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Parasound JC3+ or Audia Flight Phono

I have a chance to get an Audia Flight Phono but already have a Parasound JC3+.  I think the Parasound is an excellent phono preamp but, all other things being equal, will the Audia Flight Phono be a step up?  I won't have a chance to audition the Audia Flight in my system beforehand so I'd be interested in feedback from those of you who have experience with both.

I'll be using it with a VPI TNT-2 with a Graham 1.5T arm and Dynavector XX-2 MkII cart.

TIA!
theothergreg
theothergreg OP
222 posts
 
That's interesting.  I found the JC3+ noisy when I ran it through my Spectral DMC-20.  I switched out to demo an Audia Flight FL2 (just used as a pre) and it's dead quiet.  I thought it was the Spectral, but I guess not.
bill_k
920 posts
 
I haven't had the JC3+ in my system, but can attest to the superb quality and sonics of the Flight Phono. It can provide enough gain for even the lowest output cartridges without the use of a step up transformer. The sound is very fluid and dynamic with no typical 'transistor' sound.
theothergreg OP
222 posts
 
Thank you both for your valuable feedback.  I'll give it a try and see how it goes.  I'm really looking forward to trying it out if it's as good as advertised.
theo's avatar
theo
2,695 posts
 

Just curious on the owners of the JC3+, did you ever try lifting the ground to reduce the noise? I have been considering the JC3+ and asked a month or so back about a comparison to the Linn Uphorik, but still haven't made a purchase. I have been leaning the Parasound due to the positive reviews, but if it is noise prone I would shy away. I can get one for an in home demo, but haven't yet.


Thank You

theothergreg OP
222 posts
 
For me, it really depended on the preamp.  On a Parasound it was very quiet and on the Audia Flight I mentioned above, it is dead silent. 

When I hooked it up to the Spectral, however, it was noisy.  When I used the Mute switch, it quieted down and the combination was really musical.  I didn't try lifting the ground because any noise disappeared when the needle hit the vinyl, it was good enough to make me forget all about any noise.

With the right system, it is a very good phono stage, especially for the money.  I would probably not look to make a change if the Audia Flight opportunity didn't present itself.


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