I think a very accurate and fair review of the JC5. I just bought one and had my first listen last night upgrading from a Parasound A21. Jesus does this amplifier sound fantastic. Your description of the amp falling between the Bryston amp sound and the McIntosh amp sound is accurate. For me it has the right amount of richness without too much and the resolution and detail are top notch.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Congrats! Yup, it really is a fantastic amp.

@paulbielen9233

5 жыл бұрын

This is a great amp. I have 2 A21, THis JC5 amp is no comparison JC5 rocks

@SteamDougy

5 жыл бұрын

I heard it needs a good long time to "burn in". I own the Halo A31 right now. I have been wondering how much difference the sound might be with the JC 5. aka Is it worth the $$$ since I already own a Parasound amp. From what you've written the answer is yes!

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Hey Douglas. So far, Parasound owners seem to agree that the jump is quite noticeable! As for break-in: Take this for whatever you feel it's worth, but the JC5 sounds great out of the box. To be honest, I didn't notice much of a change as I put more hours on it. Funnily enough however, the two speakers that I have in for review right now require an unreal amount of 'break in', and the differences are stupidly obvious. This hobby is crazy. :)

@casperwhite2062

5 жыл бұрын

hey @Elton J. Crim Jr. Ph.D. or @Paul Bielen, could you please describe how the JC5 steps up from the A21 ? I do not doubt it does, I am looking for details. Nice review Zero Fidelity. Thanks in advance.

Your reviews deserve more views - Great information and opinion backed by experience. Good stuff!

You’re the only guy i can trust on KZread when reviewing audio, great review as always.

That audio intro was very enjoyable! I actually played it over more than a couple of times.

What a great review. I have had the Parasound A23 power amp for about a year now and I'm loving it. I'm currently saving up to buy the new Parasound P6 preamp. With my experience with Parasound so far I would have no problem buying any products from them. I would love to buy this amp and would in a heart beat if I had the money.

Excellent review. I've watched your channel for a long time. Really appreciate your style and just keeping to the content at hand.

Good review. I’ve always been a Parasound man, they popped my Audiophile.... back in 1984. Not a John Curl then but I loved it.

Wow! Very nice review. Well done and thanks so much for posting. I have a JC2 BP and recently got the new A21+ to pair with it, and it sounds amazing. Couldn't quite make the leap to the JC5, but it is on my "someday" list :). Would love to see/hear your impressions of the A21+.

I have the A21 and it is an amazing amp. But, I listened to the JC 5 In my rig (my dealer let me borrow it) and now I can't unhear it. Now I have to get the JC 5. It is everything you said and more! I have heard plenty of other amps costing a lot more, the JC 5 smoked them all! John Curl is the man!

@eltoncrim3699

4 жыл бұрын

It’s not a bright amp at all. What speakers are you running.

Sean, great in depth review as always (history lesson appreciated too)! With this kind of price range $6Gs for the JC5 in the works, I'm thinking a review with the Hegel H20 power amp with the same price tag may be a great comparison. I think your boy John Darko has been talking about how great they sound lately on the Hegel front so would love to see your take on it if you happen to get your hands on one! As always, keep 'em coming man! PS: those AQ interconnects working out solid! 👌

Thanks also for discussing the differences between the overall sound of the Parasound, Bryston & McIntosh Amplifiers. I have not seen another such discussion anywhere online. This is important to me because I am upgrading my Parasound P6 Preamplifier to either a Parasound JC-2PB or a McIntosh C49. Both are said to be fine performers but they sound somewhat different as you have mentioned here. I will be using a McIntosh MC152 Power Amplifier to pair with one of these preamps.

Zero Fidelity Fedex delivered my PARASOUND JC 5 Saturday afternoon December 15, 2018. It is a beautiful silver beast.

Thanks very much for posting this video. I learned a lot here.

very nice video / i also have the the parasound jc5 and the preamp as well, just one word WOW.... now i am selling the parasound A21 amp ($1200) to for my bill. very happy with my buy.

I owned a Bryston 4B years ago, but there Intergrated Amps have gotten too expensive plus everything is at an additional cost such as remote control phono etc. The Bryston was bullet proof I have to say and resale was great. I've stated why I'm intrested in the Hint 6 and Anthem STR. If I'm financially able I'm leaning towards the Anthem it's $2000 more than the Parasound. Getting the Hint 6 leaves more cash to put towards speakers. I won't pull the trigger till I've listened to both and get more input from people such as yourself. Thanks again for your prompt reply to my initial question. Have a great day and keep up with the great channel.

Good review, I'd really want to see your comparison of this to the Parasound A21.

