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
@three_easy_payments,

I am expecting Umami Red by this weekend, stay tuned for feedback sometime next week.
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@cerrot,

Congrats on your H3000. I do appreciate your offer but for now I am not making any changes until I get fully versed with newly arrived SME Model 15A / Hana Umami Red Cart / EAT E-Glo S w/external LPS. 
Anyone here tried the Chord Symphonic MC phono? I would love to hear your feedback.

The Hana Red Umami / EAT E-Glo S is settling down nicely. For past week or so, I’ve heard incremental improvements.

If I am going to be settling with a MC cart, I wonder if pursuing a MC only phono would offer a better sound over purpose built MM/MC phono’s?
If I am going to be settling with a MC cart, I wonder if pursuing a MC only phono would offer a better sound over purpose built MM/MC phono’s?


MM and MC are two separate circuits in a good phono stages.
If you have half of it you only lack MM input which is a nice to have on any phono stage, because you can use it as a second MC (with SUT).