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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.

riskymilk
jdal
159 posts
 

It's too bad the Herron is discontinued. I had a JC3+. I prefer my Herron much more, especially that I can use it without any loading. 

steveashe's avatar
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steveashe
113 posts
 

Interesting discussion. I just switched back to a tube phono pre after a decade of solid state. Why? I found an EAR 834p in pristine condition and still regret selling the one I had 20 years ago. Just had to have it.

 

riskymilk OP
8 posts
 

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!

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blisshifi
1,183 posts
 

Nice @riskymilk!

As mentioned on other threads it can really shine with good tubes, quality aftermarket power cable, and an upgraded fuse. Should you like the unit, the upgrade to a PH9.0X is well worth it down the line. 

Please let us know what you think after you get to play with it.

riskymilk OP
8 posts
 

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 😁

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