[Escott1377]

I am considering a new phono stage for the New Year.

I currently own the Manley Chinook and jump between a quad 7DJ8 Tele's and a quad of gold pinned Mullard 6922's.

I am considering dumping the tube stage and going to solid state.  Specifically I am considering the Parasound JC3 unit.

Does anyone have experience with the Parasound or could recommend something in sub 2500 range (solid state only)?

It will be paired with a Soundsmith Voice and VPI 1 Classic.

Thanks in advance.

[Minn Mark]

Read the review of the AVA Vision in the latest The Absolute Sound(issue #260 pg 84; 2016) . Also, look for user reviews here at AC AVA Circle ,including mine (see http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=137637.0).  I'm using an in-board (in my AVA preamp) Vision phono with a VPI Classic I and Sumiko Blackbird.  I've considered Parasound (JC3+) and Musical Surroundings (Nova) pre-amps; no need to spend anywhere near that.  AVA offers 30 day money back trial so there's no reason not to try this silly good phono pre (MM/MC) for $499.

Cheers,

Mark

[twitch54]

the JC3 is an excellent choice IMO and if you source a sweet deal on a used piece what's not to love !

[RPM123]

Channel D Seta Piccola Mk2 Phono Preamplifier

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1215/Channel_D_Seta_Piccola_Mk2_Phono_Preamplifier_Review.htm

[mav52]

I have a Classic 1 using a Soundsmith Viper. I'm interested in what you decide on. I've been looking at the Musical Surroundings Nova II Phono, Allnic H1200 and for a tube option the Manley Chinook . I'm using a Sound smith MCPC

[neobop]

In the price range Liberty gets a lot of love.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/liberty-audio-b2b-1-phono-preamplifier#6QfR8UyAr77kfrvY.97

neo

[ACHiPo]

In the price range Liberty gets a lot of love.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/liberty-audio-b2b-1-phono-preamplifier#6QfR8UyAr77kfrvY.97

neo

I'd forgotten about the Liberty--it looks like that might suit my needs for a balanced and single-ended input and balanced output.

In addition to the Supernova II, I came across the XR-10B from Ray Samuels that looks interesting, and there are a couple kicking around the interweb in the $2k range:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0905/raysamuelsemmelinexr10b.htm

[ACHiPo]

Channel D Seta Piccola Mk2 Phono Preamplifier

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1215/Channel_D_Seta_Piccola_Mk2_Phono_Preamplifier_Review.htm

I like the xlr in/out, but does the "flat" vs. "RIAA" mean the XLR is not really a phono pre, in which case what's the point?

[Escott1377]

Anyone familiar with this option?

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/lehmannaudio-decade-phonostage/

Seems to compare well against the Parasound and saves some $$'s.

[jtsnead]

Look at the LKV, a little above your budget. Look at the interior photos they show how they are built and compare to other models

[Escott1377]

My budget is a "hard" $2,400.

I am selling a couple of pieces and the wife will not allow any new funds into this project.

[emorrisiv]

Why would you want to go solid state?

Have you considered going with a mm phono stage and a first class SUT and a low output moving coil?

More bang for the buck.

[ACHiPo]

Well I just voted with my wallet--I ordered an NIB Ray Samuels XR-10B phono stage from Ray's son for $2500 including shipping.

Wish me luck!

Escott, I sent you a link to the listing.