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.
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.
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- 48 posts total
@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. |
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. |
@riskymilk There was another thread on rolling the PH9.0’s tubes that started just earlier this week: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/modwright-ph-9-0x-tube-rolling-question As far as tube stages go, I have compared Modwright phono stages against Herron’s, the Allnic H1201, PS Audio Stellar Phono, Pass Xono, and Rogue Ares Magnum, and the Modwrights I owned all easily surpassed them. Yes, I started a hifi business recently but have no relationship with Dan Wright outside of once being a customer of much of his equipment. |
- 48 posts total