The RCA phono and balanced XLR inputs also have their own level adjustments, not unlike little volume controls, although using these is a little hit and miss given the slight channel imbalance PM also notes in his Excellent condition. Parasound has a great rep and is as you say "old school". As for the signal path, Curl opted for one that’s direct coupled with not a single capacitor or inductor in the way. Designed by John Curl, the Halo JC5 combines two Halo JC 1 monoblock power amplifiers into a single chassis running via Class A/AB topography High bias class A/AB provides 12W per channel pure class A power and class AB to its 400W 8 ohm rating. Although the stereo JC 5 has lower power specifications than the monaural JC 1, according to Richard Schram, Parasound’s founder and president, “The overall ‘DNA’ is the same, so the topology of the input, driver, and output stages is the same.” PM Connections include balanced and gold plated RCA input and loop output jacks. 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. Distortion is generally within Parasound's loose 0.05% rating at 0.001%/1W, 0.003%/10W and 0.0075%/100W through bass and midrange, increasing to 0.055%/20kHz at 10W/8ohm [see Graph 2]. If you are interested in purchasing any Parasound products, such as the new Parasound Halo JC1+, A20+, A23+, P6, HINT6, JC5, or JC3+, you can trade-in another electronic component on it by filling out our Trade-In Form. ', Supplied by: Connected Distribution Ltd, Gloucs, Lindemann Musicbook Source & Power 1000 Network DAC/Pre and Power Amp, Chord Ultima Pre 2/Ultima 2 Pre/Power Amplifier, PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC & Stellar M700 DAC/Preamp/Monoblocks, PrimaLuna EVO 400 series Pre/Power Amplifier, D'Agostino Relentless Mono Power Amplifier, Audio Research REF160S Tube Power Amplifier, Audio Analogue Bellini/ Donizetti Anniversary Pre/Power Amplifier, Simaudio MOON 740P/860A v2 Pre/Power Amplifier, AudioQuest William Tell Zero Loudspeaker Cable, D'Agostino Progression Integrated Integrated Amplifier. Described as an ultra-high performance powerhouse, the JC5 will give its lucky owners 400 watts into 8 ohms per channel on tap. The A21 would always have my ears ringing the next morning after long listening sessions. The Grandstand at Ascot Welcomes The UK Hi-Fi Show. Too bad. The Parasound Halo JC 5 certainly lives up to the buzz. Parasound built the new JC5 because its customers wanted an affordable version of the John Curl designed JC1 monobloc amplifier. On to separates! First, hats off to Parasound for not bowing to convention and badging its new, hot-rodded version of the original JC 3 phonostage with the shop-worn cliché “Reference” or “Signature Edition.” And second, and more importantly, if you’re a current owner of the Parasound JC 3 … Sticker shock, and a lot of good reviews online and from friends with their amps, led me to Emotiva. They all use the best parts and each must pass their strictest quality assurance. Whether one would ever feel the need for such capacity is open to discussion, for the Halo JC5 is hardly short of power or dynamic ability in its standard stereo guise, as one might expect of an amplifier based on the John Curl-designed JC1 monoblock power amps. The JC 5 is a 400-watt per channel stereo amplifier designed by John Curl that combines design elements of two top-of-the-line Halo JC 1 monoblock power amplifiers into a … This is their new 400 watt per channel stereo power amplifier, and is the latest achievement in Parasound’s long history of value engineering combined with the design skill of audio legend John Curl. Switches select between the RCA and XLR inputs, with one for each channel, while between this socketry another small toggle allows the user to bridge the amplifier into mono. Still looking for the amp upgrade needed, but will be adding a 2-channel amp of? to some owners; Very high value for the money. Whether one would ever feel the need for such capacity is open to discussion, for the Halo JC5 is hardly short of power or dynamic ability in its standard stereo guise, as one might expect of an amplifier based on the John Curl-designed JC1 monoblock power amps. I went with Emotiva because the equivalent amps I expected to get had increased so much in cost since I last was in the market. Instead, a push on the power button sees its illumination