Phono Pre Upgrade from Parasound JC-3?

Regarding the BAT VK-P6SE, I’d be concerned about the gain settings it provides. The "low" setting of 50 db seems likely to be too high for many high output cartridges, and the "high" setting of 55 or 56 db (depending on what document is looked at) seems likely to be too low for many low output cartridges.

Also, FWIW, like Millercarbon I am a happy owner of a Herron phono stage (the VTPH-2 in my case), which I use with a 0.5 mv AT-ART9 cartridge.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

Modwright PH9.0 I lied it better the JC3jr and Rogue 

Look into NVO

I got a BAT VK-P6SE I'm going to try.  If I don't like it I can return it so there's no risk.  Always wanted to audition one.  

snackyp, I own a Manley Steelhead and like it very much, but it is not balanced.  You say you were blown away when you bought balanced ICs.  Where did you install them?  From cartridge to phono inputs?  From phono out to linestage?  (Or from the JC3 to the amplifiers, assuming the JC3 is a full function preamplifier?)  The JC3 is truly balanced, I think. But its balanced circuitry does you only so much good if the downstream component is not also balanced.  That said, maybe you were pleased with the balanced cables simply because they are better cables, per se.  On the other hand, I am one who believes that balanced equipment should be used in balanced mode for best results.