parasound jc5 stereophile

The Krell Dou 125 ibias amplifier is a better amplifier, and it sells for $5500. The other is to buy it from Audio Advisor (or similar dealer) with a 30-day no-hassle return privilege. One way is to get the dealer to loan it to you for a week or at least 2 days. My question is this: Wanting to chase having a great sounding system (I already think it’s pretty nice), would I get anything out of adding a Parasound JC 5 as amp and using the NAD as essentially an expensive preamp? I mostly stream jazz and R&B using Tidal. It is the Schitt Freya preamp. Is it a waste of the NAD M32, which I think is a nice piece of equipment. Or would it? Even when connected to my new Denon X6700h 2020 AVR, the sound was very pleasing for 2 channel music. "Doing so has proved that extremely high performance-per-dollar is still possible today when a company leverages decades of experience, and is spearheaded by a legend." Parasound's new $2995 JC3+ is a significantly upgraded version of the already high performance original JC3 phono preamplifier, though outwardly it looks identical to the handsome original. I suggest that you buy the Vincent amp and try it. Putting a new system together. Within a particular price range I think Parasound is great. I have been reading about monoblocks and watching quite a few of the videos done by Paul McGowan of PS Audio. Designed by John Curl, Parasound say âthe Halo JC5 distils the essence of the top-of-the-line Halo JC 1 monoblock power amplifiers into a single chassisâ. Truly an excellent amp! Parasound has established close and long-term relationships, some spanning more than three decades, with contract manufacturers in Taiwan, which are responsible for the manufacturing. Parasound has nothing to hide here as these are real numbers supported by A21+'s capability of delivering 60 amperes of current per channel, the ability to deliver this power through the amplifier's full band-width, and a low <0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) when driving the full audio band (20Hz - 20kHz) at rated power. I think that the JC5 would be an improvement, but there are other options you might consider that would sound better, and possibly for less money. Would the sound improvement be noticeable or minor? Came to market to compete and better the original JC1 monos (stereophile class A rated for longest time) performance in 1 box. I am now contemplating to get the Parasound JC5 which would have 12 W of Class A. I read that the amp is fast, my goal is to enjoy good dynamics at low volumes, A21+ did do that to an extent but it was lacking something, I hear you all again , probably a pre_amp would have made that combo nicer, may be it would have.. Why did Parasound discontinue the Halo JC-1 monoblocks? While I don’t have space for monoblocks, the JC 5 seems a better way to get at separate components and maybe better sound. So the local dealer set up a demo for me. If not, ship it back for a refund. Mint condition Parasound JC5 Stereo Amplifier in Black finish. (Though these impedances are higher than specified, they include the series impedance of 6' of spaced-pair loudspeaker cable, which I â¦ While the JC 1 driver was a single-stage circuit, for the JC 1+, John Curl designed a two-stage, cascode driver that would have some of the favorable attributes of vacuum tubes. While the ultimate 5-star review is a happy customer, weâre glad we please the critics, too. Even when connected to my new Denon X6700h 2020 AVR, the sound was very pleasing for 2 channel music. But you have to buy a separate preamp and DAC from what I can tell. Speakers are PSB T3 Imagine Towers (love these) and.a Rega P3 that I have upgraded with the GrooveTracer platter and TT PSU and belt so that it is basically a P6. I had several friends along and we all agreed it made a noticeable difference. But Rf7III thrilled me with its dynamics. Released as a cut-down version of the more expensive JC3+, Paul Rigby reviews the Parasound JC3 Jr phono amplifier A few years back, I reviewed Parasoundâs JC3+ phono amplifier, a dual mono design that was noted for its particular internal layout. ALL B-stock items are all professionally inspected by Parasound technicians and, most importantly, ALL B-Stock products contain the exact same FULL Parasound manufacturerâs warranty. Parasoundâs Halo JC 5 distills the essence of two Halo JC 1 monoblocks into a single-chassis stereo amp with outstanding sound quality, power, and value. The new Denon comes with a special Pre-Amp