I am waiting for the new Crimson RCA and XLR cables that will be available in the first quarter of 2021. In the evaluation of costs, it is also necessary to consider the thousands of hours of R&D involved to perfect the final cable geometry as well as the initial tooling costs. It’s not ours. Even though our NewClassic power amplifiers are superb examples of Class G, we mention only their Class AB audio circuit topology to avoid confusion. The frequency response is down 0.2 dB at 20 kHz, on spec. All of these special conductors then go through precision twisting machines before going through another extrusion line to add the outer jacket. Parasound has long been admired for their preamplifiers and power amplifiers. Actual time spent with the Parasound products in my own system (NC2250 and NC5250) and a friends system (Halo JC1 … IMD at 5 Volts output into 8 Ohms was 0.0049%. Parasound calls the Halo Integrated a … You have asked some interesting questions. Amplifier Reviews, Audio Reviews, Equipment Reviews Published On: December 29, 2009 Parasound Halo JC 1 Monaural Amplifier Reviewed As far as audiophile amp designers go - John Curl … Distortion plus noise was 0.0066%. I use banana plugs because I have to make changes easily when I am reviewing speakers. Parasound’s Halo JC 1+ has a fast-start bias circuit that enables it to sound its best within minutes after turn-on. It outputs 400W into 8 ohms, 800W into 4 ohms, 135 amps of peak current, and 25W of pure class-A power into 8 ohms. The cost of Clarus cables also should be considered relative to other cables. Cut the cable length so that you can go from the rear of the receiver down to the floor, along the floor, and up to the speaker binding posts. It is worth reading cover to cover. Amplifier sale includes (10) Synergistic Research BLACK fuses, installed and original factory fuses. Here is their answer: The patented design and construction of Clarus Cables are unique requiring sophisticated engineering and manufacturing equipment. Its very high power (450 watts into 8 ohms) delivers a tremendous dynamic range. The Parasound JC 1+ amplifiers did very well with this. I asked Clarus to explain the reason for the high price. It is pretty much the same at 8 Ohms and 4 Ohms. OPPO BDP-105 Universal Player (4), OPPO UDP-205 Universal Player (2), VPI-HR-X Turntable with Sumiko Blackbird MC Cartridge and Sumiko Palo Santos MC Cartridge, Manley Labs Steelhead Tube Phono Preamplifier (2), Balanced Audio Technology VK-5i Pure Class A Triode (Tube) Stereo Preamplifier (Fully Balanced), Balanced Audio Technology VK-500 Solid State Stereo Power Amplifier (Fully Balanced) (250 Watts per Channel), Pass Labs Xs Preamplifier, Pass Labs Xs 300 Monoblock Power Amplifiers (2) (300 Watts/each), Lamm LL1 Signature Stereo Pure Class A Triode (Tube) Preamplifier, MartinLogan CLX Full-Range Electrostatic Speakers, Magnepan 20.7 Planar-Magnetic Speakers, Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 2 Subwoofers (2), Custom-Built Computer for Audio Analysis, Accupel HDG-3000 Digital Color Signal Generator (1080i capable), Component Video and DVI Output, ColorFacts Pro Video Test and Calibration Software, Version 6.0, Spyder Sensor, SpectraPlus Audio Analysis Software, Audio Precision SYS-2722 Spectrum Analyzer, Staco 3PN2210B-DVM 22 Ampere Variable Transformer (for adjusting line voltage to 120 volts during amplifier power output tests), Pass Labs XP-20 Stereo Preamplifier, Classé SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor, Emotiva XMC-1 Surround Sound Processor, Classé CA-5200 Five-Channel Power Amplifier (200 Watts per Channel), Pass Labs X600.8 Power Amplifiers (4) (600 Watts/Each), Audio Control Phase Coupled Activator (Sub-Harmonic Generator), Carver Platinum Mark IV Ribbon Speakers, MartinLogan Summit X Hybrid Electrostatic Speakers (2) (Rear Left/Right), MartinLogan Stage X Hybrid Electrostatic Speakers (3) (Center and Sides Left/Right), Velodyne DD-18+ Subwoofer (3), HiFiMAN HE1000 Planar Magnetic Headphones, OPPO PM-1 Planar Magnetic Headphones, OPPO HA-1 Headphone Amplifier, Bryston BUC-1 USB Converter, Sony VPL-HW55ES 1,920 x 1,080p Digital Projector, 90″ (Diagonal) Stewart Grayhawk Projection Screen, Sony 75″ UHD Flat Panel Display, Clarus Audio and Wireworld cables, Clarus Concerto Power Conditioner with Crimson Power Cable. This is as good an album as any for you to introduce yourself to his talent. In their eyes, that’s just a bad and rushed design. Clarus cables are built in the USA rather than overseas. For instance, many other high-end cables, which cost much less than Clarus to manufacture, can cost the consumer many multiples of Clarus yet not sound as good. At 20 