Parasound JC1 - RIP - what next?

Legender

Due to expert shipping practices by UPS, I now have some additional funds to purchase a replacement amp. Even double boxed UPS was able to provide the below enhancements. Damaged the chassis and Parasound said it was totaled.



Question is, with such funds and after already spending time with the Parasound JC1s driving my LSiM 705s, is it time to change to something different/better or just find a single JC1 and stay with what I had?
So, if you had $3-4k for something different for amplification, what would you look for?
McCormack, Pass, Classe, Krell, McIntosh?

Rest of system is Parasound JC2 preamp, Oppo 105 with Audioquest Satori cables and an SVS SB13.
Thanks...

gmcman

Ouch!

Man, that's a shame...was it insured?

I'm curious on the packaging...double boxed with padding between it should be able to survive a pretty good fall.

EndersShadow

gmcman wrote: »

Ouch!

Man, that's a shame...was it insured?

I'm curious on the packaging...double boxed with padding between it should be able to survive a pretty good fall.

The transport monkeys live to break boundaries such as "pretty good fall".

jeremymarcinko

Well I am sure for the money it doesn’t get much nicer than what you have now, so looking for another jc1 makes sense.

But if you’re looking to save some floor space as I was recently I would go with a nice integrated amp and in the $3-4K mark I would consider auditioning the Yamaha A-S2100.

I am so impressed with my A-S801 on my 705s, I would think the much nicer 2100 would be nothing short of amazing.



https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS2100S/Yamaha-A-S2100-Silver.html?tp=34948&awkw=81853816825&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=51699354865&awdv=m&awug=9014946

Legender

Yes, I had it insured but not for the cost of a new replacement. My fault for not doing so. Check is coming this week. I had purchased it used and insurance money received is commensurate with some used prices. Still have the other JC1, just not sure what direction I want to go. Suggestions from your experience is welcome as I've no been at this 2 channel thing for a couple of years and don't have a lot of exposure.

motorhead43026

https://images.craigslist.org/00s0s_cc8ox81lk1G_600x450.jpg



Excellent condition rare Krell KSA300s solid state audiophile grade amplifier. Meticulously maintained. Used to drive Martin Logan Electrostats. Comes with custom built road case. Very heavy - 200 lbs. Custom granite floor stand included! Located in Cincinnati, Ohio area.

Description: Solid-state stereo power amplifier. Power rating: 300Wpc into 8 ohms, doubles with each halving of load impedance down to 1 ohm (24.8dBW). Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz, +0.0dB, -0.1dB; 1Hz-150kHz, +0.0dB, -3dB. Distortion: <0.1% at 1kHz, <0.3% at 20kHz, full power. Slew rate: 100V/µs. Input sensitivity: 2.5V rms. Gain: 25.5dB. Damping factor: >120. S/N ratio: 110dB. Input impedance: 47k ohms. Power consumption, idle: 130W.
Dimensions: 19" W by 8.5" H by 24" D. Weight: 185 lbs (net).

If you have read this far, you already know about these amps.

stereophile review is here: https://www.stereophile.com/audaciousaudio/krell_ksa-300s_power_amplifier/index.html

rpf65

Looks like something out of the PFB collection.

Emlyn

gmcman wrote: »

Ouch!

Man, that's a shame...was it insured?

I'm curious on the packaging...double boxed with padding between it should be able to survive a pretty good fall.

The Parasound double box system is some of the best in the business short of crating. If the amp was in that maybe a truck drove over it. I would recommend getting another JC1 since the other is already there but without a partner.

I have thought over the years about getting a pair of JC1s but decided to stick with a single A21 instead. I have been happy with its performance although I occasionally swap it out for a Classe or tube amp.

Legender

I do have the A21 driving my 3.1 TLs and do enjoy that one.
As for the boxing... it was not the standard parasound double boxing system, it was my own. Tony at parasound, said that no amount of boxing would have saved this puppy. Think it got caught in one of their machines and crunched. The outside of the box did not look that bad.

motorhead43026

My son works for UPS, their belts in no way can cause that damage. You say the box doesn't look bad. Considering your pack job was sufficient, it is not out of the question it was dropped and then boxed up. Then again it could have been run over, but I would assume the box would have been punctured or crushed.

I agree, the standard Parasound packaging is indestructible. I have sent my P5 in for warranty work on 3 different occasions. Same box, although the outer carton is looking a bit rough by now.

motorhead43026

https://columbus.craigslist.org/ele/d/krell-ksa300s-audiophile/6310355848.html

motorhead43026

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motorhead43026

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motorhead43026

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motorhead43026

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motorhead43026

Freaking Vanilla.

Mike Reeter

Hey Carlton! If you enjoyed the sound of the JC1's gave your system, then my vote would be to find another single.

If you always felt like something was missing with the JC1's, then it's time to move on.

If thats the case, this would be my pick https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-stereo-amplifier-in-silver-finish-2017-10-04-amplifiers

Emlyn

Mike Reeter wrote: »

If thats the case, this would be my pick https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-stereo-amplifier-in-silver-finish-2017-10-04-amplifiers

That Pass Labs amp is a beauty! Worth a shot with "free money" available.

Legender

Thanks Mike... Currently got my eye on this one... about $1k cheaper
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-stereo-amplifier-2017-09-29-amplifiers-560aa4b9-a440-427a-b4a6-e0299e5fbd2c

Legender

As for the box... this is the pic Tony from Parasound sent me. Hard to relate this box picture to the actual damage.

motorhead43026

Oh, so they received it damaged.

Mike Reeter

Legender wrote: »

Thanks Mike... Currently got my eye on this one... about $1k cheaper
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-stereo-amplifier-2017-09-29-amplifiers-560aa4b9-a440-427a-b4a6-e0299e5fbd2c

Good eye, I'd say either one would do the trick.

tonyb

I don't see how you could go wrong with a Pass amp.

F1nut

Legender wrote: »

As for the box... this is the pic Tony from Parasound sent me. Hard to relate this box picture to the actual damage.

Double boxing is not enough these days. You need at least 2 inches of hard foam board between the gear and box. As an example here is a pair of CRS stands I recently shipped.

Legender

I had the foam, but not hard foam. Learned my lesson. Now I have the actual box from Parasound for these monsters, so hopefully none of this nonsense in the future.

Emlyn

I have only had to send a Parasound product back to their headquarters one time for a minor repair in its original double box, but they shipped it back no charge in all new packaging materials.

gmcman

Legender wrote: »

As for the box... this is the pic Tony from Parasound sent me. Hard to relate this box picture to the actual damage.

Been in that business for quite awhile, I've seen alot. Safe bet that box is far from new, looks worn and what we refer to as a "paper towels.

Sorry, not trying to sound negative, but that amp is far too heavy for a weak box.

Looks like it may have fallen from one of the top shelves in the delivery vehicle to sustain that type of damage....packages of that weight are supposed to be on the floor anyway.

The pic Jesse posted is good way to absorb any impact. I like to add a layer of 1/4" hardboard to all the sides. Very dusty to cut but really takes a beating with regards to sharp punctures.

Still a shame it happened, hope you can find a suitable replacement.