Phono Stage Recommendation $3000

Yes, also FM Acoustics, Gryphon, CH, Nagra.
infection, your name speaks for itself.

Srafi,
i also recommend the Herron . In my system it is absolutely a music making machine. I have a complete Herron system. Preamp, mono amps and phono stage. Over the years I have had other systems but nothing that is as musical as the Herrons.
 Plus, Keith Herron is a great person to deal with. Try it.
Carter

What Almarg said.  I do it with a fidelity research SUT that has three inputs of its own. I plug it into the MM stage so in total I have four inputs. And my vote is for the Herron. I highly doubt that in ahead to head competition the Parasound would equal the Herron. 

If going used you can pick up two world class phono stages here - under budget too :-)

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/phono-best-in-class-2017-12-02-preamplifiers

Good Listening


Peter

Rather than limiting your range of choices by looking for a phono stage providing two LOMC inputs, you might consider choosing a phono stage providing one LOMC input and one MM input, and using the MM input in conjunction with a SUT.

The combination of a Herron VTPH-2 and a Bob’s Devices SUT would provide that functionality, with a rear panel switch allowing you to select the desired input. Although if purchased new the two items would total about 60% more than your budget.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

@inna what's a 'serious rig'? 

Not to fuel the tube/SS argument, but Inna did not say solid state preamps aren't good.  He said that that the people HERE with serious systems rarely have a SS phono stage.  I think the implication is that tube preamps are superior, but that's another issue.  Anyway... 

@inna 

Mares Connoisseur?
Constellation?
Boulder?
Vendetta SCP2A?
Tom Evans Groove?
Whest?
...

check this out:
http://www.goldnote.it/ph-10#description

it has 2 inputs, various loading options, and different eq curves and all within your price range

Manley Chinook will fit the bill!
https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/phonostages/products/manley-labs-chinook-special-edition-up...

You will hardly find anyone here with a serious rig who has solid state phono stage.

That has to be for provocation because it's such a dumb thing to say...

"You will hardly find anyone here with a serious rig who has solid state phono stage"

The most absurd statement ever made,  the inherent noise from tubes excludes these form being taken seriously in ANY phono stage :-) :-)

Above statement equally absurd - I hope you get the point :-)

Good Listening

Peter

You will hardly find anyone here with a serious rig who has solid state phono stage. Go with tubes, just make sure it is electrically matched with your preamp. I don't know what's available with two inputs within your price range, including used. But if you decide on solid state, check Sutherland 20/20 for $2400 new. But one input, I think. You never see Sutherland phono used. Why is that ? They sell enough.

JC3 is a great phono preamp.   But take a look at this one too 

http://www.libertyaudio.com/products/b2b-1-all-fet-phono-preamp

From its maker

Good Listening


Peter

Thanks everybody for your responses. 
Looks like I will get the JC3. Seems to be the most recommended even though it does not have tubes. My front end is all SS no tube component at all. 

Had the Parasound JC3, Manley Chinook and the Allnic 1201 all at the same time and in my system the 1201 Allnic was on a higher level. Had the Herron on loan for a night and really liked it but could not compare with the Allnic at the time because the owner of the Herron had it but will revisit later.

I concur with what Liamowen posted. I purchased a Pass Labs XP-15 from Mark at Reno HIFI. Great experience. You can have an XP-15 for less than $3k and have a few hundred left over for vinyl. 

@rsf507 mentions a sterile sound. I’m using a Rogue Cronus Magnum for line and amp (tube) and it’s sounding pretty sweet. 

Note of caution, you may find yourself tweaking gain and or loading for quite some time after purchase especially with an MC. I just put a Lyra Delos on my TT and saw recommendations for 100 ohm loading. After speaking directly with someone at Pass Labs, he ran a similar setup at loading anywhere from 250-330 and he said the dynamics come alive and he couldn’t be more right. He suggested 66 gain however I have 99 dB speakers so I prefer 56 gain. 

Good luck on your search and please do revert back with any questions. 

I have a Dynavector 17D3 and found a step up transformer made a big difference with a Rogue Stealth Magnum and my new BAT phono stage. I do highly recommend the BAT. I am using an old Denon SUT so it could be better. Good luck in your hunt. 

rsf507,

You said, "Listened to a jc3+ and found it noisy. Didn't impress YMMV" .

I believe I have said this before, but if you heard a noisy JC3+, it or something else in the system was defective. They are not noisy.

One might think you have an interest in berating the JC3+ .

Y'all be cool,
Robert

I hav3 an all tube system except for my phono stage. It’s been mentioned again and again but the Parasound JC3+ does it all for my all tube system. The genius of John Curl.

The EAR is nice but only one input. I doubt you will find a phono preamp with more than one input. 
https://www.needledoctor.com/EAR-834P-Phono-Preamp

Pass XP15 is built like a battleship but IMO it's a bit sterile sounding. Maybe with tubes in your front end this will not be an issue.

If you have tubes in your front end, Pass Labs XP15 phonostage sounds great, and has been replaced by the XP17, so there are some floating around at very good deals.  Mark at Reno HiFi is the best, and he's a true gentleman.

The only thing I think you will be giving up is a second input, but you will be getting unbelievable sound, with a noise floor that is SILENT.  And, the unit has nearly limitless adjustment settings for load, etc.

Go for a Herron Audio VTPH-2A.  I have heard nothing better at any price, nothing equaling it anywhere near it's price. 

Listened to a jc3+ and found it noisy. Didn't impress YMMV

Top 5 that keep popping up are chinook, jc3+, h-1201, herron and zesto 1.2. Chhinook is cheapest and others are under 3 in used market. 

I would consider the Luxman E-250 a little under your price but is highly adjustable to your cart of choice. Also has a mono switch and a cart de-magnitizer. 

If you like tubes, Allnic Audio H-1201 is in your price range.

I agree, I would look at the  Parasound JC3+. I listened to a lot of phono stages over the summer. I thought at it's price it was the best one one.

Look for a used C-J phone stage right here on the Gon!  You will not be disappointed with their sound quality.  But remember, gain and loading settings are very important.  Ask for recommendations and experiment.

I will put a word in for the Ayre P-5xe.  Super quiet, great resolution.  I just adore it.

Hello,

I like tubes but for $3k you should try the Parasound JC3+ .  It is the considered by many to be the class of the field in that price range.  I have heard many and tried several in my system and really like my JC3+.

It is both full and detailed with no harshness assuming the cart/wires are not harsh.

Good Hunting,
Robert