Parasound JC 3+ Phono Preamplifier - Black

The Phono Stage John Curl Built

The Parasound Halo JC 3+ is a phono stage for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, designed by John Curl. It is a full update of the first JC 3, inside and out. It sits above the more compact JC 3 Jr in Parasound's current lineup.

The biggest change from the original JC 3 is variable moving coil loading. The first JC 3 offered little adjustment. The JC 3+ adds continuously variable loading. It also adds a refined gain stage, a beefier power supply, and a larger power transformer.

There are balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA sockets, on the inputs and the outputs. Neutrik XLR plugs and gold-plated Vampire RCA jacks are used all through, a detail serious cable-swappers will appreciate.

Gain That Is Set, Loading That Is Not

Moving magnet gain is fixed at 48dB, with a fixed 47 kOhm input impedance. Moving coil gain is fixed at 64dB. Its loading is continuously variable from 50 to 550 ohms, or switchable to a fixed 47 kOhm setting for high-output MC cartridges.

Input capacitance is fixed at 150pF, which suits most moving magnet cartridges without further thought. RIAA accuracy is held within ±0.2dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, so the curve cut into the record comes back out as it went in.

Signal-to-noise exceeds 87dB A-weighted on both MM and MC. Distortion stays under 0.01% at 1kHz, and crosstalk better than 72dB at the same frequency. On a signal measured in thousandths of a volt, the noise floor is the whole game.

It measures 17.25 by 13.75 by 4.13 inches and weighs 19 pounds. Power draw is 12 watts running and one watt in standby, so it can be left switched on without thinking about it.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Neil Gader reviewed the JC 3+ for The Absolute Sound in August 2014. He found that "backgrounds are still eerily quiet, instrumental colors ripe, and channel separation exquisite." The "+" update, he wrote, "kicked low-level transparency up a notch." It brought "a heightened resolution of dynamic gradients."

Michael Lavorgna reviewed it for Twittering Machines in April 2023. He described how "sounds emerged from silence to peak and back down again with silky precision." The JC 3+, he added, "completely steps aside and lets the music flow."

Who Is This Preamp Best For?

• You are building at the top of the range. John Curl's circuit design and low noise floor aim at serious analog performance.
• Your moving coil cartridge asks for an exact load. Continuously variable MC loading, not just fixed steps, dials in an exact match.
• You run balanced cables. Both balanced and unbalanced connections are included on the inputs and outputs.
• Reviewers have already put it to work. Named writers at well-known titles praised how quiet it is, and how much it lets you hear.
• You are feeding a balanced preamplifier — the JC 3+ runs balanced in and balanced out, so the turntable stays balanced all the way through. On RCA alone that advantage goes unused. Our interconnect cables include XLR pairs cut for the run.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run your turntable's cable into the JC 3+'s RCA or XLR input, matched to your tonearm's cable. Connect its RCA or XLR output to your preamp the same way.

Dial in the moving coil loading control to match your cartridge. Give the unit time to warm up before critical listening sessions.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Parasound JC 3+:

• Turntables with a high-performance tonearm and cartridge
• Moving coil phono cartridges matched to its variable loading
• Preamplifiers with balanced XLR inputs
• Interconnect cables, balanced or unbalanced, to connect its outputs

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the original JC 3?

The original JC 3 offered little loading adjustment. The JC 3+ adds continuously variable MC loading, a refined gain stage, and a stronger power supply and transformer.

How does this compare to the JC 3 Jr?

The JC 3 Jr is a more compact, more affordable model in Parasound's lineup. The JC 3+ is the larger, full-featured flagship version.

Can I use balanced XLR connections with this preamp?

Yes. Balanced XLR inputs and outputs are included, alongside unbalanced RCA connections.

What's the warranty?

Parasound covers the JC 3+ with a five-year warranty on parts and labor, for the original purchaser when bought from an authorized US dealer.

How do I set the moving coil loading?

It is continuously variable, from a dial rather than a bank of switches. You can set the exact figure your cartridge maker asks for, not the nearest step.

See It in Action

Mad Audio reviews the JC 3+ in a working system:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about matching a phono preamp to your cartridge, balanced connections, or getting the most from your vinyl collection? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.