Parasound JC2 BP preamp

pearsall001
pearsall001 Posts: 5,218
in 2 Channel Audio
Anyone have first hand experience with this unit? Having the Parasound A21+ amp in my system I'm assuming it would be an ideal match. I know you can mix & match units from different manufacturers but curious if staying within the same line might be the way to go.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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Comments

  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,614
    I've been running mine since February 2012! Didn't think I'd had it that long. I originally got it to integrate into my home theater system but eventually put it in my two channel system to replace a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 preamp. It's been used with a Classe Model 25 amp, Parasound A21, and currently with a Parasound JC5. I consider it to be neutral and with a very low noise floor quiet. Definitely not a "tubey" sound but it's got a powerful and direct quality to it. It'll let the A21+ show what it's got without imposing much character of its own. The low noise floor in comparison to other preamps I've had was what's made me keep it for so long. It did allow me to really notice the sound differences between an A21 amp and the JC5. The manual says it's designed to "bloom" once the volume gets up around the half-way mark. That's where mine sounds its best.
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  • simm
    simm Posts: 593
    edited June 22
    I have been planning to add a preamp with HT Bypass to my system and am considering the JC2BP as well. I’m currently running a A21+ for the main L and R channels into a Marantz 8012. I’m happy with the sound I’m getting but really want to see what kind of improvement I can get with a dedicated preamp. I only have room for one system and do enjoy multichannel discs and the occasional movie so either a dedicated HT pre/pro and additional amps or something like the JC2BP. I don’t plan on adding a turntable so not sure if the all analog JC2 would be a good fit for me. Also not a fan of the changes at Parasound over the last couple of years if I do need customer service support.
    Post edited by simm on
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,218
    Thanks for the responses. I have read about how quiet the JC2 is & that is definitely a huge factor for me. I wouldn't expect much along the lines of having a "tubey" sound character. I'll leave that for a tube pre. I'm not sure if I want to venture down that road again.

    As far as reliability issues & having to deal with the new Parasound ownership I can see where that might be a concern if purchasing a new piece. I'm looking at used units so I don't think that would be a concern. Parasound is know for robust build quality so hopefully one would have no issues with down time due to needing a repair.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,395
    The age issue affects all gear. Once it reaches the 20-25 year old stage, parts start to fail (especially electrolytic caps). That's no reflection on the manufacturer, as parts have finite life. As long as someone is still around to repair, you should be fine.

    Not sure how old the piece you are talking about would be.

    My old Nakamichi CA5 pre-amp build in 1983 was a tank. But a couple small caps bit the dust about 25 years on. Easily repaired and then right back to tank status...lol.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,614
    The non-bypass version of the JC2 came on the market around 2008 and the bypass version two or three years later. The latest version has the John Curl signature on the faceplate but that's just a cosmetic change and it now only comes in the bypass model. The plastic remote control quality doesn't match the price point of the preamp but that's been a reviewer complaint since day 1.
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,614
    Another option worth looking at is the Anthem STR preamp in a similar price range. It also has home theater bypass but has ARC room correction features and dedicated subwoofer outputs. I was considering trying one of those in my system if they ever went on sale. But, since I've been running a REL subwoofer the room correction was no longer a significant selling point for me.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,218
    I pulled the trigger on a used JC 2 BP. I think it will be a great match with the A21+ amp.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • simm
    simm Posts: 593
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    I pulled the trigger on a used JC 2 BP. I think it will be a great match with the A21+ amp.

    I’m interested in your thoughts on it once you get it in your system. I keep considering it myself even with the changes in Parasound CS.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,218
    simm wrote: »
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    I pulled the trigger on a used JC 2 BP. I think it will be a great match with the A21+ amp.

    I’m interested in your thoughts on it once you get it in your system. I keep considering it myself even with the changes in Parasound CS.

    Will do. It will be of special interest to you since we both have the same A21+ amp & used in the same HT / 2 channel system.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,218
    I've had the JC2 BP for a few weeks now & I'm kicking myself for not picking it up sooner. A perfect match for the A21+ amp.
    Dead silence & a blacker than black background. Superb sounding (using XLR cables) my music never sounded better. I was actually surprised at the difference it really made.
    The HT bypass feature is great & super easy to switch back & forth between HT & 2 channel.
    If you're on the fence...just go for it!!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • simm
    simm Posts: 593
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    I've had the JC2 BP for a few weeks now & I'm kicking myself for not picking it up sooner. A perfect match for the A21+ amp.
    Dead silence & a blacker than black background. Superb sounding (using XLR cables) my music never sounded better. I was actually surprised at the difference it really made.
    The HT bypass feature is great & super easy to switch back & forth between HT & 2 channel.
    If you're on the fence...just go for it!!

    I’m glad to see that you find the JC2BP to be an excellent performer. I’ve been looking online for a used one in good condition but want the new style face plate and they are harder to find. Do you feel it would still be a good addition at retail?
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,218
    I didn't even know they had a new face plate. I believe a new unit goes for around 5k... ouch. It's definitely worth the retail price if it's within your budget but why not save a few bucks.
    It does sound phenomenal!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,614
    edited August 23
    Check pricing online direct from Parasound for the JC2. The price dropped for some reason to $3799. Appears Parasound is mainly selling direct these days.

    Looks like they may not make the silver versions anymore. Yep, phased out last month:

    https://parasound.com/blogs/news/silver-parasound-model-pricing-update

    They did lower prices because of changes to their business model:

    https://parasound.com/blogs/news/parasound-just-lowered-prices-for-good
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