As a satisfied owner of a Parasound A21, I must say the only feature that I don’t care for are the gain pots on the rear. The Parasound amps that incorporate these gain pots have a reputation for the pots to eventually malfunction. Occasionally when I’m starting a listening session the soundstage will be off due to the right channel being 5 db lower than the left channel. This is from the gain pot. After I do a full rotation of the pot. The balance is restored. Great amps, but JC was right in not wanting to include the gain pots.

Love Parasound! Owner of both Parasound and Mark Levinson products.

Mine is on its way to me right now..... We had to wait a little bit in the UK...... BUT I know the wait will be worth it... Had good dependable performance from my A51...... Incredible engineering and delivered at a fantastic price.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

You're in for a treat! Congrats!

@marcus1970

5 жыл бұрын

@@ZeroFidelity cheers.... Straight and fair review of a nicely designed and well constructed component that really does perform ....great video (helps that I agree) 😊... Great job.

I've been toying with the idea of buying a JC5 for heavy lifting when my Moon 600i v2 doesn't cut it. This helped seal the deal, thank you for the review.

@myfagan

5 жыл бұрын

How does it compare to the Moon?

Gorgeous amplifier 😍

I must give credit where credit is due. I was unhappy with your review of the debut Buchardt speakers and mentioned as such but your review of the JC5 is excellent but possibly selling it a little short! A bona fide high end amp for sure, I am burning one in now based in part on your review (thank you). A bit too forward and unrefined sounding out of the box but after 60 hours the sound is all my picky ears could ask for. Unbelievable midrange transparency and refinement with power to get very loud, it transformed my Spendor tower speakers into loaded horns! And yes, it does sound fantastic at low volume levels. Effortless power and an uncanny contrast to the volume levels of different instruments and musical elements. All in, thanks again ! Peace.

@MarlonBrndo

5 ай бұрын

@anthony I would like to lay a sheet of plexiglass on the top of this amp..

Hey Sean, what about a preamp to front this guy with. It would at least be as good as the amp. What's your call?

Hi Shawn, Thanks for another wonderful review. I purchased Parasound New Classic 2250 and 5250 amps about 9 years ago and loved the quality and performance they brought to the table. In November, 2018 I replaced those amps with Parasound Halo A21 and A52+ amplifiers. I got a great deal on the A21 as an end of life product and could not be happier. Both amps perform much better than my old New Classic amps. This is especially true in the lower registers where bass is so much more defined and articulate. The mid-range changes where subtle but noticeable while the upper registers are now more open and transparent. In short I’m happy to see someone highlighting many strong attributes or the Parasound line of products! In my mind it is tough to beat the price to performance value Parasound offers throughout their entire offerings. While I can’t justify $6000.00 on a new amp right now.... Maybe a little down the road??

How would you compare the sound between Parasound and Anthem amps? Specifically the Para Hint 6 and the Anthem STR integrated amps?

Hi...great review. Question. How would the JC5 compare vs the newer A21+? Considering both for a 2 channel room with Martin Logan CLX speakers. Thx! Great channel btw. :)

Hi. Would you think this amplifier will work fine with a mcintosh C52 preamp or any similar mcintosh pre? Please let me know your opinion. Thanks in advanced.

Hey Sean! I'm looking at the A23+ right now. Do you have a take on it?

Good review!

Looks like a great amplifier.

After designing Parasound Halo A-21, this is the one which John Curl put his signature on … I still enjoy the excellent sound of A-21 … and one can still find Halo 21 (AB class) amplifier in the market at a reasonable price …

@roberttroxell4006

3 жыл бұрын

Maso I bought a used A21 for $1375 eight months ago, and $700 for a used P5 pre-amp. I’m satisfied for a bit over $2000. And I get 400 wpc thru 4 ohm towers that cost more than the amp/pre-amp. If you don’t have to own the latest thing, you can save a lot of money buying used.

Great video and review. I clearly believe that this is one of the best amps on the market. With working in Class A for the first several watts, this is a magical amp. I personally would love to own this amp but its $1,000 higher than a price my wife would approve of. So I actually went with the Mac MC152 amp. However if I am not blown away by it, I would strongly consider getting the Parasound A21+ which is similar to the JC5 but perhaps a little more on the neutral sounding for only $3,500. For the JC5 to be made in Taiwan at this price point is surprising. You would think it would cost less with being made overseas. The Mac MC152 is $5,000 and its made in New York

@revelationsoundstudio

Жыл бұрын

I love the McIntosh MC152 so I am staying with it. it's not a colored as the McIntosh of old. it has a clear detailed sound that has some slight warmth. I think the Parasound is right up there with McIntosh however.

Hi Sean, Could you do a review on PS Audio BHK (the stereo unit) and compare it to the JC5? I know is being a year since you did this one. I am in the market for something like this. I have the PS Audio stack, as you called it, but I want to move away from class D. Thank you so much. Ps: I'm getting the Buchardt S400. Your review was paramount on that matter.