change from the soft blue indicating standby to red for a few moments while the amp stabilises, and then shows a brighter blue when you are ready to play music, accompanied by the illumination of the two channel indicators low down in the centre of the front panel. PARASOUND’S JC5 AMPLIFIER IS BOLD AND POWERFUL Posted on 27th July, 2018 Parasoundbuilt the new JC5 because its customers wanted an affordable version of the John Curl designed JC1 monobloc amplifier. Since I had paired Parasound and KEF in previous systems with much success (JC1’s and Reference 3), I jumped at the chance to hear the new JC5 and the Blade 2’s together. Then again this is a well-mannered big amplifier, despite its 400W/8ohm rating, rising to 600W/4ohm, and capable of handling dips down to 1.5ohm [see PM's Lab Report, p75]. parasound  At this point the JC5 becomes a monoblock amplifier rated at a heady 1.2kW/8ohm! Saying it’s a great value is a bit of a disservice. Stability according to Parasound is superb, and the JC5 will remain unfussed powering speakers with a load that dips to 1.5 ohms. Long cable runs from preamp to power amp(s), short tails to the speakers – it's just the way they do things over there, and at first glance the Parasound Halo JC5 seems to conform to all those preconceptions. Additionally, Parasound's A21 just won an … 3760. I own both this amplifiers and is A McIntosh Mc152 VS Parasound 2250v2. The amp outputs the first 12 watts per channel in pure Class A mode. Parasound bundles a premium quality, 12-gauge 3-metre detachable IEC power cord finished with silver soldered connectors with each JC5. Parasound JC5 thoughts When I recently installed the KEF Blade 2’s in my listening room I had the opportunity to demo the Parasound JC5 stereo amplifier. Priced at $10,995 and available now, the JC5 is lots of amplifier for the shekels. Except it isn't quite what it seems, for while the £6999 amp, available in black or a rather more subtle silver, has the big, bluff looks of a Stateside powerhouse, it's neither that huge nor excessively heavy and is even vaguely sensibly priced when placed beside the five-figure tags you'll find elsewhere. Only the depth may give you some problems when it comes to positioning, as it's just over 50cm front to back, meaning it overhung the shelves on my favoured Quadraspire rack. But once you and a willing assistant have it in position – I found my trusty leather rigger's gloves came in handy – it's not exactly a monster, at under 45cm wide (so not much more than a 'normal' hi-fi component) and 20cm tall, putting it in 'big AV receiver' territory. Consider Parasound's Halo JC 1 monoblock power amplifier, designed by legendary engineer John Curl and originally reviewed by Michael Fremer in February 2003. They wouldn’t have it any other way. Mint condition Parasound JC5 Stereo Amplifier in Black finish. The pair will provide a scary 1200 watts into 8ohms. Parasound has announced a new £7000 stereo power amplifier, the Halo JC5. The sound is exemplary. Parasound has long been admired for their preamplifiers and power amplifiers. 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. Curl opted for an ultra-high biased Class A/AB circuit for the JC5. The power supply on the JC 5 has a peak current capacity of 90 amperes per channel, while each JC 1 amplifier has a peak current capacity of 135 amperes. Amplifier sale includes (10) Synergistic Research BLACK fuses, installed and original factory fuses. Parasound JC-1 power amplifiers. As expected, the JC5’s power supply is hefty and includes a 1.7KVa shielded toroid power transformer. The plugs used for the XLR input are Neutrik locking. 1 mono pair. As well, the price had to be much, much less than a pair of JC1s. Parasound says it is the result of challenging Curl to 'distil the essence of two JC1 monoblocks into a single chassis' in response to demand from customers who 'often tell us they love everything the JC1 offers while wondering if we could deliver comparable performance from a no-compromise stereo chassis, to save money and space. PARASOUND JC5 – 2 CHANNEL STEREO / BRIDGEABLE MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER. At this point the JC5 becomes a monoblock amplifier rated at a heady 1.2kW/8ohm! There’s also plenty of current on offer. 