SPL Phonos. Under $2k and is a solid, solid choice.
Built in Germany and is one of a few recommendations I have picked up off Agon and have zero regrets over. Built like a tank and would be worht the price at @ $3000.00
3k Phono preamp upgrade options (JC3+, XP-17, etc)
Hi everyone,
I’m looking to upgrade my phono preamp in my sytem and am fairly decided on going the solid state route. The two options I’m most interested in are the Parasound JC3+ and Pass XP-17. I’m curious if anyone has compared these two together, and can describe how these units differ. Here is my system:
Lyra Delos (0.6 mv) -> (new phono here) -> Hegel h120 -> Dynaudio Heritage Specials.
I’m sure both phono preamps are great units, but I’m looking for something that will pair nicely with my Dynaudios. The Hegel is here for now, but I see myself upgrading it eventually, so compatability in that regard isn’t as important.
If you think there is a tube option that will work well with my sytem (Sadly Herron isn't in production, so that's a no go) feel free to recommend, but I’m mostly interested in SS for now.
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Mijostyn, Curl designed a pre-preamp for Mark Levenson back in the mid 70s. That was basically a gain stage to be placed ahead of a conventional moving magnet phono stage, because back then there were very few if any phono stages that by themselves had sufficient gain for moving coil cartridges which were just then introduced in a big way in the US market. Since then he has had two designs that are associated with his name that seem to be classics. The Vendetta is one. There are several people who frequent this forum who own it and mention it. The other one was the CTC Blowtorch , which I guess was a very limited edition, because they are rare as hen’s teeth and you never see them for sale. Other than those three items, what among his designs is so wonderful? And I am not so sure that the original pre-preamplifier was anything sonically exceptional. it was novel only because it was a unique product at the time. Nelson Pass, on the other hand is definitely a pioneer in advancing the art of solid-state audio design, both for preamplifiers and amplifiers. And he never stops working. And you could be sure that whatever comes out under his name or under the First Watt name is his design. So sight unheard, I would take the Pass preamplifier over the JC 3+. But by all means, one should audition both if one is choosing between them. I wouldn’t buy the JC3+ just because of the JC. |
@riskymilk - I own the Pass XP-17, JC3+, and PS Audio Steller phono preamps. All are extremely good. The Pass XP-17 is the best. -GAR |
- 48 posts total