Looking for a review of NAD M22 Hypex NCore power amp, I think this Parasound too big for some?

How does this compare to vintage amps like the Pioneer Spec1 and 2 ?

nice amp and I've read good reviews on their products. How does this unit compare to the Modwright equivalent?

Great video, great amplifier. I have used Parasound for quite a while now, great build quality, and performance. Depending on which speakers I have in my system at a specific time, I use a Halo A23, or A21 paired with a Halo P3 pre-amplifier. Would love to be able to hear that behemoth JC5!

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

I just wanted to take a moment to recognize the value that you bring to the community, Hi-Fi Haven. I don't how it's even possible, but I see you commenting on damn near every hi-fi related video that I come across - and not once have I ever seen you be anything less then positive, enthusiastic, and respectful. This is the type of behavior that keeps a positive vibe resonating throughout the community. So thank you for, well.. being you!

@hi-fihaven2257

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much man, that means a lot!

Beautiful amplifier 😎

Hello, can u give me honest opinion for JC5 vs JC1? Does it sound as good? Thanks

15:15 Zero Fidelity. What are some of your amplifier recommendations that fit this "Studio Solution" paradigm?

Greetings from Malta ! Great review ! You have no idea how much it means to guys like me who does not have the luxury to visit a Hifi store and listen to this high end gear, can I ask you what pre amp are you using. Is the the matching JC 2 BP the best pre amp option? Kind regards and keep up the good work! Daniel

Have you tested the Yamaha a-s3000? This has MOSFET would it sound like the Yamaha?

What preamplifier and cables did you use, you should be upfront with that every time

Is this super dependent on the right preamp?

Hi I have a stupid question if you have a choice between McIntosh MC152 or JC5?

Awesome review

Are there any reviews out there on the A23+ amp?? Great video!

One of the things I loved about my PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amp was they moved the transformer into a separate box with a nice heavy cable connecting it to the unit itself. It made the unit itself easier to move, a lot of the weight was in that transformer, and it isolated any noise the transformer might make from the main unit's electronics.

Is this a truly balanced amp or is the xlr connector acting like an adapter?

The gain level is also great if you are bi-amplifying your speakers. The gain can also be useful if your left and right speakers are not egually.set in the room or the room acoustics are uneven.

Which Karan amps did you have and like ?

Anybody's got any experience with JC5 against the Usher R 3.0 or lower output ushers? Which one sounds brighter?

1. John Curl should be on the mount Rushmore for Amp designers. 2. The CTC Blowtorch too. 3. Halo has a cool, tasteful design. I dig it. I'm not into "busy" looking gear.

@dednside5229

5 жыл бұрын

What about NU Force. That's a much more advanced design. That's a better designer on another level.

Hi Sean, not sure you will respond to post. I have been looking at this amp for some time and have watched this video a few times for your description on how it sounds. I think your preference is very similar as mine. Now after many reviews of other amps.. based on your memory.LOL do you still feel the same about the performance?

I have jc 2 and A21 Is this a good combination ?

That is beautiful inside

The Michi X5 Series 2 integrated with MM and MC phono and upgraded DAC retails for 7k, only 1k more than this piece, and puts out more power; with the JC5 I then need the P6 pre and JC 3+ phono plus 2 additional interconnect cables; does this 3 piece stack better than the x5 series 2 integrated? Thank you in advance for your candor.

Great review parasound is an amazing company.

Interesting intro music. 🤔. Guess you really ‘love’ the amp!

just bought JC5 in silver. cant wait to hook it up to PERSONA 3f!

@GuiltyRocker

4 жыл бұрын

Funny you say that, I have those speakers too. What are you using as a preamp for the JC-5?

What pre we're you using with it

E-x-c-e-l-lent review!

Can you also review Parasound A23 plus....pls.

Great review, I have Klipsch RP280F front speakers would JC 5 be a over kill for the Klipsch. I am currently using a Anthem MCA 325 to drive them would there be a improvement and would it be audible?

@chriss881000

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, a big overkill with the 280f's. I mean, the 280f would sing their best, but the jc5 deserves alot more😉 280f is my reserve speakers when I change out my main speakers and have to wait for the new ones, and iv played the jc5 with those and its sound amazing. I now use the jc5 with the jbl hdi 3800 and its perfect

A21+ review?

Would you review PSA BHK 250 and compare to JC5?

Dang, that's a serious amp!

Would you recommend this amplifier or the Macintosh MC 152? They’re basically the same price the Mack will hold its value much better. I think it looks much cooler but it’s all about the sound quality right

Have you reviewed the Usher R1.5 ?

