JRDG Capri vs. Parasound JC-1

03-30-10: Macrojack
So that's the real question, Do I just sell it or try it out first and cost myself hundreds of dollars for the privilege?

I'd say bite the bullet and try the Parasound. Not knowing how it sounds will be a dissatisfying experience. There must be something about the Rowland setup that made you pay for a a new preamp.

Macrojack - acoording to this review: http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2007/rowland_capri-102.shtml Capri is a very good match to Model 102 amp and is stronger/better of two. I use JRDG 102 with Benchmark DAC1 and warm sounding speakers (Hyperion HPS-938). I've never heard Capri but Guidocorona has one and is very familiar with Rowland gear - ask him.

Thank you Kijanki, my views on well-broken-in Capri pres are known. Yet, not having tried JC-2 myself, I suggest that JC-2 be given several hundred hours of playing time until it stabilizes, then contrasted with Capri. . . As for the end result, not having access to the same high end crystal-ball that friend Pinkus seems to have happily sourced, nor assuming to own Macro's ears, I shall not attempt to venture prophecy (grins!).

Bottomline. . . Macro, be brave and open the box. . . try out JC-2, and please let us know your comparative findings. G.

The JC-l is a 400 watt pwr amp, not a preamp. The Parasound preamp is a JC-2 which I happen to own. It replaced a McIntosh C-220 and I have never looked back and never been sorry for the change. Associated equipment is a Parasound A-21 power amp, which is IMHO one of the greatest buys in audio. I am driving a pair of Duntech Sovereigns which I have owned for almost 24 years. The JC-2 and the A-21 is a marriage made in heaven. By the way, the Parasound A-21 replaced a McIntosh MC-402 and in my system, the Parasound was superior in every respect.

Thanks, Soundlock. I know the difference between the amp and preamp. That was just a faux pas.
You've convinced me to open the sucker and see what's what. Do you happen to know if the A-23 is the same as the A-21? I know it's twice the power but I'm wondering if the performance is equivalent. I also have two A-23 amps.