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3k Phono preamp upgrade options (JC3+, XP-17, etc)

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to upgrade my phono preamp in my sytem and am fairly decided on going the solid state route. The two options I’m most interested in are the Parasound JC3+ and Pass XP-17. I’m curious if anyone has compared these two together, and can describe how these units differ. Here is my system:

Lyra Delos (0.6 mv) -> (new phono here) -> Hegel h120 -> Dynaudio Heritage Specials.

I’m sure both phono preamps are great units, but I’m looking for something that will pair nicely with my Dynaudios. The Hegel is here for now, but I see myself upgrading it eventually, so compatability in that regard isn’t as important.

 

If you think there is a tube option that will work well with my sytem (Sadly Herron isn't in production, so that's a no go) feel free to recommend, but I’m mostly interested in SS for now.

riskymilk
audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
320 posts
 

I owned an SPL Phonos and loved it. I traded it in for a Modwright PH9.0x and it is an endgame phonostage for me. A little more than you would like to spend but plenty of comments about it here in Agon.

blisshifi's avatar
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blisshifi
1,215 posts
 

Agree the Modwright PH9.0 and PH9.0X are wonderful. I’ve probably posted about them more than anyone on this forum. You can likely find a PH9.0 on the used market for less than $3K and upgrade from the stock tubes, which are necessary to get the best of it. Then, down the road, when ready, pay to upgrade to the X. 

riskymilk OP
8 posts
 

@rsf507 What cartridges were you running with the JC3+ vs Goldnote? My Delos is not a super LOMC, so I'm not incredibly concerned with regard to noise, although it does seem to be a hit or miss problem for different systems.

@jayctoy The Sutherland 2020 with LPS is another option that I forgot to mention, it looks very competitive with its pricing. The icon looks great, but ufortunately I don't think it will work for me. It has 72 db gain for MC (Delos is 0.6 mv), and I don't want it to overwork its job in the system. If this isn't an issue please let me know....

@audiosaurusrex @blisshifi If I go the tube route, so far the Modwright PH9.0 looks like the best fit for my system. So far I really like the configurability of the model. What upgraded tubes do you recommend? Regarding Modwright, does the XLR upgrade actually implement a balanced circuit? Or just terminate the endings toward the end? 

Have any of you had experience with Zesto audio? A local dealer quoted me 3800 for the Andros II. 

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Looks like the XP-17 is out now due to having some very competitive options at a lower price. So far here is my current priority list:
Solid State:
1. JC3+ & Sutherland 2020 LPS (tie)
2. Goldnote PH-10

Tube:
1. Modwright PH9.0

ghdprentice
7,414 posts
 

Personally I was unable to find a truly great phono stage until I switched to Audio Research and tubes. To me these get tone tone and details right. I would recommend looking at a used Audio Research… or Conrad Johnson… or Cary.

hifi59's avatar
hifi59
51 posts
 

I own the Modwright 9.0x. I switch between rca out and xlr. There is a definite difference but that difference is subjective as to which one you like more. I prefer the xlr output for its bigger soundstage and a touch more apparent resolution. The rca still sounds great but has a slightly warmer and full bodied sound. Some music genres sound better via rca and some via xlr. Overall though, I slightly prefer the xlr output. 
 Change tubes to nos 6922/7308 Philips sq, miniwatt or Valvo. Siemens, Bel/India (Philips) and Amperex JAN USA also sound great. Mine 9.0x started out as a 9.0 before I upgraded it. As good a the 9.0 was, the 9.0X is that much better. (Slam and resolution)

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