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.