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A Revolutionary Amp!

Posted by JSL/CHI (A) on November 8, 2002 at 12:02:22

Recently, I was afforded the opportunity to audition the Parasound JC-1 solid-state monoblock amplifier in my home system. There is much to say about these amplifiers, but before I go on, I’ll describe my system so that you have a better frame of reference for my comments.

My system consists of a Wadia 860x CD player, a BAT VK500 amplifier, Martin-Logan reQuest speakers, CCC 12.0 interconnects XLR and Nordost SPM Reference speaker cables. There is a PS Audio P300 feeding the speakers, a PS Audio 20-amp high current outlet for the PS300 and a PS Audio 20-amp high current outlet for the amp. There are bass tube traps placed where needed. I run the Wadia straight into the amp, no preamp. The Wadia has undergone the Statement Upgrade from Great Northern Sound Company and has a dedicated high performance AC power cord from CCC.

In my opinion, the JC-1s are revolutionary in a number of ways. These are not an evolution to amplifiers at similar price-points, these are a radical change to the precepts of high-end audio. These amplifiers offer quality and value at a cost previously unthinkable. These are $6,000 monoblock amplifiers competing in a sonic arena previous reserved for $16,000 to $25,000 amplifiers. So, quite seriously, this may as well be a post on a $18,000+ monoblock from, “you fill in the blank”. This ultimately is the point of this post; CTC has redefined high-end and the rest of the industry better follow or get out of the way.

To my ear, these amps are competition killers. Forget the name “Parasound”, not that there is anything wrong with the name. Focus your attention on John Curl, Carl Thompson and Bob Crump. This is a legendary design team that can deliver the best because they, ”get it”. In the JC-1s, these guys built a legend in value for the price. They have fired a warning shot over the heads of the industry.

In my system, the heavily modified Statement Wadia can portray an immaculately 3-dimensional soundstage. The JC-1s grab the Logans by the short hairs and portray the Wadia’s holography in a manner that is like no amp I have heard before. What I mean specifically is that the JC-1s 400 watts into 8 ohms, 800 watts into 4 ohms and 1200 watts into 2 ohms add incredible weight and definition to supporting and farfield voice(s)/instruments. My BAT can translate the recorded acoustic around central voices and instruments, but not at all like the JC-1s. The JC-1s surround the central voice/instrument with the recorded acoustic to a level of definition and weight that compels the listener to hear music previously gone unnoticed.

Just make it a point to audition these amps. Every system is different. If you are in the market for an amp, and wouldn’t mind getting 5 figure value for a 4 figure investment, be advised. Audition these amps for sure.

My special thanks to CTC for kicking the industry in the behind! Keep up the good work!

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

VH Audio

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