Can you review the A21+? I’m thinking of purchasing for my home theatre/2Ch setup but I’m worried my center channel will sound odd with a different brand amp and lower watts

@BrianGarside

4 жыл бұрын

You can get the A31 solved or just the A52+ even better value. Or the AVR calibration setup will raise the db +3 if its too soft in the center channel.

Hi Shawn, Thanks for another informative review. I have a question for you and any viewers who want to provide their informed opinions. I own a Parasound Halo A52+ 5 amplifier..John Curl design. I have a new pair of Totem Tribe Tower Speakers arriving very soon. I listen at low-moderate sound levels. ( I listen to Folk, jazz, Folk-rock, country/Americana) *Do you think that this pairing will create an enjoyable listening experience?

speakers set?

Good review, Parasound is one of my Fav Brands. There are some good mods for this amp too.

@TOMPDUDE

5 жыл бұрын

Mods? Do tell.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

There are already mods out for this thing? Crazy. That said, I'd caution anyone to mod their new $6,000 amp, as that's all but guaranteed to bust the warranty. Having actually worked on some expensive gear on a professional level, I can tell you that it's usually pretty easy to spot when someone tampered with the product.

@JasonLeaman

5 жыл бұрын

Zero Fidelity $6400 ouch, for that I'd rather have Bryston monoblocks.. and for 6500 I could build better sounding amplifier..

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Horses for courses! Bryston monos retail for a lot more than the JC5, and if you can beat John Curl at his own game.. you need to jump into the business. :)

@MarlonBrndo

5 ай бұрын

​@@JasonLeaman Why aren't you selling better amplifiers than John Curl 😮

Taiwan is not China or Malaysia. Labor laws are strict, wages are very high. In fact, GDP per capita in Taiwan is higher than in Japan and among the highest in the developed world. They do have state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities there and the raw materials like steel, copper and aluminum cost 70% less than what they do in US or Euope. You wouldn't be able to buy all the parts for what they can have the whole thing made there. I have Bryston amplifiers but from what I've seen, Parasound is on the same level, if not higher. The sound is a matter of preference but I'd never think of Parasound as something inferior on the account of it being made in Asia. Cheers!

I.......must........resist!! Lol. Have the A21, P5 and JC3+, and I’m a huge fan of Parasounds Halo line and CTC builders. This is incredible stuff and priced right. And more than fairly. Love that they got rid of the little red P light on this JC5 amp. Thanks for the worlds first detailed review of this fantastic amp!

@marcus1970

5 жыл бұрын

Resistance is futile....... This demands attention.... It's shockingly good

Nice ! well built I'd be on cloud 9 if owned that monster lol Out of my reach but maybe one day best amp I ever owned was a Onkyo 504 it burned up in a house fire loved thay amp

I found this video interesting because in essence you described my Sansui 8080db! Yeah, about 1973, that Sansui. The synergy I have right now in that system is nothing short of stellar! In fact, the performance you described comes remarkably close to my Sansui! (By the way, I am likely the only one who is not a fan of McIntosh gear). Here's the thing, I have talked with manufactures of high-end amps that run in the $10k to $15k range and they are familiar with the old Sansui db line and all of them said to me that in order for me to find an amp today that comes close to sounding like my Sansui I would have to spend at least $10k. A couple also said that they wish they had one. It's not that Sansui alone made the best sounding integrated amps (receivers are technically integrated amps) back then, but part of the reason they sounded so good along with some other brands back then was the build. I noticed that you pointed out the parts used in the Parasound JC5 and recognized the old school origin. I think this is in part why the Parasound sounds the way you described. I am going to be looking for an amp for my reference system in progress, which is the final piece and it is too bad the JC5 is $6000 as I can never run to that, not even close. It also tells me that finding a new amp for the bigger system is not going to be easy. As for "audiophiles" (present company excepted), other reviewers and the like not liking it because it is "only $6000" in their world.....screw them! They wouldn't know good sound and quality if you threw all 75 lbs of the amp and crushed their faces with it.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Hell yeah man! I love vintage Sansui gear. Just give me a beer, a good vintage Sansui setup, and a record spinning some classic rock n' roll... and I'll be all smiles. The 8080db looks awesome! Would love to hear one at some point. Just as I'd love to one day restore my parents old Sansui stereo receiver, which I really liked even as a kid. Speaking of vintage pieces, the Fisher 400 is a beast! I also have fond memories of my first tube amp, a mint Dynakit ST35. Good stuff! As for reviewers liking it... it seems that most of the manufacturers and reviewers who hear the JC5 end up buying it, and/or really wanting to. I suppose I'll be added to that list. :D

