External phono stage for Luxman 509x

JC3+ no way. 

I’m confused by your answer. Are you saying “no way” it’s better than Luxman stage or “no way” go with a Jc? Sorry I’m not understanding your reply. 

Sorry saying DON'T do a JC3+ nothing special IMO. Now a Gold Note PH-10 sounds great and VERY versatile.

Pass Labs XP-15 or XP-17 more

versatile and quieter than the JC 3+.

I recommend as good a Audio Research phono stage as you can afford. They are world class. I futzed around with other brands and was very disappointed for over ten years, then I found ARC, the last 40 years I have had ARC. Natural, detailed and musical. Buy used to improve your buying power. Spend twice as much as you think necessary and you will be rewarded. It is far up the signal path and requires excellence to bring out the magic from your vinyl. 

I probably should not have mentioned the Parasound unit. I just know it’s highly regarded at its price point so I used it as an example. I’m really not looking for what’s better than a Parasound jc3+. My point in posting was to find out what everyone thought of the phono stage in the Luxman. And what I would have to purchase to best it. 

I'd go with the Luxman all alone for now.  Honestly.  Try it.  After you get it the phono stage is probably not going to be the most important upgrade on your plate.

What should be considered the most important upgrade on my plate before a phono stage?

I heard the Luxman for a number of hours and it was very good. I’d have to add a $2k+ tube phono stage with NOS Telefunkens to beat it. It’s very detailed and nuanced if only a tiny bit dry and less dimensional than glass amps. Enjoy it.

Finally a dude that has heard it ! Yes.

wait until you hear it.

my Luxman SQ-N150 in my office, built-in phono sounds great, I never think of something else.

ANY phono, get return option, it’s always a mystery.

I have the L-509x and have run a Hana SH (HOMC) thru the MM input and now run an Audio Technica AT33SA (LOMC) thru the MC input.

Both sound fantastic!  John Atkinson's measurements in the Stereophile review of the L-509x get good marks.

The only reason I'd consider an external phono would be for flexibility in loading options.  But, pick the right cartridge and just spin the LPs and enjoy the music!