Opinions of Onkyo P-3000R phono preamp

Does it actually play flac?

Or just amplify a PC playing flac?

If so you have no clue what you’re missing.

Take the Parks Puffin 30-day trial and compare.

Actually I listen to my flac files bit perfect over USB on-the-go from my Android device. I also listen to what Amazon calls Ultra HD files the same way. I have done this using the dac in the P-3000R, Topping D90 with akm chip, Bel Ccanto DAC 2.7, and now with a Gustard A22 that uses dual akm chips. I've used all of these both with their built-in preamps and with a Violetric V281 as preamp. Very surprisingly to me the Gustard A22 when used with its built-in preamp sounds the best, at least to my ears. With all that said my concern now is what to use as a phono preamp. Over the years I have heard some rave about the phono preamp built into the Onkyo. As I mentioned, the Gold Note PH-10 has my attention because it has two phono inputs and both balanced and single ended inputs and outputs. I just wouldn't want to buy it and find out I've actually gone backwards in sound quality from the Onkyo 

Well you got the USB part almost right. I would use an old phone so I would be free for walkin’ ’round with my SIM card.  It would still sound much better with a dedicated player.

For vinyl try a Puffin with SPDIF. You’ll never know until you compare.

Your Onkyo is a full featured pre-amp with a phono input. The GoldNote is just a phono preamp. The Onkyo is kinda at the bottom rung for a full preamp with a phono section. Not saying it can't sound good but the next level is going to cost a bit more. I would save up until you can swing a really good pre-amp. 

Gold Note is a high end audio company, Onkyo is not. The Gold Note PH-10 is their entry for an affordable phono stage. They know how to make spectacular sounding equipment and you are going to hear that in this phono stage. It is well reviewed by professional reviewers. It is going to sound a lot better than the phono stage in your Onkyo. It might be a good first step to improve the overall sound of your system. Then perhaps what you learn upgrade your preamp… that will have a huge impact as well. 

Thanks for the responses. I agree that a better preamp would be a good idea. I have been using a Violectric V281 as both headphone amp and preamp to my stereo rig. I recently purchased a Gustard A22 Dac here on Audiogon that can function as a preamp also. This is the first Dac I have used that sounds better without using the V281 as a preamp. What I would like to do is get a preamp with two balanced outputs so I can run one to my stereo amp and one to my headphone amp. Thinking maybe a pre-owned Ayre if I go SS. Maybe the Rogue RP-7 if I go tubed. If it has dual XLR outputs that is, I’d have to check. Anyone have other suggestions for a sub $5,000 used preamp? I know there are so many to choose from so all advice would be appreciated

OP, By the way I have a Violectric … I think it is a V281… I had to import it from Germany. This unit has enough current to power a set of Denton flagship headphones. I used it a few times and gave it to my partner for listening to tv at night when I am sleeping. Good high current headphone amp. But lacks musicality.

Ayre makes great equipment. But if you want real musicality, go tube. I recommend a used Audio Research preamp, they are a level above Rouge. And you will hear it. For headphones, I recommend Woo, you get the current and natural musical sound.

Thanks for the input. If I go tubed maybe I should consider the Prima Luna preamp in addition to the AR. I think the one that has balanced connections is the Evo 400