@ericelliott227

5 жыл бұрын

Careful, once you hear something like a Sansui 8080db, you start questioning everything else. (If my suspicions are correct that Parasound JC5 has likely given you at least a taste of that). Things were just made differently back then and / or perhaps for a different reason as well. (Perhaps Parasound recognizes that and is trying to emulate it, which is wonderful). My Sansui has me worried right now since I recently replaced my near end of life DCM TF-600s with a new pair of Paradigm Monitors S6000F and started breaking them in playing a bunch of CDs and vinyl and having imaging such as I have not heard in shows or anywhere on systems up to six figures! It currently smashes my reference system in progress! The synergy between the speakers, Marantz CD player, equally vintage Pioneer TT and the Sansui is unbelievable, not to mention unexpected. The image has such breadth and depth that I feel as though I could walk around in it, not to mention the detail as well. As for reviewers, I was talking about the ones who won't look at anything under $10k and are complete snobs and in it just for fame or something. We all know who they are too. Of course, you would be the exception to that rule Sean. Me? I'd add myself to the list of those wanting to buy the JC5, but I can't afford it. I actually don't want to hear one either because I fear I will want it even though I can't afford it. Parasound just makes good stuff, period and they have been consistent about that too.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

I'm guessing that if there is any correlation in sound between the 8080db and the JC5, the connection is more by coincidence than purpose. That said, it sounds like the Sansui is a sweet amp. Glad it's getting some luv at Casa Del Elliott!

@ericelliott227

5 жыл бұрын

Oh, no doubt Sean! Same with the synchronicity in my Sansui system, total unplanned coincidence. All I did was get some new speakers and transfer my CD player from my other system. I had no idea what I was in for = the holy grail of surprises for any audio or music enthusiast.

@ericelliott227

5 жыл бұрын

Hmm, I am going to be in market soon for an amp for my reference system and while I can't afford the JC5 and am torn between integrated or separates, it is max budget for me, but I'm looking seriously at the Halo Hint 6 integrated. You should do a review on that too.

hey at that price it should have the classic needle metering, left/right stepped volume controls with big knobs and left/right clipping indicators. then it would be perfect

I own one. It’s a great amp. Mine replaced an A21 and it was a notable improvement.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Heck yeah, Chris!

@HariPrasad9999

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, which preamp are you using

@ChrisMag100

5 жыл бұрын

JC2 BP

@empoweryou1

5 жыл бұрын

I own the A21 and am curious in what specific improvements you noticed between the two? Thanks

Great review, just after I bought a new A21 for $1800 Canadian (on sale after the release of the A21+). It is better than my old Hegel H160 at dynamics and soundstaging, more authoritative at those moments in a song where the bass needs speed and control AND delineation. Thanks to you Sean I am now wondering if I should have stretched for the JC5! Hopefully my Bitcoin gamble pays off (bought big at $3000).

@mtube620

5 жыл бұрын

which audio dealer you got the A21 from? considering upgrading my hca 2200ii to a21+ or jc5.

@michaelmityok1001

5 жыл бұрын

@@mtube620 i got it from a guy in manitoba canada, im in vancouver canada, send me your email to mike.mityok@gmail.com and i will put you in contact with him, but fyi i got that deal AFTER having bought an expensive pair of pmc floorstanders from him, so no promises he will give you the exact deal he gave me

@Sloimer

2 жыл бұрын

I hope you held and sold some at $30k+ lol

Did you mean Korato when referring to the Serbian company made amplifier? What was the model you where referring to? Thank you!

@edoreumerman4537

5 жыл бұрын

karan 400

I purchased the JC5 a few weeks ago. I play it a couple hours at a time 3-4 a week. Was curious if break in is a real thing for this amp and is there any consensus on how long. 100hrs etc...

@arize84

2 жыл бұрын

There is definitely a breaking period. It sounds a tad thin and analytical out the box but break in wasn't long. I think mine settled after a week or 2.

Anyway you can do a review on the new hint 6 Vs the original hint form parasound ?

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the suggestion. I could probably talk them into sending me the new Hint 6 for a review in 2019. Getting an older unit may be a bit more tricky though. Perhaps I could convince Ron from New Record Day to send me his.

