enjoyed listening to music more with it. The details did not rattle my brain but when direct comparison they were all there. Now, one qualification, all the above amps were demo'd in single ended mode so I may have not gotten the best synergy out of them. That being said, of all the Herron products I have slipped into my system, the M1A are my favorites. (I also have them all on Stillpoint Mini SS risers)

I have not heard a better, more musically involving amp than the Herron M1As with the latest upgrade. I can only compare them to the Herron M-150s since I have not had anything but Herron electronics in my system for almost 15 years.

I would certainly prefer the Herron because of their size as they will easily fit in my cabinet or behind my speakers. But they must first sound great and given that I only have experience with the Pass SS INT-30 and that sounded fantastic except it was a bit low on power with the large Symphonic works and with the heavy percussive passages. The Pass Amps are large and heavy as are most amps the Herrons are small and lightweight in comparison and are more similar in size to most Class D Amplifiers. So I am skeptical as to how they can really control the speakers the way the beefier amps do.

Having said all that the VTPH-2 is a beautiful sounding unit and he is offering me an in home audition so if they are unsatisfactory I can send them back.

Chuck

I just recently got an XP-15, but the VTPH-2 would have been my first choice had I been using a friendlier preamp. My Spectral preamp has a very low input impedance - too low for a tube preamp such as the Herron to drive. Tube phono stages have a very difficult time driving a 15 kohm input impedance. I tried the Audio Research PH-7 also, and this couldn't do it either. Bass was just a mess with both. Both manufacturers advised against this match. I mention this point only to point out that some consideration should be given to the impedance match.

I thought the VTPH-2 easily beat the PH-7 in a friend's system. It was amazing there. Another friend just got one last week. He's thrilled with it.

Keith Herron may be the nicest guy in audio. A bunch of friends own his products. He has taken incredibly good care of them.

Of course Pass ain't chopped liver either. The XP-15 replaced my Xono and delivered a tremendous upgrade - possibly one of the biggest step changes of all my upgrades. It's an amazing component.

I think you would be delighted with either the Herron or the Pass, though I'd give Herron the nod due to the way Keith's provided upgrades to his components over the years.