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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
blisshifi's avatar
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blisshifi
1,191 posts
 

@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. 

lewm
13,101 posts
 

riskymilk posed a good question: Is the Modwright 9.0X a truly balanced device, or does it merely offer XLR inputs? And I might add, does it also offer XLR outputs? If yes, that would be a clue that it is balanced inside. Otherwise, one is just comparing the "sound" of an RCA interface to that of an XLR.

OK, I just went to the Modwright website. Apparently the 9.0X uses transformer coupling of its output, which permits it to drive a downstream linestage in balanced mode.  However, it handles the signal from the cartridge in single-ended mode only, it seems.  Hence it bears only RCA input jacks, no XLRs.

riskymilk OP
8 posts
 

@hifi59 Great to hear the differences between the 9.0 and 9.0X. Does Modwright have any upgrade policy for upgrading an existing 9.0 to a 9.0X?

@blisshifi Thanks for the thread on tube rolling...So far it looks like I'm pretty sold on the 9.0 or 9.0X.

Have any of you used Lyra cartridges with any of the ModWright phono stages? Curious if anyone has any insight into the synergy between the two.

Thanks a ton!

ericsch
753 posts
 

@riskymilk Modwright just upgraded my 9.0 to the 9.0X. They are running a sale on the upgrade. If interested, contact Kristin at Modwright.

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blisshifi
1,191 posts
 

I have not used Lyra cartridges. My cartridge path with the 9.0/9.0X included the Audio Technica ART9, Dynavector XV-1S, Audio Technica ART1000, Air Tight PC-1S, and My Sonic Lab Signature Gold. All were properly powered and provided their own sonic characteristics.

That said, I did finally move on from the 9.0X and onto solid state stages. It took a considerable investment to be able to top the 9.0X. 

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