Best Amp for Parasound JC2


Hi,

In my other thread I asked about the JC2 vs Aesthetix Calypso vs Ayre K-5xe. I intend to get the Vandersteen 2CE Signature II or the Harbeth 7 SE. I also auditioned the Totem Mani 2 Sig. which has a remarkable bass.

Now that I've settled on the Parasound JC2, I'm seeking the best used amp ($2-3K)range to match the JC2. Parasound JC1 monoblock is an obvious option but they're on the expensive side and too big in size (one for each channel) and I don't need that much power to drive the speakers.

How about the Ayre V-5xe stereo amp? It has the same inupt impedence (100 Kohm) as the JC1.

Anyone used the Pass Lab X or XA 30.5 with JC2? The input impedence is not matched on paper. Any other recommendations? Tube amp?

Thanks.
r0817
How about a Parasound A21 or A23 stereo amp? I bet they work well together.
I asked a similar question here a while back - only in reverse. The general consensus was that there were huge synergies using the JC-1s with a JC-2, as the latter had been designed to work with the former. If the JC-1s won't work in your system, I'd consider the Halo A21.
Try MC2 MC-1250 or MC2 MC-750 nothing beats them if combined with Parasound JC-2, actually better than parasound's own JC-1, and much much much cheaper.
Thanks for the suggestions.

Is the Halo A21 designed by John Curl? I wonder if the A21 has similar performance/sound to the JC1 but in a small scale/package.

Anyone has experience with both used with Parasound JC2 pre-amp?

Thank you.
The JC1 and A21 are designed by John curl and is a beautiful sounding amp! John also recommends silver fuses! I put a HiFi tunning Silver Star in my A21( on the main fuse line) and it took a nice performance leap into a new category. The XLR inputs do sound better than the rca and is recommended by Parasound they yield more refinement and and better sound stage!

hope this helps!