Phono stage help

I have an 834P and a friend has the JC3. Both are great phono preamps; both of us use Lyra cartridges, me an Argo i, he a Kleos. I love the warmth and midrange afforded by tubes and I recently retubed it with the current version Genalex 12ax7s. His system is an all Parasound JC1, JC2, JC3 set up and the tightness of the bass response is exceptional. You can't go wrong with either phono stage, it's simply a matter of what you're trying to achieve sonically.

The GCPH's power supply already has fairly fast recovery diodes, from the factory. It responds very well, to the addition of HI-FI Tuning's Supreme fuse and an upgraded PC. I've always recommended the Zu Mother, but- they have been discontinued, and are nearly impossible to find used(don't know if the 'Event' is as good). Any of Synergistic Research's better PCs will provide an obvious performance gain, over the stock cord. Don't skimp there and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Two tweaks that can easily be reversed, should you decide not to keep the unit.

Rodman, sounds reasonable. So you don't think that the Westwood upgrade is worth it then? I guess what I am trying to determine is if I should keep my GFP. If I keep the GCPH, would you agree that I do not need it? Does it add something, is there a reason that I should keep it if I decide to keep my GCPH?

Largely; the answer(re: the GFP) would depend on the output of your cartridge. There is only so much gain available(60/66dB), with the GCPH. If you are using a very low output moving coil; there may not be enough voltage, at the GCPH's output, to drive your power amp to satisfying levels. If you already own the power amp that you intend to use: give it a try now.