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recommendations of phono preamps < $3000 range

Been obsessing over trying to select a new phono pre .... could use some insights / experience  etc. and then some dealers to contact.

At this point I think I have the list down to either a Sutherland 20/20 or the Parasound JC3+.... was looking hard at the Whest 30RDT SE but it seems to be a little out of my price range and none on the used market. 

I am currently using a well modified Jolida JD9, and have rolled quite a few tubes through it.  

I want a phono pre that is more detailed / articulate, images better... don't care if it is tube or electronic.
Thanks for your thoughts and opinions    Jim
jimpittsburgh
hifiron
102 posts
 
My brother has the Southerland and I have the Decware ZP3. Both are absolutely amazing. You really can't go wrong with either approach. I have attached links to the ZP3 and a review. Both have very low noise floors, the ZP3 is scary quiet for tubes.

http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZP3.htm
http://www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_074.pdf
argon66
26 posts
 
Had an avid pulsus that I really liked. Very dynamic and punchy. 

Then went to a zesto andros. Phenoninal!

You can get a used one for a great pride well under your limit. 
analogluvr
859 posts
 
I had  four of them at the same time to compare in my system. The aesthetics Rea signature with a premium tube set, the Herron, the zesto and a cheap antique sound labs. 
First was the herron. Everything was just right. 
Second was the zesto. Very nice but a more distant presentation and slightly more polite. 
Third was the cheap ASL. Immediate and impactful but could be a tad harsh on the highs.  I should mention that it was heavily modded. 
Fourth was the rhea signature. Compared with the others it didn't have the detail and wasn't involving. I was shocked as it was double the price of the others. Tried both sets of tubes but no great improvement. 

If if I were the op I would call herron. Sometimes he gets trade ins that he refurbs.  If you get anything different you're just going to be looking at upgrades again in the future. It is one of the few components that I don't even think about changing anymore 
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