wats inside that dome its better be gold 2

I've been drooling over this, ever since I first saw it at the Parasound website a while ago. Maybe someday I can get one used. But I don't know. Even that would probably be too much IMO. What this really gets me thinking about is trying some of their other gear. Like that big Class D one you reviewed a while back, especially since I recently grabbed a Breeze Audio TPA3116 off the Bay, and frikkin love that little thing. But maybe a used Halo might be nice too, and cost much less. We'll see. I'm about to wipe out my savings, and go into a little bit of debt even. It's time for another car unfortunately. I used to love buying cars, until I got into this hobby, but now it's killing me handing over the money. When I would much rather be spending it on my system. It will be nice driving a car that works properly though. Anyway. Thanks for the video man. I've been itching for this one ever since you let on you had it in, and it didn't disappoint at all. I think that is one really sweet piece, and I agree with you about the deal thing. If it really does compete with the big boys, then it's a frikkin steal. Period! I'm very impressed, and the way you described the sound makes me think I would love this amp. Plus it's just a big beautiful beast of an amp. I hope they sell well. So they'll stay around for a few, and then hopefully we'll start seeing them on the used market at decent prices. This one is definitely on my short list. I mean, it seems like one of those "last amp I'll ever buy" amps even. And personally I love that they built it overseas, because otherwise I would never, ever get a chance of they built it in the states. At least now. I could actually save up for it. Of course if I did actually do that. I would have to have it custom painted camouflage, to hide it from the old lady. 😁 Thanks again man. Great review. I really hope Parasound thinks so, because so far I've really enjoyed the reviews of their gear you've done. And I want to see more too. You've definitely got me wanting to try one of their amps. That's for sure.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comments, Scott. The JC5 is the real deal. So is the JC2BP for that matter. Suffice to say, I hope I can hold onto this gear for just a little bit longer. :)

@amb3cog

5 жыл бұрын

@@ZeroFidelity I actually forgot to mention about the keeping the thing. First thing I thought of when I started the video is that I was glad it wasn't me reviewing it, because having to send this back would kill me a little inside. Lol And yes that preamp is suhweet! You see all the work in the power supplies, and the attention to detail, and immediately think black background and great dynamic range. Just amazing gear. Are you going to review the preamp too? As for the cars. I'm basically over the car thing. I buy very practical cars nowadays. That being said though. If I had more money. Forget about it. I love my cars. Actually doing this car shopping has me thinking about buying a nice 2nd car/toy. I use my car for work. So I need cheap, and practical, which means economical 4 cylinder basically. But I was noticing some nice cars cheap out there. Nothing crazy, but you can get a 250-300hp, or so V6 rear/all wheel drive Infinity, or Cadillac from the early to mid 00's for about $5000. In good shape, and without crazy high miles either. It would be nice to go for rides with my girl in, and just play around with in general. But the insurance, and me living in a condo, where I would need to keep it somewhere else makes that tough. Saving up 4 or 5 grand isn't that hard, but paying for it continously makes it tough to justify really. Cars are just basically money pits/liabilities. Unless you use them to make money, like I do. But they are definitely fun.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

The last thing I want to do is to send this combo back. I actually plan on creating a separate video about this, as this is the first time (in a long time) that I've actually been content with a dedicated stereo rig. As for cars: Dude, I was bitten by that bug rather hardcore a couple years ago. My last vehicle was a 17' Mustang GT with some work done to it. Loved that beautiful race red / black accent package pony. I ended up letting it go because I had nowhere to park it and didn't have enough discipline to NOT upgrade the vehicle. A money pit for sure... but damn it can be lots of fun!

@amb3cog

5 жыл бұрын

@@ZeroFidelity Nice can't wait to see the video. And the Mustangs are so nice. You know how nice they are, when you see everyone on the net talking smack about them. Because they're jealous. 🤣🤣🤣

Hi Shawn. What would you prefer to pair tekton design double impact: JC5 or mastersound box?

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

That's a great question! Both products make for a natural match. So long as you're not looking to approach rock-concert like volumes, I believe the MastersounD Box provides the better bang for the buck *as it relates* to the Tekton DI's. However, once you disregard the price and look at raw performance, the JC5 comes out ahead in almost every regard. It's just a matter of whether or not you have the extra 2,500 to spend.

@Pranab711

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Shawn for your response. I guess it will be an additional 2500 USD for jc5 and extra 1500 USD for a Parasound pre amp :). May be a P6. But I got your point :)

Compare to MUSICAL-FIDELITY M8 500S amp ???

Nice review. I have a question for you. I am putting together a 2 channel stereo system. I have narrowed it down to two Intergrated Amps the Parasound Hint 6 and the Anthem STR I'd like your opinion on which to good with. My room is 13" X15"X 8" open on one side and opens into a dining room. I listen at moderate to loud levels. The speakers are going to be either GE Triton 2+ or MA Silver 500 my musical taste is largely classic rock and blues. Thanks in advance for your input.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Hey Mario, I'm afraid I won't be able to provide you with much help. I haven't heard the latest Parasound integrated, nor have I listened to any of the recent Anthem components. It's a shame, because I genuinely like some of the recent-vintage pieces from both companies. Real good stuff. That said... If the new gear sounds anything like the old, then I'd wager the Parasound Hints ballsy, grittier sound may form a good match with Monitor Audio's inherently light and agile character. Meanwhile, Anthem has always had this smooth and refined presentation for the money. This leads me to believe that they would do a great job complimenting Golden Ears inherently powerful, if not somewhat forward way of projecting sound. To be clear, I'd encourage you to apply pounds of salt to what I just said as I'm relying exclusively on past memories of recent-vintage integrated amps. Good luck in the hunt!

