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Herron Audio VTSP-3 Tube Preamp
A highly refined advancement over the VTSP-2 with the addition of a precision non-resonant plate voltage controller, two front panel selectable gain modes for system matching and improved tube circuitry for increased resolution.
Note: The VTSP-2 can be factory-upgraded to a VTSP-3.
Herron VTSP-3 Features
Multifunction remote control
Volume level display (0-100)
Switchable absolute polarity
Stereo/mono switch
Full-range balance control
Unity gain pass-through function
Mute control
Display brightness control
Low noise design
Two main outputs
One tape output
Tape out/in loop
Six inputs including tape
100K input impedance
High input-signal capacity without overload
Automatic muting at startup and shutdown
Gold plated, Teflon-insulated RCA connectors
Hand-picked components for accurate response
Reversing power line (AC) polarity switch
Each unit hand crafted, burned-in, and given rigorous bench and listening tests
Available in black or silver
Herron VTSP-3 Specifications
Frequency response: 1Hz to beyond 100kHz, 20Hz to 20kHz ±0.1 dB
Output impedance: 100ohms nominal at 1kHz
Input impedance: 100,000ohms
Gain: 12dB in Hdb mode, 6dB in Ldb mode
Volume control: 100-position electronic stepped attenuator, maximum differential 0.1dB channel to channel
Distortion: <0.01% THD+ noise @ 1V RMS output
Absolute polarity: switchable
Dimensions: 18"Wx3.5"Hx10.5"D
Warranty: 3 years, parts and labor; tubes: 90 days
Positive Feedback Review of Herron VTSP-3
The overall and distinctly noticeable effect has been to make listening to music more enjoyable and another step closer to realistic. For music lovers that may be all that needs to be said.
It is time for some serious listening to be done. I am not going to give you a litany of recordings to try to show off some specific aspects of this newest Herron creation. That is not where the appeal of this music reproducer lies. It lies in making your experience with listening to a favorite recording more satisfying than ever before. The fact that it has a tad (a southern word meaning a little bit or definite hint) more bass fullness, richness and power in the mid to upper bass is only a part of overall experience and does tend to reveal its vacuum tube heritage. The audibly extended high frequency response has its own attraction at the same time being silky smooth and sweet while revealing even more inner detail. That is a really tough balancing act for an audio designer to successfully accomplish. It also appears to be more extended and very definitely adds the natural sensation or feeling of the recording location and strong hints of its size! That is probably at least partly responsible for the added detail as is the seeming lack of background noise. This is a very quiet preamplifier and listeners may find it even quieter in the lower gain mode.
The all-important mid-range extends from its lower reaches adds detail and presence to the bass, to its upper extremes giving body to beautiful harmonic overtones is where music lives. The Herron vacuum tube VTSP-3 preamplifier makes that all important range come nearly alive, and the better the recording the closer it comes and the more the music will be savored, enjoyed and appreciated. It is as if the listener is moved a few rows closer to the orchestra compared to the previous VTSP-2. I must award Keith Herron's model VTSP-3 preamplifier my highest possible recommendation and hope that many music lovers will have the opportunity to discover it for themselves.
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