3k Phono preamp upgrade options (JC3+, XP-17, etc)

Well everyone,

I pulled the trigger on a used ModWright PH9.0 for 2.3k. The dealer has a 14-day return policy if anything does wrong.

Thanks everyone for the different perspectives and recommendations!

@hifi59 Great to hear the differences between the 9.0 and 9.0X. Does Modwright have any upgrade policy for upgrading an existing 9.0 to a 9.0X?

@blisshifi Thanks for the thread on tube rolling...So far it looks like I'm pretty sold on the 9.0 or 9.0X.

Have any of you used Lyra cartridges with any of the ModWright phono stages? Curious if anyone has any insight into the synergy between the two.

Thanks a ton!

@rsf507 What cartridges were you running with the JC3+ vs Goldnote? My Delos is not a super LOMC, so I'm not incredibly concerned with regard to noise, although it does seem to be a hit or miss problem for different systems.

@jayctoy The Sutherland 2020 with LPS is another option that I forgot to mention, it looks very competitive with its pricing. The icon looks great, but ufortunately I don't think it will work for me. It has 72 db gain for MC (Delos is 0.6 mv), and I don't want it to overwork its job in the system. If this isn't an issue please let me know....

@audiosaurusrex @blisshifi If I go the tube route, so far the Modwright PH9.0 looks like the best fit for my system. So far I really like the configurability of the model. What upgraded tubes do you recommend? Regarding Modwright, does the XLR upgrade actually implement a balanced circuit? Or just terminate the endings toward the end? 

Have any of you had experience with Zesto audio? A local dealer quoted me 3800 for the Andros II. 

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Looks like the XP-17 is out now due to having some very competitive options at a lower price. So far here is my current priority list:
Solid State:
1. JC3+ & Sutherland 2020 LPS (tie)
2. Goldnote PH-10

Tube:
1. Modwright PH9.0

@blisshifi Certainly. Many reviews point to this unit performing very well with tube rolling. I will keep an eye out for the 6C45s. Are there any other alternatives with better availability?

I'll catch up on the thread sent about tube rolling with the PH 9.0 ...

@ericsch Excellent, I just sent an inquiry to Kristin.

@blisshifi I am glad to hear that! Dynavector and Lyra are more similar than different, so that resolves any doubt I had about system matching.

Oddly specific question, but does the PH 9.0/X in Silver come with a silver power supply? Or is it always black (basing this off images from online)

Thanks again everyone for all the info, I wasn't even considering ModWright until now, but it seems like a very very solid option.

@gareents Hi Gar, could you elaborate more between the differences of the XP-17 and JC3+ ? More specifically between mid range, dynamics, and resolution. Additionally, how large the differences are.

Thanks.

I just received the PH 9.0 earlier today. I did some AB testing with my Clearaudio Nano V2, and the differences are incredible (as they should be!).

For starters, the detail of the ModWright is in another league compared to the Nano, the nuances and subtleties of vocals are there, which I didn't realize was being lost when using the Nano. This aspect wasn't what impressed me the most, as I'm sure that the JC3+ or Stellar Phono would have provided this level of detail as well.

When I compare the ModWright to the Nano regarding 'realism' it's shocking how 'life-like' the ModWright sounds. I've tried some tube headphone amps years back, and never felt moved by them. WIth the PH 9.0, I'm blown away by how natural and real the sound is. Previously the Nano sounded more like my digital, but less detailed. With the ModWright, it's very detailed while the sound just flows in an organic way.

Lastly, the change in soundstage really took me by surprise. The width of it increased substantially, and it now feels like I'm inside the soundstage, rather than observing it. Almost as if I could walk into it. 

I really don't know how much better it can get with the PH 9.0X upgrade, but there's a very high chance that I upgrade it in a year or so. In the mean time I'm on the lookout for some new tubes, as I'm uncertain how old the current tubes are.

@blisshifi Regarding the 6C45s, is this the correct one? (I shortened ebay url) I know there are many variations of the same tube, so if you could confirm that would be great.

https://tinyurl.com/isthis6C45

And for the 6922s you also liked Reflektors?
https://www.thetubestore.com/6h23n-eb-6922
 

Also I wanted to mention that I'm shocked by how quiet this phono stage is, I'm incredibly impressed with it 😁

@blisshifi Yes, I was concerned about the authenticity of the first link I sent as well, I rather just play it safe. Just ordered the pair you sent.

@ericsch Certainly, having knobs feels great.  And the mono switch is a great plus as well. Glad to hear your impressions were similar to mine :)

@blisshifi Previously you mentioned an upgraded fuse. Are there any resources I can find on this? I'm not an expert at EE and tweaking circuits, so if this is a 'risky' upgrade I may elect to skip this.

The ModWright is a great unit, I really can't thank everyone that recommended it enough.