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.
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. |
@ericsch Excellent, I just sent an inquiry to Kristin. |
@riskymilk The power supply only comes in black. If you do end up getting it, I would suggest rolling the tubes, upgrading the power cable, using an aftermarket fuse (if you believe in them), and even building a custom umbilical if it's of reach. I also removed the feet from the unit I previously owned and placed Isoacoustics Orea footers underneath. For tubes, the 6922 pair has many options, but if you can, keep your eyes out for the Reflektor 6C45 to roll into the other two spots. They are very hard to come by now, but don't break the bank, and they are the best of the already very few 6C45 tubes ever produced. |
@blisshifi Certainly. Many reviews point to this unit performing very well with tube rolling. I will keep an eye out for the 6C45s. Are there any other alternatives with better availability? |
@cleeds , and they cost a whale of a lot more than a JC3+. I have not been in any recent ARC or Mac stuff but the last time I looked they were still using through hole construction. Both are now a cut below the finest brands such as Boulder and Constellation (also US companies) but that is "Luxury" HiFi and IMHO over the top. To my own way of thinking if I were financially strapped the JC3+ is a unit I could buy. If money were no object there is not a thing any of the above mentioned companies make that interests me. @lewm , why do you always have to be so picky? John Curl was designing high end HiFi gear before anyone else had even thought of it. The early Mark Levinson gear was so far superior to anything else present in the day it was astonishing. So what if he has a clinker or two to his name. I had a Nelson Pass Preamp (Threshold) that was a better radio than most tuners. |
