Vhiner: Really appreciate your comments. I read Paul McGowan's recent posts about adding an Aesthetix preamp to the mix and how much he (as you said) went from the direct to amp to "preamp is better" camp. This is what really got me going and thinking about this.....
I am trying to decide whether to first upgrade the phono preamp from the PS Audio GCPH to the Parasound JC-3 or add a separate line stage preamp like the JC-2. I am lending to both being Parasound JC's because of your comments above about using same as amp manufacturer and them both being a great "bang for the buck". Would love to look a tubes, but I like the value of the Parasound too.
Any thoughts on which one to buy first? thanks for your interest and help,