@eltoncrim3699

5 жыл бұрын

Both amps are clean as is great resolution. The Parasound stays in that middle ground with a hint of warmth that I tend to prefer. The STR amp is very neutral. I would suggest deciding on speakers first then listening to amps with the speakers you select if you are near a place that will let you do a home demo. I would also suggest you listen to the Prestige 85 F speakers. I think that middle series of speakers is outstanding.

@mariosupa4027

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for your input and suggestions. I've heard the GE Triton 2+ with Marantz AVR and liked it a lot. I also heard the MA Silvers, but not the 500 I like them both though the Tritons seem a bit more complete and easier to listen to the MA might become fatiguing after a while. Money wise the Parasound and Monitor Audio combo is the more affordable way to go. I like the looks on the Anthem though. Will let you know when I pull the trigger either way. Again thank you very much sir.

@eltoncrim3699

5 жыл бұрын

If you already sense the potential for fatigue, I would pay attention to that. I would suggest ( humbly) that sound qualities be the guide. I tend to gravitate toward warm organic sound that’s dynamic but involving. If you could close your eyes and listen all night you’re there.

@mariosupa4027

5 жыл бұрын

Mr. Crim I you would be of great service if you would get your own channel. I remember when I had considerable more disposable income and read and heard so much about the Wilson Watt Puppies. I auditioned them and as impressive as they were at first. After about a half hour of my preferred listening taste. My ears felt like they were going to bleed. I decided to go with Genesis 300s My preferred listening is moderately to loud and like impact with detail, but as it is often said for the music and performance to transport me to the event. Thank you again for your much appreciated input. Have a wonderful day.

Is this amp value for money?

Some questions: are those volume (attenuation) controls or controls for amplifier *gain*, and they don’t track? Won’t there be channel mismatch? What does the quieter/louder setting for the turn on threshold do? And what do you mean by ‘voicing’ in an amplifier? I understand ‘voicing’ loudspeakers with the crossover but never heard it when discussing amplifiers. Thanks.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

To answer your questions: 1) The knobs are simple gain controls that you adjust manually. Matching isn't an issue provided you line things up properly. 2) When your amplifier is in 'standby' mode, it will 'wake up' once it detects signal coming to it. The JC5, as I understand it, has a fairly low threshold so it won't take a lot of signal to turn it on. Turn-on options gives you some flexibility to adjust that, which is honestly something on custom-installers will likely use. 3) Every product has a unique performance envelope. When it comes to voicing an amplifier, you can do this numerous ways: Feedback, gain, circuit type, output and input transformer type, output capacitance bank and type, input stage design and parts choice, etc etc.. It's a big reason why Curl went with Toshiba FET transistors for the input section. You can find other measurably great JFET's out there, but those vintage Toshibas have a unique sound that you just cant find anywhere else... Not that I've heard at least! Anyways, I hope this helped.

@gman76utube

5 жыл бұрын

The ‘gain’ controls are almost certainly input attenuators and hv nothing to do with amplifier gain, otherwise the user is changing the loop gain and phase margin. No way that is occurring here, he should hv called them ‘level’ or something. To me, voicing is done in crossovers to introduce a peak or dip in the lower or upper midrange to give the speaker a certain characteristic sound or compensate a driver’s response. An amplifier is flat within +/- 0.1 dB in the passband and therefore is not ‘voiced’ in the traditional sense. I’ve seen enough JC’s posts on diyaudio to know that he’s a jfet fan but I doubt that one manufacturer of jfet has significant differences from another vendor, especially for an input stage. It’s a square law device and you can’t magically make the fet more ‘linear’. Solid state physics. Sorry but I hv my doubts. More likely to hear differences due to amplifiers behavior when driving complex loads (output stage design) and/or its power supply capability (i.e. capacitance multiplier or fully regulated supply rails). Maybe difficult to see by looking at the internals, easier to see in a schematic.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Sounds like JC would need to answer these questions for you. I don't have direct access to the man himself. Will respond if I'm able to provide sufficient answers directly from the folks who built the product.

@parasoundproducts3069

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, they are input attenuators. The A21, A23 have the same way of labeling the control. Its been this way for eons.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Well there ya have it! Thanks for the verification, Parasound.

I think Sean got the "loop" feature incorrect.... It's for bi-amping each speaker vertically, in which you will need two amps. One for each channel, right and left. So you will have one amp's channel's covering the highs and lows of the right side and the other amp covering the left side.