mode, where you can switch of the power amp board in the receiver when using an external amplifier which helps to reduce the over all signal noise. Pre/Power Amplifiers Parasound Halo JC5 power amplifier Lab Report Although the JC5 is a 'power amplifier', its two gain controls and RCA line outputs also allow the signal to be intercepted between the 'high voltage' J-FET input stage and the MOSFET/bipolar output stage proper. Parasound has announced a new flagship stereo power amp, the Halo JC5. In the interests of transparency readers should know that the $2999 Parasound JC 3+ has been my reference phonostage since I reviewed it in Issue 245. I guess there are just many variables to consider as well as the fact that everyone has their own taste in what sounds good to them. Obviously, there are a lot of pieces to consider; but I'l focus on the amp/pre-amp selection. They too had suggested I consider upgrading the preamp but didn't suggest a brand. 9 out of every 10 Parasound products have won an award from at least one top-tier audiophile publication. I also kept around my old Snell E.5 MK2 towers that I have hooked in with an AB switch to the NAD. I don't have the bucks to do that now and I think using the NAD M32 with the JC5 sounds just fine (I ended up buying the JC5 demo for a grand off the retail price and setting it up at home. And I'd had enormous respect for the Halo JC 1's designer, John Curl, ever since the early 1990s, when I'd used and enjoyed one of his Vendetta SCP-2 phono preamplifiers. The Mytek added a bit more definition and clarity. I want to try something new in my system for a week or two before buying. I tried paring these majestic speakers with a Parasound A21+ for a couple of months ( Source is my Denon ).. My current system consists of an NAD M32 with a BluOS2 card. One of the best system I've heard had Gryphon amplifiers and the other had Absolare mono-amps. The Parasound Halo JC 1 monoblock was designed by John Curl and introduced 16 years ago to instant international acclaim. Add Parasound Jc5 to NAD M32? A local dealer didn't have a strong opinion but suggested I somehow haul my amp and speakers into their shop to test different configurations (last thing I want to do is haul the T3s around town). According to Parasoundâs Richard Schram, the original JC3âs design began as a phono preamp retrofit for the JC2 line stage with separate small circuit boards for each channel. Heck, some reviewers end up buying their own review sets. I had the Parasound 3500 in my setup for about a year with the same speakers, then decided to upgrade from Paradigms to B&W's, and after the speakers (CDM 9NT's) were burned in, there was a huge difference in the sound, with better, less sterile mids and much silkier highs, less grain in â¦ It's really interesting the responses you get back when asking questions like this. The design features a high power and ultra-high bias Class A/AB topography capable of delivering 400 watts per channel. He argues that separate components will always sound better (I think I am being fair to say that). The Parasound Halo JC 1 monoblock was designed by John Curl and since then has garnered an amazing amount of popularity and notoriety as a benchmark for amplifier performance and value. Given how infrequently I will listen to vinyl, I am done with upgrading the Rega. "Parasound has chosen to take a staple core product that has remained an exceptional value for over fifteen years, the Halo A21 amplifier, and re-spin it into the Halo A21+," reports Michael Zisserson at positive-feedback.com. It cost US $4,000 when it first came out (2009). The JC2 is replaced with JC2 BP. The new Parasound Halo JC 5 combines high power and ultra-high bias Class A/AB sonic quality at roughly two-thirds the price of a pair of JC 1s. This is evident by the JC 1 mono amplifier serving as a base and inspiration for the JC 5. Stereophileâs review of the Parasound JC-2 suggested that the preamp is lean or perhaps analytical. Before this , I had a pair of Infinity Kappa 600, which was more on the brighter side. Thanks for the input. I have to say, this also made a difference but at the higher end. Parasound's Halo JC5 conforms to some of these stereotypes, but there's more to it than just slam There's nothing terribly unusual about a big, hefty US-made power amp: after all, it's almost an archetype of what we think the US high-end is all about. The latter is the best power amp I have ever owned and paired with â¦ Parasound and, I believe, Ayre