Parasound JC5- Anyone own one?

bem

I may be crazy but I’m considering buying a JC5. My current system consists of the following:
Parasound P6
Parasound A21
Bluesound Node 2
Marantz 5005 CD
Polk SDA 2.3 with VR3 mods and all the usual tweaks
Kimber Kable connects

I actually have 2 Parasound A21s that are less than 4 years old that I am planning to sell and put the money toward a JC5. What does everyone think ? Is it worth selling my 2 A21s plus spending some additional cash to secure a JC5? I’m happy with the sound from the current set up but I’m wondering if there is much to gain by going from A21 to a JC5. If any has some experience with a JC5 I’d be curious as to how they like it. I typically stream Tidal Hifi/MQA 90 percent of the time.

pitdogg2

Yep I'd do it. I do not own one but I've heard one twice at axpona was impressed both times.
It's a beast I do not know if you would get the benefit from the music that you listen to by streaming but I sure would if I had the ability to do it.

bem

Well, thanks for the input. Not certain what I’ll end up doing. I think I’ll check with my local Parasound dealer and see if I can get a loaner for a day or two. It’s best to check it out in a known listening room with the 2.3s. I know it’s a beast to haul around so it won’t be easy. Then if it sounds like a significant improvement, I’ll be putting the A21s up for sale.

Mike Reeter

I think the JC5 could certainly be a Destination Piece. I would love try a new A21+ as well.

"If" it were me, and I could afford the JC5, I'd be on that thing like a Barn Yard Guinea on a June Bug

Clipdat

Consider upgrading your streaming transport. You might have more to gain by going to something better than the Bluesound Node 2.

oldrocker

Considering that one also.

bem

Clipdat
What would you recommend in place of the Bluesound Node 2? I’ve been thinking about that also but I’m not certain what might be a good option. Do have any experience with any Streamer/DACs or just Streamers?

Clipdat

Unfortunately I only have first had experience with the Cambridge CXN V2. But @DSkip has experience with Lumin products and @joecoulson and @tophatjohnny have experience with the Auralic Vega G1 and G2 respectively.

It really depends on your budget. But since you listen to Tidal 90% of the time, I think you'd get a lot of value out of a better streamer or a transport and DAC combo.

joecoulson

And Drew has direct experience (that he might PM you) regarding the Parasound vs the Cambridge he owns. I would be glad to PM you my thoughts about the Auralic as I upgraded from the Cambridge to it. So did Johnny.

bem

Thanks guys for all the input. My original budget for improving my streaming experience was about $1500, but now I’m thinking more like $2500. Ouch. Auralic is on my list as well as Simaudio (280D). I’ve got a local dealer. I’m thinking I should go for a unit that is both a streamer and a DAC. It’s interesting that at least 2 dealers locally consider the Bluesound Node 2 to be a good streamer. Given that, they are uncertain if I need both. Any thoughts on this?

Clipdat

Are you currently using the DAC in the Parasound P6, or the DAC in the Bluesound?

bem

I’ve tried both but believe it not I think the Bluesound DAC sounds a bit better to my ears, so I’m using the analog outs on it.

Clipdat

He's actually got the P6 but your point still stands.

bem

Boy, you guys (both on line and off line) have changed my whole perspective on what I should consider for my next move. I need to think about this more and consider my budget and future tech advancements in the DAC world. Right now I may be leaning toward a separate Streamer and DAC.

joecoulson

That’s going to net you the most gain for $$ spent IMO vs buying another amp. The only reason I settled on the all in one (DAC and streamer) is the high marks these units get all over the place. Glad I invested.

Clipdat

Any updates? Did you decide to move on from the Bluesound?

bem

Yes I did. I ended up selling one of my Parasound A21s and my Parasound P6. Ended up buying a Simaudio (Moon)390 which is a Streamer/DAC/Preamp. The 390 just blew me away when I heard it. It’s made an incredible difference to my system. Definitely one of the most significant moves that I’ve made to improve the sound quality in my system.

joecoulson

Nice bro - huge jump up from the Parasound

Astropet

Is the JC5 a common ground amp?

F1nut

Astropet wrote: »

Is the JC5 a common ground amp?

It doesn't appear to be, but you should call Parasound for the answer.

Independent power supplies for left & right channel input stages, driver stages, output stages

bem

Yes, it is a common ground. I’ve been using it with my 2.3’s for about 6 months now.

Astropet

bem wrote: »

Yes, it is a common ground. I’ve been using it with my 2.3’s for about 6 months now.

Thanks! I just pulled the trigger on one to use with my 1As.

RobbyKY

The JC-5 is well worth the investment. I gave myself one for Christmas along with a Cambridge 851N and, although probably not fully broken in yet, has been nothing but a pure joy to listen too. I've locked myself in the media room the past few weekends, turned the lights off and just enjoyed everything I've put through it. It's driving fully modified 1.2's with dreadnought and MIT Shotgun speaker cables with AQ balanced IC's. Music off my NAS sounds better than via the Spotify source, of course, but I still get unreal imaging just surfing through various playlist on-line.

I've played around with sticking a Freya in between off and on but it sounds great just using the 851 as a preamp although the Cambridge volume control leaves a few dozen steps to be desired and can be a bit bright on some material. Still need to play with different tubes for the Freya but want to get at least 250 hours on the system first. A new tube pre maybe on Santa's list for next year.

Clipdat

^^ Reported this spammer. Don't click link.

oldrocker

mykfcexperience???

Last time I ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken it was NASTY!!

Mikey081057

Lumin makes awesome streamers streamer/DACS

I would also mention mytek... This is an intriguing product with good reviews so far

https://mytekdigital.com/hifi/products/brooklyn-bridge/

Astropet

I got my JC5 yesterday. Wow, I thought the Ayre could handle the 1As well, but the JC5 commands them with an iron fist.

marvda1

Astropet wrote: »

I got my JC5 yesterday. Wow, I thought the Ayre could handle the 1As well, but the JC5 commands them with an iron fist.

which ayre do you have?

Astropet

marvda1 wrote: »

Astropet wrote: »

I got my JC5 yesterday. Wow, I thought the Ayre could handle the 1As well, but the JC5 commands them with an iron fist.

which ayre do you have?

The Ayre V-5XE. I really like the amp, but it is fully balanced, so doesn’t work with the SDA interconnect.

honestaquarian

https://youtu.be/gyzC-Z08w4E

audioluvr

Astropet wrote: »

The Ayre V-5XE. I really like the amp, but it is fully balanced, so doesn’t work with the SDA interconnect.

So you're saying it's not common ground and you weren't using the IC cable? If so that alone would diminish the overall balance of the speakers.