John Curl Circuitry, Carl Thompson Board, Vishay-Dale Resistors, Parasound Build Quality, International Acclaim: Ultra-Silent JC 3 Jr. MM/MC Phono Preamplifier Is an Analog Savant

It's impossible to overstate the virtues, integrity, engineering, versatility, and value of the Parasound JC 3 Jr. MM/MC phono preamplifier. It arrives with circuitry designed by audio icon John Curl, responsible for the legendary Vendetta Research phonostage. Curl's longtime collaborator, and a visionary of his own right, Carl Thompson laid out the circuit board. Vishay-Dale resistors in the audio path, aluminum shielding separating the power supply from the audio circuits, a shielded toroidal transformer, and high-speed soft-recovery bridge rectifiers and common mode inductors further speak to the phenomenal build quality and technology invested in JC 3 Jr. But its sound matters most, and trust us – you won't be disappointed.

Dynamic, three-dimensional, refined, spacious, rich, extended, insightful, controlled, harmonious, clear – JC 3 Jr. is all that and more, and boasts the expert testimony to back up the claim. Indeed, the sibling to the flagship JC 3+ stands as one of the most well-reviewed components in the industry. And for good reason. In addition to its sparkling fidelity, the 13-pound overachiever provides exceptional flexibility. Variable MC impedance adjustment of 50-550 ohms accompanies gain select for 40/50/60dB (unbalanced) and 46/56/66dB (balanced). Cartridge options for 47k ohms MM and MC, a mono switch, auto-turn option via 12V trigger, balanced XLR outputs with Neutrik locking connectors, Vampire 24k gold-plated RCA outputs, and a slim, compact chassis further its across-the-board sense of rightness.

RIAA accurate to within 0.2dB, JC 3 Jr. throws inky black backgrounds and operates with stunning quiet. No wonder it has a staggering signal-to-noise ratio up to 94dB and a THD rating of less than 0.02%. Again, we cannot emphasize just how transformative your vinyl LPs will become when you add JC 3 Jr. to your analog chain. To that end, Parasound's generous five-year manufacturer warranty and our 100% Music Direct Satisfaction Guarantee encourage you to find out for yourself with a risk-free in-home audition.

"For the vast majority of vinyl owners, Parasound's JC 3 Jr. will stand the test of time and be a willing partner to cartridge or turntable upgrades that might accrue along the way. Its winning musicality proudly upholds the family name."
—Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound

"A fine job of expressing dynamic power, three-dimensionality, and rich harmonics. The bottom end is solid and well-extended and the preamp's overall tonal balance is refreshingly neutral. It does everything well."
—Michael Fremer, Analog Planet

"Parasound's Halo JC3 Jr. is an unquestionably talented phonostage. Its ability to take a very wide spread of genres and levels of mastering and deliver them all with a consistent and engaging balance of refinement, spaciousness, and overall musicality is a welcome one."
– Ed Selley, Hi-Fi Choice, Recommended review

"Yes, there are some tube rivals that present as dreamier and more romantic, but none cut through to what's in the groove better than this. Put all these aspects together – its insight, control, accurate soundstaging, and fine handling of rhythms – and you have a redoubtable performer."
—Nick Tate, Hi-Fi News, Highly Commended review

"I do not know how John Curl did it, but the Junior clearly bridges the tube/solid-state divide. He endowed the Junior with much of the sophistication I hear from my references. I did not hear a single note that revealed this was a solid-state machine. Add the powerhouse flexibility, and it is out of this world!"
—Robert Levi, Positive Feedback

"John Curl designed the Parasound JC 3 Jr. at a caliber that allows listeners to concentrate on the music. Simply excellent, neutral and transparent, without any background noise. Dynamic, harmonious, completely articulated, and very well balanced."
—LP (Germany)

"With the JC3 Jr, you are going to hear everything the recording engineer has captured in the groove, and nothing more. The sound of the Parasound JC 3 Jr is breathtakingly beautiful."
—Australian HiFi

"Excellent meticulous sound and super analytical prowess. 'Value' is well-deserved. Its retail price immediately makes it a 'killer product.'"
—HiFi Review (Hong Kong)

"Excellent performance. Only when it is absent, do you know how much this John Curl designed little brother to the JC 3+ was doing for your system. The Parasound JC 3 Jr. phono preamplifier is a real-world bargain!"
—Enjoy the Music

"Parasound is making you an offer you can almost not refuse. For this phono stage to be so transformative makes me want to explore what more is indeed possible, what more can be extracted in the analog process."
—David Blummentstein, Dagogo

"The JC 3 Jr. can best be described as a Goldilocks phono preamp – just right in about every dimension. All of the characteristics we look for in music reproduction come together in a convincing musical picture."
—AudioFi (Malaysia)