Parasound JC3+ Silver

Overview

The Parasound JC3+ is a reference class phono preamplifier designed by legendary audio engineer John Curl. Built to extract every detail from your vinyl, it supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with a low noise dual mono circuit layout and a heavily shielded, isolated power supply that keeps hum and interference away from the delicate phono signal. This is the limited silver finish version of the JC3+, mechanically and electrically identical to the black model. The silver finish is a limited offering, so availability is subject to stock on hand.

The JC3+ improves on its predecessor with continuously variable moving coil loading on the rear panel, so you can dial in the ideal impedance for your cartridge without opening the chassis. A mono switch, a screw down ground terminal, and premium Vampire gold plated RCA and balanced XLR outputs make it flexible enough to integrate with virtually any high end system while preserving the quiet, natural, and dynamic character John Curl designs are known for.

Housed in a nonmagnetic aluminum and steel chassis, the JC3+ is engineered to be a long term anchor for a serious analog front end. It rewards excellent turntables and cartridges with vivid low level resolution, deep quiet backgrounds, and effortless dynamics.

Key Features

• John Curl designed circuit topology with dual mono layout for maximum channel separation
• Supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
• Continuously variable moving coil loading from 50 to 550 ohms via rear panel knobs, one per channel
• Heavily shielded and isolated R-core power supply to reject noise
• Balanced XLR and single ended RCA outputs for system flexibility
• Mono switch ideal for mono LP playback
• Screw down ground terminal for a quiet turntable connection
• Limited edition silver finish
• Vampire gold plated connectors and nonmagnetic chassis construction
• 12V trigger and auto turn on for seamless system integration

How the JC3+ Compares

Parasound JC3+ vs Parasound XRM

The XRM sits a step below the JC3+ in the Parasound line and offers a more compact, streamlined path to quality vinyl playback. The JC3+ adds the full John Curl dual mono design, wider selectable moving coil loading from the front panel, balanced XLR outputs, and a more elaborate isolated power supply for deeper quiet and greater low level resolution. Choose the XRM for a focused core setup and the JC3+ when you want reference level flexibility and headroom. See the Parasound XRM.

Parasound JC3+ vs Luxman E-250

The Luxman E-250 brings that brand's warm, refined voicing and Japanese build tradition to MM and MC playback. The Parasound JC3+ leans toward a wide open, dynamic, and deeply quiet character shaped by John Curl's dual mono design and extensive loading options. Both are excellent phono stages, so the choice comes down to the tonal character and control layout you prefer. See the Luxman E-250.

Parasound JC3+ vs TEAC PE-505

The TEAC PE-505 is a fully balanced design with extensive front panel adjustment aimed at listeners who want maximum tuning control. The JC3+ shares that flexibility with continuously variable MC loading but is voiced around John Curl's signature natural, effortless presentation. Consider your cartridge collection and how much on the fly adjustment you want when deciding between them. See the TEAC PE-505.

Recommended Turntables and Cartridges

The JC3+ handles both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, and its selectable loading and generous gain make it a superb match for high performance turntables and premium moving coil cartridges.

• Thorens TD 1601 This sub-chassis belt drive deck offers refined isolation and quiet operation that lets the JC3+ show off its deep backgrounds. Its balanced tonearm output pairs naturally with the JC3+ balanced XLR path.
• Luxman PD-151 Mark II A precise, well damped platform that provides a stable foundation for premium moving coil cartridges. It reveals the JC3+ resolution and dynamics without adding coloration.
• MoFi MasterDeck A reference level turntable that scales with the JC3+ ability to extract low level detail. A fitting partner for a serious analog front end.
• Ortofon MC Cadenza Bronze A refined low output moving coil cartridge that benefits from the JC3+ high gain settings and precise rear panel loading. The pairing delivers vivid detail and smooth tonality.
• Audio Technica AT-ART9XI A dual moving coil design with excellent resolution that matches the JC3+ quiet, dynamic character. Its output level pairs well with the selectable MC gain settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the JC3+ support both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges?
Yes. The JC3+ supports both MM and MC cartridges with a front panel selector and appropriate gain settings for each type.

Can I adjust moving coil loading without opening the chassis?
Yes. One of the key improvements in the JC3+ is continuously variable moving coil loading on the rear panel, so you can match your cartridge impedance easily without opening the chassis.

What moving coil loading options are available?
Moving coil loading is continuously variable from 50 to 550 ohms using recessed rear panel knobs, one per channel, plus a fixed 47k ohm setting.

How much gain does the JC3+ provide?
MM gain is 48 dB and MC gain is 64 dB.

Does the JC3+ have balanced outputs?
Yes. It provides both balanced XLR and single ended RCA outputs for flexible system integration.

Who designed the JC3+?
The JC3+ was designed by legendary audio engineer John Curl as part of Parasound's flagship JC series.

Does the JC3+ have a mono switch?
Yes. A mono switch is included, which is ideal for enjoying mono LP pressings.

How do I ground my turntable?
The JC3+ has a screw down ground terminal beside the phono input. Connect your turntable ground wire there to eliminate hum.

What is the RIAA accuracy of the JC3+?
The JC3+ delivers RIAA accuracy of plus or minus 0.2 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

How quiet is the JC3+?
It offers a signal to noise ratio better than 87 dB for MM and better than 87 dB for MC, input shorted and IHF A-weighted.

Why does the JC3+ use a dual mono layout?
The dual mono design maximizes channel separation and helps keep the two channels isolated for a wide, stable soundstage.

Can the JC3+ turn on automatically with my system?
Yes. It includes 12V trigger and auto turn on capability for seamless integration with other components.

What cartridges pair well with the JC3+?
It pairs well with premium moving coil cartridges such as the Ortofon MC Cadenza Bronze and Audio Technica AT-ART9XI, thanks to its adjustable loading and high gain.

Is the JC3+ a good match for high end turntables?
Yes. It scales with reference turntables like the Thorens TD 1601, Luxman PD-151 Mark II, and MoFi MasterDeck to reveal deep detail and dynamics.

How does the JC3+ differ from the Parasound XRM?
The JC3+ adds the full John Curl dual mono design, wider continuously variable MC loading, balanced XLR outputs, and a more elaborate isolated power supply compared to the XRM.

What connectors does the JC3+ use?
It uses premium Vampire gold plated RCA connectors for high quality, low resistance signal contact.

How much does the JC3+ weigh and what are its dimensions?
It weighs 19 lbs and measures 17.25 inches wide, 4.125 inches high, and 13.75 inches deep.

What is the warranty on the JC3+?
Parasound provides a 3 year parts and labor warranty in the USA for JC and Halo series products, with cooling fans, remote controls, and displays covered for 1 year.

Does the JC3+ improve on the original JC3+?
The plus version adds continuously variable MC loading and refinements over the earlier model, giving you greater flexibility to match your cartridge precisely.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Parasound dealer, so your JC3+ arrives brand new with full factory warranty and expert support. We help you match the right turntable and cartridge for your system and back every purchase with knowledgeable service.