Phono stage rec for Rega P25 with ZYX R100-02H

Have you had experience with the Herron? I've been doing some reading and hear lots of good things about it. Part of me is still not sure about tube vs solid-state.

Yes, I actually owned a Herron VTPH-1 MC about a decade ago. I had no noise issues at all in my system, and it was a very good sounding unit, especially for the price. I can understand your trepidation regarding tubes, and as I mentioned previously, especially in the phono stage. That is were tubes are the most vulnerable to display their weakness': noise, channel imbalances, etc. I've actually owned tube phono stages much more expensive than the Herron that exhibited more tube anomalies. I believe the Herron is regarded as a hybrid design, not a pure tube design though, as it uses tubes and FET's in it's gain stages.

Still, as stated earlier, the Klyne 7PX5.0 was the best phono stage that I've ever owned. Now while it is extremely doubtful that you will find a 7PX5.0 for under $2000, you may find an older 7 series or a 6 series phono stage in your price range. Klyne is solid state, but it doesn't sound like solid state. That is why they are so hard to find on the used market.

Landed a used Herron right here on Audiogon and should get it by Thursday. Thanks for the suggestion! I did some research and decided that it was worth the plunge.

Congrats! Let us know how you enjoy it.

Just wanted to give a brief report on the Herron ... I've had it for less than a week and am really enjoying its sound. I actually decided to bring it home and try it out on my home system with a VPI Aries/Lyra Delos. Huge soundstage. Really excellent, tangible midrange. Bass is tight. Treble is smooth. Need to do more listening, but what I've heard so far, I really like! Thanks for the suggestion!