{"product_id":"parasound-jc3-jr-phono-preamp-slim-and-high-performance","title":"Parasound JC3 Jr. Phono Preamp - Compact and High Performance","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Parasound JC3 Jr. is an incredibly capable phono preamplifier. Inside its slim chassis is just about everything you could want from a high-end phono stage. Designed by renowned engineer John Curl, its circuitry shares much of the DNA of the more expensive JC3+.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStandout features include balanced XLR outputs for connecting to a balanced preamp or integrated amplifier, as well as variable moving-coil (MC) cartridge loading via an easy-to-adjust rear-panel dial. It also supports 12V trigger input\/output, making it especially convenient to integrate into an existing system. Gain is selectable between 40, 50, and 60 dB with the flip of a switch, making it an excellent match for both moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlso worth mentioning is the JC3 Jr.'s standard full-width component size. Unlike many phono preamps with compact or unconventional chassis dimensions, it stacks neatly with other audio components, making it an easy addition to virtually any equipment rack.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn our testing, we were especially impressed by its exceptionally low noise floor. As an added bonus, we professionally repainted the top cover, and the finish now looks excellent. The JC3 Jr. represents an outstanding price-to-performance value in a market crowded with phono preamps.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIncluded with the preamp is its original factory box to ensure safe and secure transit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkyFi Cosmetic Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGreat condition overall with only minor signs of wear on the faceplate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOwnership:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSingle Owner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eConnections:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRCA, XLR, IEC Power, Ground terminal\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral Sound:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCosmetic Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e7\/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWorking Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorking perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnit and box\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePacking:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginal Manufacturers Packing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReviews:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstagehifi.com\/index.php\/equipment-reviews\/1137-parasound-halo-jc3-jr-phono-stage\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOriginal MSRP:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e$1,449.00\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecs:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParasound JC3 Jr. Phono Preamplifier – Specs\u003cbr\u003e- Type: MM \/ MC phono preamplifier\u003cbr\u003e- Designer: John Curl\u003cbr\u003e- Cartridge Support: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC)\u003cbr\u003e- Gain Settings: 40 dB \/ 50 dB \/ 60 dB\u003cbr\u003e- MC Input Loading: Adjustable 50Ω–550Ω\u003cbr\u003e- MM Input Impedance: 47kΩ\u003cbr\u003e- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+0 \/ -1 dB)\u003cbr\u003e- THD: \u0026lt;0.01%\u003cbr\u003e- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: \u0026gt;80 dB (MM), \u0026gt;75 dB (MC)\u003cbr\u003e- RIAA Accuracy: ±0.2 dB\u003cbr\u003e- Inputs: Stereo RCA\u003cbr\u003e- Outputs: RCA and balanced XLR\u003cbr\u003e- 12V Trigger: Yes\u003cbr\u003e- Mono Switch: Yes\u003cbr\u003e- Power Supply: Shielded toroidal transformer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e17\" W × 4\" H × 13.5\" D\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e13 lbs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eApproximate Age:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2017\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLink to Manual:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0763\/0864\/4159\/files\/jc3jr-manual.pdf?v=1720884209\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended Cables:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-hero-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-silver-streak-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - TAK-CU - New Speciality Series Tonearm Cable, New - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-tak-cu-phono-cable-with-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Phono Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-hero-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-summit-series-silver-streak-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-pk14-pk-14-ascent-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-pk10-pk-10-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTesting Process:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Parasound","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48561027547390,"sku":"107884","price":901.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/3275\/9084\/files\/uUKbsU3s0Lz43KYBETmoAJmiP8MmD4CPpHFwcubK7Sg.jpg?v=1783616490","url":"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/en-gb\/products\/parasound-jc3-jr-phono-preamp-slim-and-high-performance","provider":"SkyFi Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}