02-03-12: Sirotseta
Sutherlands are neutral and very good at their price points.
Heard good things about the Parasound JC-3 but its engine is based on OpAmps (although carefully selected by John Curl) so I'm not sure about its long term value. So are the ASR mini basis exclusive, which I had and sold. It is perfect sounding but somehow a bit "flat"
Well the Sutherland 20/20 also uses opamps and is priced about the same as the JC3.
FWIW, in the latest followup test of the JC3 in Stereophile, the reviewer compared it to John Curl's highly regarded (and quite expensive in its day) discrete component 'Vendetta' phono stage - and found the differences quite small.
I have no stake in either component, nor have I heard them....just wouldn't write off the JC3 based on its use of opamps - it's construction quality 'looks' superb.