Volts, 8 Ohms, IMD increased to 0.0204%. Here is the choir with the recording setup in a cathedral. Our frugality enables Parasound to purchase large quantities of superior parts, unmatched by present parts, that were discontinued long ago. The biggest improvement would be to secure the future of serious audio. RS: The manufacture of FETs is a totally different process than bi-polar devices. We will see how various amplifiers perform with these tests as time goes along. At 4 Ohms, clipping occurred at 710 Watts. I asked Richard Schram some questions in general about the future of A/V, but also specifically about the JC 1+. At 4 Ohms, the number of peaks was increased by two on either side of the fundamentals. At $16,990 for a pair, they are not cheap, but this kind of quality never is. The list goes on and on. There are also no harmonics of the B-A peak at 2 kHz, 3 kHz, or 5 kHz. I recently tried some generic speaker cable. Here is a photo of the inside of the chassis: Look how big the heat sinks are. It has to be verified. Rear-panel fittings include balanced and single-ended inputs, two sets of five-way binding-post outputs, a ground "lift" switch for when there are hum problems, and a bias-level switch allowing for reduced bias current, and thus cooler operation if needed. I know, I know, that is a lot of money for a speaker cable, but it sure is not going to short out and pop my power amplifier protection circuit. 1. They are similar to Crimson but have smaller conductors. Couldn't help but notice the recent sale Audio Advisor had on the black color edition of the Parasound JC-2 preamps. Curl designed the circuits; Bob Crump and Carl Thompson, his partners at CTC Builders (makers of the custom-built Blowtorch preamplifier), did most of the hands-on work. I found a, Note that such cables are for high-end products (amplifiers and speakers). What made you decide to design a power amplifier with no compromises of any kind? With the exception of hand-milled aluminum panel end caps and replacing the illuminated P logo with an embossed logo, the JC 1+ 4 rack space chassis is the same as the JC 1 chassis which was designed in 2001 and tooled in 2002. In this case, I wanted to be able to discern individual voices of the girls, among the background music. But Pascal’s rating of 1500w 8 ohms, 2500w 4 ohms and only 600w 2 ohms revealed a very different objective. Every year more audio-grade component parts are discontinued because the volumes are too small and inconvenient for component parts manufacturers. “Let our rigorous testing and reviews … Can you clarify? My setup required the long cable for the right channel. This is not the Parasound’s fault. The bass in this album is intense. RS: I don’t have sufficient familiarity to answer this since we discontinued production of our Halo C 1 and C 2 surround processors. That, I think, is because analog tape often had a bass bump between 50 Hz and 100 Hz. 2L is world-renown for superb quality digital recordings. Complete List of Reference Components: OPPO BDP-105 Universal Player (4), OPPO UDP-205 Universal Player (2), VPI-HR-X Turntable with Sumiko Blackbird MC Cartridge and Sumiko Palo Santos MC Cartridge, Manley Labs Steelhead Tube Phono Preamplifier (2), Balanced Audio Technology VK-5i Pure Class A Triode (Tube) Stereo Preamplifier (Fully Balanced), Balanced Audio Technology VK-500 Solid State Stereo Power Amplifier (Fully Balanced) (250 Watts per Channel), Pass Labs Xs Preamplifier, Pass Labs Xs 300 Monoblock Power Amplifiers (2) (300 Watts/each), Lamm LL1 Signature Stereo Pure Class A Triode (Tube) Preamplifier, MartinLogan CLX Full-Range Electrostatic Speakers, Magnepan 20.7 Planar-Magnetic Speakers, Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 2 Subwoofers (2), Custom-Built Computer for Audio Analysis, Accupel HDG-3000 Digital Color Signal Generator (1080i capable), Component Video and DVI Output, ColorFacts Pro Video Test and Calibration Software, Version 6.0, Spyder Sensor, SpectraPlus Audio Analysis Software, Audio Precision SYS-2722 Spectrum Analyzer, Staco 3PN2210B-DVM 22 Ampere Variable Transformer (for adjusting line voltage to 120 volts during amplifier power output tests), Pass Labs XP-20 Stereo Preamplifier, Classé SSP-800 Surround Sound Processor, Emotiva XMC-1 Surround Sound Processor, Classé CA-5200 Five-Channel Power Amplifier (200 Watts per Channel), Pass Labs X600.8 Power Amplifiers (4) (600 Watts/Each), Audio Control Phase Coupled Activator (Sub-Harmonic Generator), Carver Platinum Mark IV Ribbon Speakers, MartinLogan Summit X Hybrid Electrostatic Speakers (2) (Rear Left/Right), MartinLogan Stage X Hybrid Electrostatic Speakers (3) (Center and Sides Left/Right), Velodyne