Phonostage recommendations under $3K


Folks,

I am looking to step up from my current Parasound ZPhono XRM (still under 60 days audition trial). To be honest, I am quite pleased with its performance, feature set and flexibility. I mean what else you can expect from a $600 phono. While I enjoyed listening to vinyl through XRM, I feel there is room for improvement and XRM may be the weakest link in my vinyl setup. And since XRM is the only phono I’ve experienced in my setup, I don’t have quite have a reference point. So what else should I be considering under $3K?

I prefer a relaxed and slightly warm sound since I mostly listen to jazz genre.

I started to put together a list list based on sound quality and flexibility with gain and impedance settings.

Parasound JC 3+ Phono Pre
Allnic H-1202
Leben RS30 EQ (requires a SUT for MC Cart)

I hear high praises on Herron VTPH-2A but it’s bit more than I would like to spend at this time.

My current vinyl setup, Thorens TD1601, ZPhono XRM, Hana ML (low output - 0.4mv), Accuphase E-650 and Tannoy Canterbury’s.

I would really appreciate some recommendations based on your personal experiences. Thank you!
lalitk
OK whatever millerdude, you can continue your wordy battle of semantics with someone else now. The VAC literally blows the Herron away. Better? And I’ll repeat the endorsement for Hagerman.
@mulveling 

The "$10K performance for $3K" theme is go-to rhetoric MC uses when referring to the Herron in numerous threads.  I can both read and comprehend.  Anyone can.

https://i.postimg.cc/5yhVmT8r/10KBS.jpg
+1, three_easy_payments. 
@mulveling,

I would ignore mc and his usual  "$10K performance for $3K" talk. In his world, any and everything he owns represents over the top high value 😂

Thanks for your post and recommendation on VAC and Hagerman. 
Its okay. I'd be butthurt too if I'd had to resort to calling anyone "dude".
Maybe consider a Manley Chinook SE MKII from Upscale Audio.  I love mine and it was a huge step up from my last phono pre.  The Sutherland 20/20 with LPS from what I have read is very good also.