What phono pre am I looking for?

Plinius m14 if you can find one. Did you try the Decware Zp3 already?

Fourwnds
I did not. But I read good things.
I don't want to use a step up and not sure I need more tubes. 

Liamowen, I know it would fit the bill perfectly but so expensive. 

Parasound JC3+
Micromega MyGroov

Are the best I’ve heard. I’ve been on the phono quest for the past couple of years and heard just about every preamp from a major manufacturer. My list would be approaching 50 units, all personally tested by me in my own system. That’s how good those two are. To my ears of course. 

@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+?