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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
swanny76109
380 posts
 
Hey Kennyb-- I agree that the XP15 was also one of the biggest upgrades in my system. Of course I was replacing a PS audio GCPH so it was an exponential upgrade. I have no doubt the importance of the phono stage in any system. It's a real good place to spend money.

@teeshot--I bet you are having a blast at Axpona right now. Do fill us in about what you go with.
auntjenof2
42 posts
 
I completely agree with everything Swanny and Kennyb wrote. I went with the xp-15 mainly because I use a Lightspeed passive. Solid state anything normally has me running for the hills, but the Pass is really a pleasant surprise. That being said, if my linestage was still active I probably would have tried a Herron or a K&K maxxed out phono.
dhcod
397 posts
 
It's really tough to demo phono preamps because everything seems to be drop shipped from the manufacturers these days. I went through a similar process although with a Lyra Delos and I found that a used ASR Basis Exclusive was the best choice, a blue board model from 2006 being the best version at least my ears. I listened to the Herron and Pass (briefly) and an Art Audio Vinyl One. To my ear, the ASR brought out way more of the music in a way more natural way than the others. The ASRs seem to pop up now and then on Audiogon.
bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
No problem with the Herrons controlling speakers. That control is in the design, not the weight of the front panel
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podeschi
301 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.
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