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Ayre KV-5 Twenty or Parasound JC 1

I’m using an Ayre KV-5 Twenty amp with a KX-5 Twenty preamp to drive KEF Reference 1s, but I have three JC-1s in cartons with the plan to sell them. I also have a JC-2 preamp. I’m loath to unbox the JC-1s just to try them with the Reference 1s, so I wonder if anyone has compared the two amps and can give advice. I use a QX-5 Twenty for Roon, so like the idea of an all Ayre setup, balanced of course, but it also would be balanced with the Parasound JC-2 and JC-1s. Any thoughts/advice?

db
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hk_fan
445 posts
 
There's only one way to find out!  You're in an enviable position having all of the equipment on hand.  I'd try both setups out to see which you prefer, both are excellent.

I have had JC1's for many years with no urge to change, and also use an Ayre QB9 DAC so I'm a fan of both companies.

Good luck!
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 
IMO...no comparison.  Don't mess with your current setup and sell the Parasound equipment.  I much prefer Ayre's sound profile.  That being said, my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it as it is my opinion.  

The only way to tell if you like the Parasound gear better is to listen to it.  There is nothing inherently better or worse about each company. 
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dbphd OP
1,628 posts
 
I forgot to mention that sources in the all-Ayre setup are QX-5 Twenty for Roon, DX-5 DSD for discs, and P-5xe for vinyl.
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