Herron VTPH-2A phono preamp owner's advice.

Thanks arsh,
You obviously own the VTPH-2A. If you'd like to offer up more on your experience with the unit, I'm all ears (pun intended). I do want to be a little surprised the first time I put it to use, but like a kid seeing unopened  Christmas  presents, I'd like a hint before Christmas morning.

Prof--congrats on the Herron purchase. I think you will enjoy. Keith is very careful about tube selection for his units so you can expect a lots of hours of musical enjoyment. I've never seriously considered rolling tubes on my unit since it sounds just the way Keith designed it to sound with the stock tubes--which is to say like music. Should you have any trouble with tubes (or anything else--or even just a question about how to get the best out of the unit) Keith will be right there for you. Have fun!

dodgealum,
It's good to know that no owners have stepped forward to complain about the VTPH-2A. In a time where people gripe about every little thing, that says a lot. It costs more than I paid for my entire first stereo system 45 years ago, but I'm worth a little more now too. I'm confident that the purchase will add quality to my listening experience.
There's no opportunity for me to audition equipment from anywhere locally. Where I live, bears and coyotes are my neighbors (that's the truth!). The alternative has been to turn to this forum for advice on my last few purchases. Folks have been honest and advice has been pretty much spot on every time I humble myself to ask. I hope the people in the Audiogon community stay decent, thoughtful, and engaged. It's valuable.

I also own the VTPH2 (not the "a") and have had it for several years. It is a fantastic phono stage and better than anything else I have used in recent years, including the Moon 310LP and the Fosgate Signature v2. Very neutral, detailed, revealing and with plenty of PRAT.

I just packed all my Naim gear for service/upgrades, so I thought to contact Keith about what is changed in the "a." He plans to call me tomorrow to discuss upgrading my unit to "a" spec. When I bought it originally, he personally delivered and set it up in my system (he lives/works a few miles away).

@dwette Do it. Get the "A" upgrade. The differences are NOT subtle.

I also live close, not as close as you (other side of the river).  Keith has been an asset to my listening enjoyment for over 20 years.