Acoustics have invested heavily to secure an ample stock of these no-longer-manufactured, low-noise J-FETs. This is a review and detailed measurements of the Parasound JC2 Preamp. He had an NAD amp (not my exact one but close enough) and the JC5 with the PSB T3's in his listening room. Speakers are PSB T3 Imagine Towers (love these) and.a Rega P3 that I have upgraded with the GrooveTracer platter and TT PSU and belt so that it is basically a P6. This is an amp that won the "Best of the Year" award from The Absolute Sound! It is acknowledged as the benchmark for amplifier performance and value. Not sure how to describe it but the sound was fuller, more "muscular", and richer. I am relatively new to this era of audio, but I find myself drawn to monoblock amps. Along those lines, build quality is Parasoundâs very foundation. The bass and low midrange were especially affected. I have had a few Parasound products over the years and currently own a P6 paired with a JC 5 power amp. I can hear your mind voices here, saying " you don't need much power for these speakers" I agree, but I was more curious to enjoy the 7 w of class A power from the the 21+. I've heard the JC5 and thought it was very good and offered a lot of bang for the buck. Very occasionally, I will put on one of my old albums for nostalgia and marvel at how much cleaner the sound the Rega produces compared with my old Technics table though I suspect the Elys 2 underperforms. "The new JC 5 is a remarkable amplifier that creates a new sweet spot in our Halo product family," said Richard Schram, the president and founder of Parasound. Additionally, Parasound's A21 just won aâ¦ E-mail: sales@parasound.com Website: www.parasound.com But the question here is, for my speakers will JC5 make a difference when compared to A21 + ? ary2003Stereophile (Vol.26No.2).And Iâd had enormous respect for the Halo JC 1âs designer, John Curl, ever since the early 1990s, when Iâd used and enjoyed one of his Vendetta SCP-2 phono preamplifiers. I am not looking for a warm sound or lean sound. Need an educated opinion on this since it would be hard to find a place that could duplicate my system so I could have a listen. That person recommended I consider Anthem or Bel Canto amplifiers. When I returned the first JC5 I told Parasound that I hated them because they had made my already very nice system sound pale and lifeless by comparison to the JC5. ( probably all my listening should be done with class A ) Please let me know, thanks. B-Stock gives audiophile enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase Parasound products at a discounted price. I simply go by what I hear/prefer regardless of manufacturer. It was kindly sent to me by a member. 80% of the time I keep it; occasionally I ship it back for a refund. (Still have JBL L100s though). There was shielding here and isolation there while large power-supply filter capacitors were added to reduce strain on the amplifier. Sorry for the long message - hope some of you guys with more experience can provide some guidance. Thanks for a great review, John - I thoroughly enjoyed reading your write up. Does anyone have a parasound JC5 amp paired with a JC2 BP pre-amp? I exchanged emails with the guys at Upscale Audio in LA because I watch a lot of their videos on Youtube. Parasound at Rocky Mountain AudioFest 2017 - Stereophile review by Herb Reichert 4 Distinct Product Lines Halo is our premier line with a reputation for going head-to-head with the most expensive equipment on the market, while costing a fraction of the price. Parasound was founded in 1981 by Richard Schram, and the company has been offering audio products under their own name as well as for OEM sales since then. I suggest that it might be exactly what you need. I had been impressed with Parasound's Halo JC 1 monoblock, which I had measured for Michael Fremer's review in the February 2003 Stereophile (Vol.26 No.2). I left lots of space around it.). Yeah, you have to pay for the shipping, but it is worth it to me to make sure before I buy for good. I am 96% certain that you will be thrilled with the way it sounds. Some have said the JC5 would improve "bass presence and control". He suggested I consider the Cary SA 200.2 amplifier. to some owners; Very high value for the money. I can't find a dealer nearby so that I can listen to that pairing yet. I say this not because Iâm partial to Parasound products in general, but because I flat out believe there is no better phonostage on the market within shouting distance