[prepress]

Originally Posted by prepress

It just got worse. Having hung around an AA phono preamp thread, I have downloaded manuals for the following, and will look into them more as I begin preliminary research:

Luxman E-250
McIntosh MP100
Sutherland 20/20 w/LPS power supply
Sutherland Insight
Parasound JC3+
Parasound JC3 Jr
Musical Surroundings Nova III
Rega Aria Mk III

The question is which would be a reasonable improvement over the 2300, but not disproportionally so compared to the rest of the system. The MP100 was "a slight improvement in sound quality and features" according to McIntosh; "slight" may not be enough. The JC3+ is a full-size unit, which could mean placement/space issues. We'll see if I go this route rather than the SweetVinyl SC-1 or 2, or my original thought of an IC upgrade. All three aren't happening. I'm close to engaging a lawyer, and need a new mattress too. But since I'm the slow, methodical type, those other issues might be resolved by the time a choice is made regarding the audio upgrade possibilities.

I haven't been on the forum much for a while, but to update the last post, the list is narrowed down to The JC 3+ (funds permitting), the JC 3 Jr., and the Musical Surroundings Nova III; I may add the EAT E-Glo Petit (tubes!). I see the two Parasounds have gone up in price. My concern with the JC 3+ is whether it's on a different level than the rest of my equipment. Will it sound way better than my MCD500? That would be an imbalance in the system.

One thing that I haven't explored fully is the settings on my C2300's phono section. I should play with them even as I do a deeper dive into the reduced list; admittedly, I have NOT been playing records much at all, and none since early July. I still have other things to do so money may come into play, but I want to be as sure as I can on this. More research, here I come.