@gareents Hi Gar, could you elaborate more between the differences of the XP-17 and JC3+ ? More specifically between mid range, dynamics, and resolution. Additionally, how large the differences are.
Thanks.
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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An engaging and informative discussion... I had a JC3+ for some time, and purchased it new. I sold it because I felt like it had too much self generated noise too. It definitely wasn't as dead quiet as the reviews in the audio mags led me to believe. I've had others, tube and SS, and am saving for the newish Accuphase stand alone unit, the C-47. But for a place-holder, I bought a little ifi Zen Phono. With a balanced IC and upgraded power supply, its amazingly quiet and awesome. It's paired with a Hana Umami Red, and the sound is intoxicating. I find it inexcusable that any multi-thousand dollar phono-stage should inject any of its own sound into the music.
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To supplement @oranfoster, while the JC3+ For MC carts boasts a supposed >87db SNR, it’s unweighted SNR is 67db, which is louder in some frequencies than the record groove noise itself. |
+1 @oranfoster my findings as well. |
Dear @lewm : " his work or products that use his name to make it seem he designed them these days are not necessa rily wonderful or in the same high level. "
Well I don’t know which facts you have that can confirm your statement because any audio item that comes with " JC designed " was in true designed by him at JC designer levels he has ( " wonderful " ! ! ? ? ). The design it’s a truly good one. Differences in overall quality levels were made by the manufacturer parts/boards/execution quality of the JC design but these is different from what you stated. The JC design is " wonderful ". Take a look, his Levinson ML-2 amplifier monobloks is now not only a legend but even today is a true " amplifier bible " for an amplifier SS design and I know because I own a pair of 20.6 that came from " there "/ML-2 topology and I can tell you that these monobloks are second to NONE.
https://richardquickdesign.com/ http://www.marklev.com/p/preamplifiers.html
http://www.soundscapeav.com/parasound/johncurl.html
Remember the Bluetorch ( or something like that, I can’t remember the correct name. ) phono stage that he designed along other 3 gentlemans,.JC was in charge for the electronics design? and the whole electronics line ( preamp, amplifiers, equalizer ) side by side with Colangelo ( very expensive units ) ? and where is the place of his famous phono stage Vendetta. For me he is the best audio electronics/devices freelance advisor/consultant for any audio manufacturer. Several manufacturers that you not even imagine were taken " advise /wok " from him.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS, R. |
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