Phono Pre Upgrade from Parasound JC-3?


Hi there,
I've owned my JC-3 for about two years and have no complaints about it.  It sounds very good, but I'm curious about upgrading to a preamp that would be a significant improvement.  
I've thought about upgrading to a tube phono preamp as I like the warmer sound of tubes and my amplifier is a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400.  
Given a budget of around $6K, what would you recommend?  
Thanks,
Peter
128x128snackeyp

Showing 4 responses by snackeyp

I've heard that's a real good one.  Unfortunately it doesn't have balanced outputs.  I should have mentioned this in my original post.  The JC-3 has balanced outputs and when I switched to balanced cables after using standard RCA I was blown away by the improvements.  

I'm looking at the BAT VK-P6SE as it checks off the boxes and has great reviews.  Also consider a Manley Steelhead.  
I got a BAT VK-P6SE I'm going to try.  If I don't like it I can return it so there's no risk.  Always wanted to audition one.  
@lewm I use the balanced cables between the JC3+ and a Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 amp, which is also balanced.   

Update:  I hooked up the BAT VK-P6SE yesterday and listened to three record sides before unplugging it and packing it up to be returned.  
I'm thoroughly convinced that it's not a good match for my system.  The JC3+ blows it away.  I have to believe this is more to do with the robust loading and gain adjust-ability of the JC3, and the lack thereof in the BAT, but beyond that, I just know it's not right for me.