Just to be clear, what I meant above was that one would be I’ll advised to buy the JC3+ based solely on the association with JC, without an audition. I did not mean to imply the association with JC is a negative. I realize now that my last sentence or two could be construed that way.
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.
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@gareents Hi Gar, could you elaborate more between the differences of the XP-17 and JC3+ ? More specifically between mid range, dynamics, and resolution. Additionally, how large the differences are. |
An engaging and informative discussion... I had a JC3+ for some time, and purchased it new. I sold it because I felt like it had too much self generated noise too. It definitely wasn't as dead quiet as the reviews in the audio mags led me to believe. I've had others, tube and SS, and am saving for the newish Accuphase stand alone unit, the C-47. But for a place-holder, I bought a little ifi Zen Phono. With a balanced IC and upgraded power supply, its amazingly quiet and awesome. It's paired with a Hana Umami Red, and the sound is intoxicating. I find it inexcusable that any multi-thousand dollar phono-stage should inject any of its own sound into the music.
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To supplement @oranfoster, while the JC3+ For MC carts boasts a supposed >87db SNR, it’s unweighted SNR is 67db, which is louder in some frequencies than the record groove noise itself. |
+1 @oranfoster my findings as well. |
- 48 posts total