of its price. Some will; some won't. But it's still helpful to me to hear all these opinions, including yours, and I appreciate your taking the time to respond. CD player and a casette deck are both legacy Harmon Kardon gear from my old system that I have hung onto just because. There is really no other way to find out what it sounds like in your system and home. You know, the amplifiers that remained on Stereophileâ¦ I will check out those other amplifiers. will I be able to notice the first 12 W of Class A in my setup ? Few months back I got a pair of Klipsch Rf 7III which are rated as 100DB sensitive. My current system consists of an NAD M32 with a BluOS2 card. This is one heavy preamplifier which weighs as much as some power amps! JC 3+ Phono Preamplifier I liked all that. I didn't get the amp and bring it home - I don't really have room (or strength) to be hooking in the JC5 and lugging it back if I don't like it. Well, I bit the bullet. So when Para - sound prexy Richard Schram e-mailed me, after last yearâs Home Entertain - ment Show, to ask if he could drop I was wondering if anyone had an opinion about the Manhattan II. It has two balanced inputs and a balanced out; unheard of at this price. I loved them and still do and couldn’t bare to part, hence the switch. From what I read, I should experience the Parasound Halo JC-1 monoblocks. Another one, which I highly recommend, is the Vincent SP332 amplifier, which is superb and sells for the low price of $2399 (less at Audio Advisor). This is what I usually do. Any opinions about whether adding the JC 5 would be worth it? Now thereâs an endorsement. I just purchased a new amp for 3 times its MSRP price to better it. The design is â¦ Parasound Halo JC 5 Stereo/Mono Amplifier Price: $5995 USD. He had a Mytek pre-amp (I am assuming the Manhattan II) that he hooked in to replace the NAD entirely. My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Other systems- Parasound A21 amp,Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid tube DAC and Preamp, Magnepan MMG's, Monitor Audio S1's, PSB B6's, Def Tech Pro Monitor 1000's, Velodyne sub, Adcom GFR-700 AVR, â¦ There is an amazing preamp that compares in sound quality and features with those costing $3000 and up, but sells for only $699! Another person told me he was concerned the JC5 could be "too bright", which is kind of the opposite of improving bass presence. I was also looking at PS Audio because I watch Paul McGowan's videos a lot also. Greetings, I'm new after a 40-year break from hi-fi in the 70s. That mono amp was awarded by Stereophile as Power Amplifier of the Year in 2003 and has honored it as a âClass A Recommended Componentâ twice a year for fifteen years. The Parasound's output impedance was a very low 0.067 ohm at 20Hz and 1kHz, increasing slightly to 0.085 ohm at 20kHz. Is this preamp musically engaging? Then the dealer deviously broke my heart. Warranty: Five years parts and labor. It’s as good as I need. One of my friends said it was like Diana Krall was singing in the room. Parasound Products, Inc. 2250 McKinnon Avenue San Francisco, CA 94124 Phone: (415) 397-7100 Fax: (415) 397-0144. We first listened to the NAD alone and then he added in the JC5. Parasound JC 5 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed Myron Ho says that the Parasound JC5, like its big brother the original JC 1 is a stunning performer with great musicality and none of â¦ The Positive Feedback review claimed it sometimes sounds a bit sweet. But Rf7III thrilled me with its dynamics. I had to get rid of the A21+ because I had an old Parasound 1205 5 channel amp and I was not able to find much of difference between the A21+ and 1205, the difference was very marginal when did the AB comparison . In 2003, Stereophile awarded it 'Amplifier of the Year' and has honored it as a 'Class A Recommended Component' twice a year for fifteen years - far longer than any other audio component. B-Stock items are gently used I'm not negative towards Parasound. Before this , I had a pair of Infinity Kappa 600, which was more on the brighter side. Few months back I got a pair of Klipsch Rf 7III which are rated as 100DB sensitive. Being fair to say, this also made a difference but at the higher end so that I have a. Of bang for the long message - hope some of you guys with more experience can provide some guidance to. Jc 5 would be worth it to instant international acclaim that you will be thrilled with the guys Upscale! 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