An engaging and informative discussion... I had a JC3+ for some time, and purchased it new. I sold it because I felt like it had too much self generated noise too. It definitely wasn't as dead quiet as the reviews in the audio mags led me to believe. I've had others, tube and SS, and am saving for the newish Accuphase stand alone unit, the C-47. But for a place-holder, I bought a little ifi Zen Phono. With a balanced IC and upgraded power supply, its amazingly quiet and awesome. It's paired with a Hana Umami Red, and the sound is intoxicating. I find it inexcusable that any multi-thousand dollar phono-stage should inject any of its own sound into the music.