Parasound
Parasound JC3 Jr. Phono Preamplifier
Best phono preamp for audiophiles seeking versatile, high-fidelity vinyl playback.
Discover exceptional vinyl playback with the Parasound JC 3 Jr. Phono Preamplifier, a masterpiece from legendary John Curl. This unit offers remarkable versatility, supporting both MM and MC cartridges with adjustable MC impedance and multiple gain settings. Experience pristine audio with its premium components and robust shielding. Featuring balanced and unbalanced outputs, a convenient mono switch, and 12V trigger functionality, the JC 3 Jr. provides a sophisticated and accessible solution for audiophiles seeking to optimize their analog sound.
$1019.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
133
/ 466
#133 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-85%
Below average
Circuitry Type
Solid State
/ Solid State
Who it's for
- Critical listeners seeking high-fidelity transparency and detail
- Vinyl collectors using diverse moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
- Budget-conscious audiophiles demanding high-end performance without the premium price
Who should skip it
- Tweak-heavy users who frequently swap cartridges or adjust settings
- Purists concerned about potential noise from external power supplies
- Owners of ultra-low output moving coil cartridges needing extra gain
Performance breakdown
Cartridge Versatility
Adjustable impedance and gain settings accommodate a vast range of cartridges.
Signal Integrity
John Curl's circuit design ensures exceptionally low noise and distortion levels.
Connectivity Options
Balanced XLR outputs provide professional-grade noise rejection for high-end systems.
Build Quality
Robust shielding and premium components offer a refined, durable audio foundation.
Operational Convenience
The dedicated mono switch and 12V trigger simplify daily vinyl playback.
Frequency Accuracy
Tight RIAA equalization ensures faithful reproduction across the entire audible spectrum.
Key Specs
Circuitry Type
Solid State
Output Connection Types
RCA, XLR Balanced
Input Impedance
MM or MI: 47k Ω, MC Variable: 50- 550 Ω
Equalization Curve Support
RIAA
Signal to Noise Ratio
> 94dB (IHF A-weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion
< 0.02%
Subsonic Filter
No
Headphone Output
No
Features
- Designed by legendary John Curl
- Supports MM and MC cartridges
- Adjustable MC impedance
- Multiple selectable gain settings
- Balanced and unbalanced outputs
- Mono switch for vinyl playback
- 12V trigger for automation
- Premium internal components
What customers say
The Parasound JC3 Jr. Phono Preamplifier earns high praise for its exceptional sonic performance and value. Users consistently highlight the expansive, detailed soundstage and remarkably low noise floor, which reveals subtle musical nuances critical for vinyl listening. Its flexibility, featuring switchable MM and MC inputs with adjustable loading, makes it highly adaptable to various cartridges. Many audiophiles consider this unit a sweet spot component, delivering performance that rivals much more expensive phono stages. The robust build quality further reinforces its status as a durable, reference grade piece of equipment. Overall sentiment reflects profound satisfaction, viewing the JC3 Jr. as an endgame upgrade that significantly elevates the listening experience.
Know before you buy
Yes, the unit is fully compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. You can easily adjust the settings to match the specific requirements of your cartridge.
Adjustable impedance allows you to fine-tune the electrical loading of your Moving Coil cartridge. This ensures the best possible frequency response and tonal balance for your specific setup.
No, the JC 3 Jr. does not include a built-in subsonic filter. It is designed to provide a clean, direct signal path for the most accurate RIAA equalization.
The mono switch is ideal for playing back vintage mono records or modern mono reissues. It combines the left and right channels to reduce surface noise and improve the focus of the audio image.
Yes, the JC 3 Jr. features both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs. Using the balanced XLR outputs can help reduce noise and interference, especially if you are running longer cable lengths to your amplifier.
The 12V trigger allows the JC 3 Jr. to automatically power on or off in sync with your other compatible components. It is a convenient way to manage your system's power without needing to manually toggle each device.
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