5 fuses/amplier. What's more badass than a stereo amp that can deliver 400wpc into 8 ohms, 600wpc into 4 ohms, and a whopping 1200w into 8 ohms when bridged? Now available, the new model is brutishly powerful and all things being equal, is relatively affordable. It has enough power (450 watts RMS into 8 Ohms) to drive any speaker, and the parts quality is a statement on its own. I just purchased a new amp for 3 times its MSRP price to better it. Designed using the "essence" of the JC 1 monoblock, but with two channels squeezed into a single chassis, the JC5 has high bias Class A/AB topography capable of delivering 400 watts per channel. Top contenders are thus far Pass and Parasound amps. The JC 1+ power amplifier monoblock is their latest achievement, and it truly is an achievement to the highest degree. Lab Report, and the fact the knobs aren't click-stopped to give some precision in their setting. One of the veterans of the Australian HiFi industry, Peter was formerly the Audio-Video Editor of the Herald Sun for over two decades. © Sound Media Group. Volume Controls All Rights Reserved. Was seriously looking at Pass INT/30 or INT/60 till I found out they don’t have tape loops or a rec out feature. Pass vs Parasound Well, I finally got around to putting my Parasound A21 in my main system with my BAT Vk-51se preamp to compare it to my Pass X250 amp. The latter feat is helped by grab-handles to the rear, hindered by sharp heatsink fins and not much to get hold of at the front. Tweet on Twitter. Parasound vs. Bryston. 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. Meanwhile the JC5's output impedance is a low ~0.02ohm through the audio range and its frequency response an extended 1Hz-48kHz (±1dB). network av. By clicking links on our site, we may earn affiliate commission, but our editorial remains entirely independent and unbiased. B-Stock items are … Curl was given the challenge of combining some of the JC1’s best features and performance into a single box stereo amplifier. Will startle you at times with the right material. First released in 2010, Parasound’s JC 3 MM/MC phono preamplifier began as a dual-mono John Curl-designed phono section retro-fit for its JC2 line stage. Parasound JC-1 power amplifiers. Australian Business Number 79 662 719 408, Gryphon Audio Designs pays tribute to Josef Riediger, LG updates Smart TV platform with webOS 6.0 in response to consumer habits, Sony launches two new ranges of Crystal LED Display, Never Say Never, Hegel Releases V10 Phono Preamplifer, Cardeas, New Spiderless Speakers from Audio Physic, JBL L100 Classic 75 Limited Edition Speakers Announced, LG adds new ‘Mini LED’ TVs to 2021 LCD Range, Samsung takes on OLED with new Mini LED 8K and 4K TVs, Convoy and Music Hall Turntables Part Ways, StereoNET 2020 Product of the Year Awards, TAD Micro Evolution One Stand Mount Loudspeaker Review, Apple AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones Review. I’m in the market for separates again. OK, so it will dwarf your average European integrated amp, and £7k is hardly chicken feed, just as its 33kg deadweight means it's a two-person lift. Posted in: Hi-Fi It’s easy to see why this Parasound has its set of loyal followers. San Francisco | January 17, 2020 — For nearly two decades, the Parasound Halo JC 1 monoblock power amplifier, designed by the legendary John Curl, wasParasound’s flagship product, and the aspirational amplifier for thousands of audiophiles world-wide. Tags: However, its input level adjustment doesn't affect the signal level being output from these sockets, so if you were using two JC5s to drive your speakers, you might have to juggle these little input level controls or, I suspect, leave them all rotated to maximum. Had just about made my mind up on the Halo A21 till this new JC5 business came up. Very easy to listen to. Our publication is supported by its audience. A potentiometer allows the user to select the sensitivity of this mode of operation, and avoid it being affected by noise on the mains, which might otherwise switch the amp on when not required. If you are interested in purchasing any Parasound products, such as the new Parasound Halo JC1+, A20+, A23+, P6, HINT6, JC5, or JC3+, you can trade-in another electronic component on it by filling out our Trade-In Form. ALL B-stock items are all professionally inspected by Parasound technicians and, most importantly, ALL B-Stock products contain the exact same FULL Parasound manufacturer’s warranty. Curl was given the challenge of combining some of the JC1’s best features and performance into a single box stereo amplifier. B-Stock gives audiophile enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase Parasound products at a discounted price. 