Gerryn,

I am no vinyl expert, but I think going with the JC-2 first might yield the best initial "bang" in terms of SQ. You can always add the JC-3 later when your budget allows. Clearly, a number of factors are involved in such a decision. I think a line preamplifier is the foundation and it needs to be laid first...then you'll be better able to hear the differences between one phono preamp and another. The GCPH is a fine phono, but I suspect you'll better appreciate the JC-3 when it's run with the JC-2. Others with direct experience will obviously know best.

vhiner September 22, 2013 06:37

Gerryn,

I'm gonna go way, way out here on a limb and bet you five bucks that adding a preamplifier like the JC-3 will utterly surprise you. I have used the "preamp" portion of a number of very high quality DACs and I don't think there's one made that stacks up to a high quality seperate preamp.

I don't know if you're aware that Paul McGowan is a recent convert to the "preamplifier is better" camp. And given his years of touting "direct to amp" DACs, a considerable amount of crow was served. Of course, Paul's a true gentleman and conceded the point.

I'm a big fan of matching an amp with a preamp by the same manufacturer, but I'd suggest trying a tube preamplifier if you get the chance to compare. Those JC-1's are amazing and a good preamp will being out their best, IMHO.

vhiner September 12, 2013 23:20

Looks fantastic. I agree that you might consider widening the space
between speakers, but you probably have them arranged that way for
aesthetics or WAF. Looks like a lot of thought went into the assembly of the
components. Nice work.

vhiner August 30, 2013 22:50