Phonostage recommendations under $3K


Folks,

I am looking to step up from my current Parasound ZPhono XRM (still under 60 days audition trial). To be honest, I am quite pleased with its performance, feature set and flexibility. I mean what else you can expect from a $600 phono. While I enjoyed listening to vinyl through XRM, I feel there is room for improvement and XRM may be the weakest link in my vinyl setup. And since XRM is the only phono I’ve experienced in my setup, I don’t have quite have a reference point. So what else should I be considering under $3K?

I prefer a relaxed and slightly warm sound since I mostly listen to jazz genre.

I started to put together a list list based on sound quality and flexibility with gain and impedance settings.

Parasound JC 3+ Phono Pre
Allnic H-1202
Leben RS30 EQ (requires a SUT for MC Cart)

I hear high praises on Herron VTPH-2A but it’s bit more than I would like to spend at this time.

My current vinyl setup, Thorens TD1601, ZPhono XRM, Hana ML (low output - 0.4mv), Accuphase E-650 and Tannoy Canterbury’s.

I would really appreciate some recommendations based on your personal experiences. Thank you!
128x128lalitk
I would add Hagerman Audio Labs.
https://www.haglabs.com/
https://www.haglabs.com/collections/phono-preamps
10 year warranty, 30-day trial. Small US company (Hawaii).
You may be pleasantly surprised. I was.
OK whatever millerdude, you can continue your wordy battle of semantics with someone else now. The VAC literally blows the Herron away. Better? And I’ll repeat the endorsement for Hagerman.
@mulveling 

The "$10K performance for $3K" theme is go-to rhetoric MC uses when referring to the Herron in numerous threads.  I can both read and comprehend.  Anyone can.

https://i.postimg.cc/5yhVmT8r/10KBS.jpg
+1, three_easy_payments. 
@mulveling,

I would ignore mc and his usual  "$10K performance for $3K" talk. In his world, any and everything he owns represents over the top high value 😂

Thanks for your post and recommendation on VAC and Hagerman. 
Its okay. I'd be butthurt too if I'd had to resort to calling anyone "dude".