How does the jc5 compare to the other parasound amps sound quality wise?. For example, the zonemaster, classic series ECT.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Another tier. Lower noise floor. Image separation. Balance. Sense of scale/fullness. The JC5 is where you start entering the 'It's beginning to sound real' territory. Now to be fair, the Zonemaster 2350 may not compete in overall sound quality, but it does match the JC5 in terms of delivering a low noise floor and isn't embarrassed when it comes to raw power output.

@dc5001

5 жыл бұрын

@@ZeroFidelity Thanks for your response, I wonder how it will sound hooked up to my tekton impact monitors, or klipsch rf-7 3s. Currently I have a ati signature series amp now, but haven't hooked it up yet.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

If you're coming from an ATI Sig, then dude... I think your pants would fly off the moment you connect a JC5 to those Klipsch RF-7's. That could be a wickedly awesome combo!

@dc5001

5 жыл бұрын

@@ZeroFidelity especially with the 100rms watts more per channel.I definitely would like to purchase a jc5 amp soon. Have you heard the ati signature series amp yet? They have many great reviews.

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Hey Daniel. To be entirely honest, I cannot remember if it was a Signature amp or not. What I can tell you is that the owner who brought the ATI to my place was *extremely confident* that it was going to school the gear that I had at the time. While it wasn't bad per-say, they learned the same lesson that everyone whose come both before and after learned - there is rarely such a thing as a giant killer, and that you get what you pay for. And just like everybody whose come before and after, the experience ultimately cost them a lot of money afterwards. ;) That being said, sometimes you certainly can pay less and get more, although that's a bit more situation dependent.

Great review! I want...

Shawn, I don't know how many times I would have watched this video. I really would need your help choosing my final amplifier. Between the JC5 and Passlabs INT250. Both have 20-30 watts of class A. I listen to Classic Rock, Dance-Electronic music. Please review INT125 / give me that word of wisdom as always. You're the best. Cheers

@user-ex9zm7bg3x

4 ай бұрын

Dude if you can swing the INT-250 you might look at the XA60.8's (since it sounds like you like Class A).

Where would you hook up a sub-woofer to that thing? Or, would you?

@jwblue575

11 ай бұрын

Sub-woofer gets plugged into the loop outputs .... love, love, love this amp. Purchase a JL Audio sub-woofer and a pair of La Scala speakers from Klipsch. Without a doubt the best sound system I every heard for Jazz and Classical music. But, the equipment is my personal taste. I wouldn't be surprised or argue if someone came here and told me I was crazy and then listed what equipment they had and why it is so much better ... ; ) : )

I'm currently using A21+ and P6. Would a move to JC5 amp, or JC2 pre?

@jeffsykes1195

3 жыл бұрын

I would replace the P6 first. Get a tube preamp, it changes everything. I had your setup, and went to a Primaluna Evo 400 and OMG. At the very least, if you are using the internal dac and phono amp, upgrade that first. I went from using a laptop into the back of the P6 with a usb cable to a Innuos streamer, and a good dac, and it was a hell of an improvement. But the tube preamp topped it off by a lot. JC5 is next. Then I am done. I really mean it.

@erics.4113

2 жыл бұрын

@@jeffsykes1195 did you ever ditch the a21+ for a jc5? I'm using an old integrated for pre so thinking a minidsp SHD as pre to get something transparent but your prima tube pre sounds very interesting.

@jeffsykes1195

2 жыл бұрын

@@erics.4113 I ended up with a Modwright KWA 150 SE amplifier.

"Grandma, what big wave guides your speakers have!" "The better to tease the pending Buchardt S400 review" 😜 Muhahahahaha Holy mackerel !! That sound sample was really surprisingly great. Wow. Now really really really looking forward to the S400 review 🤤🤤

@ZeroFidelity

5 жыл бұрын

Honestly man, and this is no bullshit... the sound sample is absolute trash compared to how this system really sounds. I'm getting very very close to reaching the 'stick a fork in me' phase. :D

Greetings from the future. I would like to know how this compares to pair of Schiit Tyrs. And for that matter, a single Vidar! Which is my current benchmark 😅 Thanks!

@erics.4113

2 жыл бұрын

It's heavier than schiit 😜 Couldn't resist. I dunno how they compare though. I bought the a21+ week or so ago and it's impressed me so much I'm already looking up and wondering if I plunge into the jc5 immediately(ish)

i love it boss

I have a question I just bought a pair of Klipsch RF7iiis and I was wondering if this amp is a good companion? Or should I go for A21? I want my speakers to be driven to their 100 % limits in terms of dynamic range esp low end! By the way zero fidelity please update your klipsch RF7 series with the new iiis. I loved the RF7ii reviews.Keep that smile! You are awsome!

@ufarkingicehole

4 жыл бұрын

If a21 is what you can afford,,,,,you wont be disappointed. The JC5 is better but this is a never ending hobby. The a21 would be awesome and would be better than your speakers Hope this helps