I had a ZP3 but sold it some years ago as I was not playing LPs that much. I bought a PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter as it had balanced outputs and I enjoyed that with my ZTPRE. Then I decided to try converting the phono signal to DSD and running it via I2S/HDMI into my PS Audio DSD DAC as I can do that with the NuWave. . . and I confess I really love the sound.

The ZP3 is a great phono preamp. I found myself continually playing with tube complements and that added a level of complexity that was in part responsible for my not playing a lot of LPs. If I had a better turntable I'd probably get on the list for another ZP3. . . but that won't happen for a while if it does at all.

I think this is a great question. I have never heard a ZP3, so cannot tell you how a SS phono stage compares. As with most things, I think design and implementation is key. I have a ZP1 and Wright WPP100 for tube phono stages. They both sound great. The Wright is a warmer and has adjustable gain up to 60db, but it has some inherent tube rush and hum. The ZP1 is silent unless music is playing. I throughly enjoy both.

For SS phono stages I have the one built in to my Accuphase E-303, which is excellent and includes a head amp for MC carts. It is discrete SS and accurate to =/- 0.1 db. It sounds great. I haven't been able to play it next to the tube pre's as I am still in the process of PCSing.

Lastly, I have a Graham Slee Jazz Club. This uses an op-amp, which I am not a fan of in general, but Graham is known for his ingenious implementation in this case. The power supply is a big part of the great sound. I have used this extensively with my MT and it sounds fantastic. Also has capacity to customize the curve for older EQ that differs from RIAA, which is why I bought it.

In general, I would say SS pre's lose some warmth compared to tubes. In some cases, they can be more accurate. When well implemented, they can sound great. If I didn't have a ZP1 and Wright WPP100, I would buy a ZP3, though. I don't think I would be satisfied with only SS pre's.

I've been looking at this SS phono stage to pair with my new Decware amp. Does anyone have any knowledge of Darlington Labs ?
Reviews look positive.

https://www.darlingtonlabs.com/shop/p/mp-7-discrete-high-voltage-j-fet-riaa-phon...

I haven't heard either of those, but I've read many positive things about the Kitsune. If you're jumping into the US$2K range, you've greatly increased your choices, and you'll get lots of different recommendations. Since it's nearly impossible to audition specific pieces, I buy used and resell the ones I don't like. In the long run, it's cheaper than buying new and having to take big hit if it doesn't work out.

I think i'm going to keep it simple and get the TOTL Darlington Labs MP-7....
Fully-Discrete, Zero Negative Feedback, High-Voltage J-FET, Single-Ended Class-A Gain Stages, Passive RIAA equalization.
They also seem to be really good people to work with.
Should be a good match with my new Decware amp when it arrives.

I’m using a Pass Pearl II with my zkit. Easily the best I’ve heard for the $, which only means there are probably better phono stages I’ve never heard.  The Pearl is an easy build but the FETs are getting hard to come by.

It’s an exquisite phono stage. I like that by changing R20 you can use any cartridge or drive your input as much/little as you like. For this reason it works well ahead of tubes.