What phono pre am I looking for?

Used opens up many options. As for new, the three I’d consider are the Parasound JC3 Jr, Sutherland Insight, and Gold Note PH-10. I was recently shopping in this range and bought the Parasound. I’m extremely pleased with its performance. Prior to it I used the Lounge LCR MKiii. I almost bought the Gold Note due to its versatility. It allows the user to select from 3 equalization curves and has a rumble filter.

If you’re a tubes only guy, consider the Tavish Adagio, which requires getting on a wait list.

@chakster

The deciding factors in my purchase of the Parasound were simply that I received a good discount from my local dealer and he had one for me to audition in my home, risk free. It was a worthy upgrade over my Lounge LCR and has great synergy with the rest of my gear, including its look.

I would’ve had to buy the PH-10 from an unfamiliar dealer, who would’ve had to special order it from Italy (which likely meant no option to return). Had I not been so pleased with the JC3 Jr, I would’ve taken a gamble on the PH-10.

A member of another forum I frequent preferred the Parasound to about a half dozen well-regarded phono stages, including the Rega Aria, Manley Chinook, and Lehmann BC SEII.

@invictus005,

So the MyGroov competes well against the JC3+?