1 mono pair. "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. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! The JC5 delivers 90 amperes of peak current per channel. Came to market to compete and better the original JC1 monos (stereophile class A rated for longest time) performance in 1 box. 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. They all use the best parts and each must pass their strictest quality assurance. The amplifier is amazingly quiet, tonally balanced with an ability to deliver detail and layering in a price bracket just a notch below some of it’s bigger brothers. The JC5 includes loop outputs to allow additional amplification to be used, for example when bi-amping suitable speakers, or to feed one or more active subwoofers. 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+. Share on Facebook. They wouldn’t have it any other way. 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… Sign up to discover the best news and review from StereoNET in our FREE Newsletter. StereoNET (Australia) is part of an international network of publications owned wholly by Sound Media Group (Australia). The following is a press release issued by Parasound. Reply Never with the JC1s. Truly an excellent amp! An additional $1500 retail value. 0. Parasound JC1 400W Monoblock Amplifier 33% Off. Measured into 4 ohms, the JC5’s power output soars to 600 watts. But this isn't a pair of JC1s crammed into one package, as PM discusses in his boxout, below. Parasound is very proud of their new Halo JC5. More assuredly, the JC5 can be switched to mono and bridges with a second JC5. 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. If the JC5 is suppose to be a JC1 lite then it should be a worth while upgrade. January 2005 edited January 2005 in Electronics. The new JC 5 is a remarkable amplifier that creates a new sweet spot in our Halo product family. Mind Your Manners Any comparisons of these amp manufactures, Good or Bad. With vinyl’s popularity on the rise, Parasound’s Richard Schram figured a stand-alone version priced right might find an audience. One of the most-respected audio journalists in Australia, Peter brings his unparalleled experience and a unique story-telling ability to StereoNET. Excellent condition. In fact, there's a range of ways to turn the amplifier on: either manually, via a 12V trigger or via (music) signal-sensing. The Halo JC5 can deliver 600W per channel into 4 Ohms and can be bridged to mono for 1,200W into 8 ohms. Parasound JC1. Speakers Carver Amazing Fronts CS400i Center RT800i's Rears With movies, either one is fine, but the JC1s have it on transient impact. The two red '+' terminals – 'propeller' combination binding posts custom-made by CHK Infinium – are then used for connection to the loudspeaker (and are labelled accordingly). By [email protected] - January 15, 2015. "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." There is no contest, the Pass amp is a much better sounding amp in most area's. I previously has the A21 with a Van Alstine Ultra Plus preamp. Those heatsinks manage to keep things working reliably without either the assistance of fan-cooling or warning notices to keep animals and children at a safe distance, and there's no drama involved in turning the amp on: none of that 'lights dimming throughout the house' or 'now the storm is at its height, throw the switch, Igor' stuff. The JC 1 took up residence in Class A in Recommended Components in the April 2003 issue and remained there through the October 2018 issue. One other lamp indicates a temperature problem, at which point the amp will drop into protection, something I failed to provoke even during arduous use. So this legendary US designer beavered away and after a long gestation period emerged from his research room with a design for the new amp. disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,520. Get the best deals for parasound jc5 at eBay.com. Jc1 ’ s easy to see why this Parasound has long been admired for their preamplifiers and power.. 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