Parasound Halo JC 3+ Phono Preamplifier

Rediscover Vinyl with Precision and Clarity

The Parasound JC3+ extracts every drop of warmth, detail, and emotion from your records—so your favorite albums sound alive and full of feeling.

Designed by legendary audio engineer John Curl, it features a dual-mono, all-analog architecture for ultra-low noise and stunning musicality. With support for both MM and MC cartridges (adjustable loading), and balanced XLR plus gold-plated RCA outputs, the JC 3+ integrates seamlessly into high-end analog systems.

Praised by audiophiles and reviewers alike:

• “Neutral and transparent—just pure music.”
• “Quiet enough to disappear; all I hear is the record.”

Winner of The Absolute Sound’s Golden Ear Award (2025) plus:

• Stereophile Recommended Components (2024 & 2025)
• AVTech Media Awards “Best Phono Stage” (2015/16)
• StereoTimes “Most Wanted Components” (2015)
• Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity “Best of 2015”

Specifications: 

Frequency Response
20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/- 0.2 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion
< 0.01% at 1 kHz

Signal to Noise Ratio, MM
> 87 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 78 dB, input shorted, unweighted

Signal to Noise Ratio, MC
> 87 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 67 dB, input shorted, unweighted

Interchannel Crosstalk
72 dB at 1 kHz

Input Impedance
MM: 47k Ω
MC: 50 - 550 Ω variable, 47k Ω fixed

Output Impedance
Unbalanced: < 100 Ω
Balanced: < 100 Ω per leg

Input Capacitance
150 pF

Input Sensitivity at 1 kHz
MM: 4mV for 1 V output
MC: 600µV for 1 V output

Total Gain
MM: 48 dB
MC: 64 dB

XLR Pin Identification
1 = Ground (Shield)
2 = Positive
3 = Negative (Return)

AC Power Requirement
Standby: 1 watt
Power On: 12 watts
115 or 230 VAC 50 - 60 Hz
(Selected on Chassis Bottom)

Dimensions
Width: 17-1/4" (437mm)
Depth: 13-3/4" (350mm)
Height, with feet: 4-1/8" (105mm)
Height, without feet: 3-1/2" (89mm)

Weight
Net: 19 lbs. (8.6 Kg)
Shipping: 26 lbs. (11.8 Kg)

Rack Mount Accessory
HRA 2 (may be purchased separately)