Curl or Pass

If you look around you can find a new JC 3+ for $2,300.00 to $2,500.00I have a JC 3+ and a JC Jr. and would recommend them both against anything in their price range.Another phono pre amp you might want to consider but is a step up from both is Whest audio but the Whest will also cost accordingly.I have previously owned a Pass Aleph Ono which was a good phono preamp, so I am sure you would be happy with the newer XP-15.

Well, I have had an interesting experience with a JC3+. It overdrove my Bryston preamp because the MM gain was too high. However the lower gain phono stages work great with it such as the Pass Labs Aleph Ono, Musical Fidelity NuVista Vinyl and the PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamp. I love the Aleph Ono. I considered moving up the Pass Labs line but Wayne Coburn increased the MM minimum gain and that was a no-go for my Bryston preamp. I could go to the Pass Labs XOno. But haven’t found the right opportunity. 

If you're gonna audition you must include Darren Myers Stellar in that $$ range.

XP15 owner here- it’s flexible, quiet, nuanced and dynamic. 

@clifff How does anyone with three post say "for the umpteenth time!"