DD-18+ Subwoofer (3), HiFiMAN HE1000 Planar Magnetic Headphones, OPPO PM-1 Planar Magnetic Headphones, OPPO HA-1 Headphone Amplifier, Bryston BUC-1 USB Converter, Sony VPL-HW55ES 1,920 x 1,080p Digital Projector, 90″ (Diagonal) Stewart Grayhawk Projection Screen, Sony 75″ UHD Flat Panel Display, Clarus Audio and Wireworld cables, Clarus Concerto Power Conditioner with Crimson Power Cable. According to a blurb by John Curl that accompanies the amp, the design is "based on a complementary differential J-FET input stage followed by two stages of selected push-pull MOSFETs ultimately driving nine pairs of the most powerful complementary bipolar power transistors that are available today.". I believe the primary purpose for developing and marketing an amplifier is to honor its customers in every respect the money will follow. In fact, the JC 1 is certified THX Ultra2—which means it meets certain amplifier standards set by THX for home theater. If you want something that is ready to go (for mass market receivers), and not generic, then consider something like these (https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=AQT8NF&opt=1176|1189|1196|1201), or these (https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KK4TC&opt=6440|392|398|404) for the front left and right channels. The rear panel has myriad selections, inputs, and outputs. Distortion is a few hundredths of a percent higher. Products that are primarily silicon-based are, by definition, subject to constant changes because the enormous manufacturers of these parts must continually innovate with new features to justify higher prices and annual reports that will satisfy their shareholders. B-Stock gives audiophile enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase Parasound products at a discounted price. Will the latest transistor technology (stacked Nanosheet FETs) provide audible differences from conventional bipolar and Mosfet/JFet technology? Parasound JC-1 power amplifiers. Jeff Rowland uses these modules in his $32,000 Daemon. I found a review of the sound of various capacitors, and indeed, the Gold Tune caps sounded better than others. Now that hi-fi equipment has reached a level that is truly superb, what sort of improvements are left to pursue? The JC 1 took up … I have several sets of audiophile-grade cable that I have used over the years, and I obtained a set of Clarus Crimson speaker cable. Additionally, Parasound's A21 just won an … Distortion goes down at high frequencies (above 40 kHz) because the number of harmonics that the amplifier can pass is also reduced. I'm sure it's possible to build a quieter preamplifier/amplifier (Parasound also makes the $11,000 JC2/JC1/JC1), but I'm not sure the improvement would be audible. We don’t fix what isn’t broken. But, the Parasound JC 1+ power amplifiers did their thing without audible distortion. In this case, I would recommend getting a 50 foot or 100 foot roll of 12 gauge stranded speaker cable from Monoprice (https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=2747) and some banana plugs (https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=9436) or spade connectors (https://www.amazon.com/Insulated-U-Type-Connector-Electrical-Terminal/dp/B07PG1NCQZ/ref=sr_1_18?dchild=1&keywords=spade+connectors&qid=1589736054&sr=8-18) (you will have to solder spade lugs to the cable). Then, all the conductors are run individually through an extrusion line to add the PE insulation that covers every conductor. Now that 8K flat panel TVs are here, will they be a passing fad or will they become the norm, which includes significant content? The output stage supplies current, for which John Curl specifies bi-polar devices. Proof of Performance for the Parasound has been verified. This is due to excellence in recording, careful remastering, and, of course, having a good audio system to listen with. For you youngsters, John Curl has been designing high-end gear since the early 1970s, including the classic Mark Levinson JC-2 and Dennesen JC-80 preamplifiers, the much-revered Vendetta phono preamplifier, and lots of electronic gear for the Grateful Dead. The other end was connected to the Parasound JC 1+ power amplifier. This … Gain and Bias were set to Normal (29 dB Gain, 25 Watts Class A Bias). Parasound states that they use Nichicon Gold Tune capacitors for the power supply, and that although these capacitors are no longer generally available, Parasound has an exclusive contract with Nichicon to continue supplying these caps to them. It has PE fiber as the core and thin copper foil wrapped spirally around the core using special non-typical machinery. The Parasound JC 1+ Power Amplifiers are very high