Parasound JC 3+ Phono Preamp - Dual Mono Design

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General:
The Parasound Halo JC3+ is the best Phono preamp that Parasound has to offer. It features a discrete input stage and dual mono design to increase channel separation.

Best yet it has infinity variable Input loading on each channel independently for incredible control, these controls are easily changed on the back. 

Another worthy mention is that since this is a standard component size, it is easily stackable in any system. Some phono preamps are odd sizes making this impossible. 

Included with this particular unit will be its original owners manual.

From Parasound:
The Halo JC3+ phono preamplifier is the pinnacle of phono preamplification, offering exceptional performance and versatility. With its discrete Class A input stage, it ensures the highest level of audio quality for your vinyl records. The dual-mono design enhances channel separation and accuracy. The balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs provide flexibility in connecting turntables. The precision RIAA equalization ensures accurate playback of vinyl recordings. The phono preamplifier supports both MM and MC cartridges, catering to a wide range of vinyl enthusiasts. Experience phono preamplification at its best with the Halo JC3+.
- Phono preamplifier
- Discrete Class A input stage
- Dual-mono design
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
- Precision RIAA equalization
- MM/MC cartridge compatibility

How the JC3+ improves on the original JC3:
- Variable MC load adjust independent for each channel from 50-550 ohms with dual gang potentiometers specially made for Parasound by Vishay.
- Curl-Thompson tweaked circuits to further reduce the JC 3 silent background noise.
- 24k gold plated copper traces on phono module boards for utmost conductivity and most transparency/detail in the music.
- 47% larger low ESR power supply filter caps greater reserve for head-snapping dynamics.
- Ability to turn off illumination of the front panel P logo.
The JC3+ is no longer sold new in Silver

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Very minimal signs of wear from scratches. Great condition overall.

Ownership:
Second Owner

Connections:
XLR, RCA, IEC power, Ground, 12V trigger

General Sound:
Accurate to the recording

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, manual, and power cord.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Original MSRP:
$2,849.00

Specs:
Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/- 0.2 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion
< 0.01% at 1 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio, MM
\> 87 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
\> 78 dB, input shorted, unweighted
Signal to Noise Ratio, MC
\> 87 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
\> 67 dB, input shorted, unweighted
Interchannel Crosstalk
72 dB at 1 kHz
Input Impedance
MM: 47k Ω
MC: 50 - 550 Ω variable, 47k Ω fixed
Output Impedance
Unbalanced: < 100 Ω
Balanced: < 100 Ω per leg
Input Capacitance
150 pF
Input Sensitivity at 1 kHz
MM: 4mV for 1 V output
MC: 600µV for 1 V output
Total Gain
MM: 48 dB
MC: 64 dB
XLR Pin Identification
1 = Ground (Shield)
2 = Positive
3 = Negative (Return)
AC Power Requirement
Standby: 1 watt
Power On: 12 watts
115 or 230 VAC 50 - 60 Hz
(Selected on Chassis Bottom)

Dimensions:
Width: 17-1/4" (437mm)
Depth: 13-3/4" (350mm)
Height, with feet: 4-1/8" (105mm)
Height, without feet: 3-1/2" (89mm)

Weight:
19 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface.

The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected.

If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.