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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!
128x128lalitk
photomax
169 posts
 
@lalitk 

The audition for the JC 3+ will be with a Linn LP12 (not sure of the specs) and a Rega Elicit-R. I am familiar with both so this should be a decent test to get an idea of the JC 3+. It might be a couple of weeks before I will be at the location to add this to my system so as to compare it with my Rega Aria...
gatobueno
2 posts
 
My set up is the Marantz tt-15 with an upgraded Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC ☆ ES Moving Iron, going to The Manley Chinook with 4 NOS Telefunken tubes. Using the Marantz 7705 preamp (50% vinyl - 50% movies) then the PS Audio M700 for my front stage, Tekton Electron SE speakers. It is a very sweet sounding set up, big improvement on the Manley Chinook after the Telefunken upgrade. 
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,905 posts
 
I'm biased but I'd recommended a K&K Maxxed-Out or Trio used. I've heard the Herron quite a bit on a friend's system and I feel my Trio is more organic. Kevin told me the Trio is 95% of the Maxxed-Out.
snackeyp's avatar
snackeyp
455 posts
 
I'm interested in hearing a Herron phono stage.  I've had a JC3+ for a few years and have tried a couple others costing quite a bit more.  Neither of these were anywhere as good as the JC3+.  
sokogear
1,100 posts
 
Can a phono stage ever break if not dropped or otherwise abused? I doubt it, so whatever one you like best will deliver the best value if used. I was lucky to find a used Sutherland Insight for about 40% below retail. I then added the linear power stage for $350. To get to the $3K range, the next model up is a 20/20 and with its linear power stage would be about $2650 list. Most dealers will give a modest 10-15% discount. Maybe go to the next model up that includes the LPS. Better yet if you can find them used.

The thing I like is that is all he makes/designs. And a very nice guy who will spend time with a customer for support like he did helping me with my LPS upgrade.
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