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

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.

@bpoletti Done. I got the VTPH-2a back last week. Keith was reasonable on price and fast on turnaround.

What are you using for tubes? I had been using Genelex Gold Lions, but after the upgrade I decided to restore the original tunes Keith supplied. It turns out the AX7s are bad so I got a set of Electro-Harmonix AX7 for 1/3 that Keith suggested work well. I have his original AT7s in 2/4/5, but thinking about rolling for a warmer sound maybe (Mullard 4024, ?). I'm using a Clearaudio Concerto V2 cartridge, currently loaded at 47K.
Meanwhile, I'll leave the tubes I have in as is for a while. Everything needs to break in again first. My Naim 282/HCDR/250DR all went through DR upgrades and re-cap service, so it all needs to break in again.

@dwette 

I use only the tubes provided by Keith.  I have not found the need to use anything different.  I keep in touch with Keith and he lets me know if he has found something better.  I get my VTPH-2a to him for the change. When he works on a unit, it includes a listening session to make sure all is OK. 

I have never even had the case open for a look.