quality. The A 51 amplifier is loaded with usable features above and beyond most other amplifiers. FETs are, in fact, high impedance devices which are superior for voltage amplification. Here is the cable attached to a Sonus faber Lilium speaker. Normally a $4.5K price offered at $3K. The JC 1 was powerful, at 400 watts RMS into 8 Ohms. ... is to review … They can be switched out of the signal path when not needed, giving a slightly clearer sound. We anticipated its continuing growth and developed two new phono preamps in the past two years. In the case of the bi-wire cables, all four sets of conductors go through an extrusion line to add the final outer jacket. You can choose between a black chassis or silver. Positive reviews by both leading audio reviewers and customers alike 2. There is also voltage sag that occurs with 120 VAC wall socket supplies during high current demand. Parasound did a thorough job in writing the manual for the A21+. Clarus also has a lower priced line of cables called Aqua, which are about half the price of the Crimson. So, this is an interesting new set of tests (THD+N vs. Power at different frequencies). All of these musicians were stars in their own right. For audio systems where the source and amplifier stack are in between the speakers, you would probably be using two of the 6 foot cables, at about $4,000 for the pair. One of the special shapes is the spiral ribbon conductor. When Parasound released their JC 1 monoblock power amplifier in 2002, the A/V world was very impressed. The difference between the 2nd ordered harmonic and the 3rd was reduced to about 5 dB. Distortion plus noise was still quite low. They celebrate their 40, The JC 1 was powerful, at 400 watts RMS into 8 Ohms. It takes the outsourcing concept way upscale while keeping the amplifier's price down to a remarkable $3000 each. I used a Clarus Concerto Power Conditioner for the computer, OPPO UDP-205, and Pass Labs Xs Preamplifier. When it was designed in 2000, and for many subsequent years, it was the best power amp we could build while staying within the practical boundaries that define all of our products: “We believe most Parasound customers aren’t independently wealthy.” Our unwavering commitment to Value Engineering continues to differentiate Parasound from other brands. That would have produced induction (like a transformer coil). The sound is exemplary and reflects its … Aesthetically, Parasound says the front panel not only matches the updated Halo family appearance, but also complements “the inner beauty” of the JC1+. This new disc has their typical array of resolutions and formats, including 24/192 DTS HD MA, Dolby Atmos 7.0.4 48 kHz, Auro-3D 96 kHz, SACD, and 2-channel 24/192 PCM. We like and respect Pascal’s products and staff. This is largely because their harmonic characteristics tend to be even-ordered, emulating this characteristic of vacuum tubes. It has brought prices down and quality up—mostly in the low and middle segments of the high-end audio and video markets. Yes. Since the core of these amps are the same how does one brand differentiate its amplifiers from another brand’s amplifiers using the same Class D module? He learned that “Class J” is for microwave frequencies in the gigahertz range. An additional $1500 retail value. These amps are magnificent performers in nearly every regard," raves Greg Weaver in his review for Positive Feedbackonline magazine. So, that is what I did. Music – Tidal – Julio Iglesias – Mexico – Released 5/8/2020. The JC 1+ power amplifier is truly an achievement to the highest degree. It does show that if you listen to music pretty loud with a 4 Ohm speaker, the power limit from the amplifier will decrease as the amplifier heats up. The raw wire used for making speaker, audio, and power cables are made with conductors that are extruded into special shapes using the highest grade of ultra-pure copper available. Perhaps lower output impedance only applies to the output stage output impedance. The impedance is 6/20 that of the 20 foot cable, which is 10.5 mOhm (10.5 thousandths of an Ohm). The B-A peak with 8 Ohms impedance is 3 dB lower than at 4 Ohms (about 73 dB lower than the signal peaks). Will Class D, G, H, and J amplifiers become the norm in receivers and power amplifiers compared to Class A and A/B? The cable became defective and shorted out my power amplifier. That’s their business model. Approaching our 40th anniversary, Parasound proves this ideal. The Parasound Halo JC 1 Monoblock Amplifiers Review By Wayne Donnelly, Superior Audio Magazine is the leading authority in high-end audiophile music and audio equipment reviews. 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