3k Phono preamp upgrade options (JC3+, XP-17, etc)

I at the same time owned the PS Audio Stellar and Pass Xono, which was around before the XP17. The Stellar was quiet and had more body than the Xono, but the Xono's resolution and dynamics were better, albeit sounding more typical to 'solid state' regarding temperature. The Rogue Ares Magnum with good tubes easily bested them, and the Modwright PH9.0X easily bested the Rogue.

My apologies to JC.  The intention of my post was not to criticize him or even any single thing he designed, but simply to point out that it is wise to choose based on your own listening tests and experience, rather than based on the fame of the designer, up or down. The proof is in the pudding, for any designer of any piece of gear.  In this case of the JC3+ vs the XP17, one would be hard pressed to claim that one designer is inherently superior to the other. They're both in the Mt Rushmore of solid state design.

It's too bad the Herron is discontinued. I had a JC3+. I prefer my Herron much more, especially that I can use it without any loading. 

Interesting discussion. I just switched back to a tube phono pre after a decade of solid state. Why? I found an EAR 834p in pristine condition and still regret selling the one I had 20 years ago. Just had to have it.

Well everyone,

I pulled the trigger on a used ModWright PH9.0 for 2.3k. The dealer has a 14-day return policy if anything does wrong.

Thanks everyone for the different perspectives and recommendations!