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Emperical Audio Mods for Parasound Halo JC-1'S

Has anyone had their Parasound Halo JC-1 monoblocks modified with the $1,800.00 Emperical Audio mods, or heard ones that have been modified by them?
If so, how did they sound, and what all improvements were there over the stock factory JC-1's?
Was it a big improvement, or a so so improvement with the mods in place?
In your honest opinion, are the sonic improvements worth the $1,800.00 asking price for the mods?
All information and opinions would be greatly appreciated.
daltonlanny
fiddler
581 posts
 
Bob, whoa...ease up big guy. I don't think he was implying anything negative about the JC-1's. As I read his post he was simply inquiring if the Empirical Audio mods were worth the money. Asking that question doesn't mean he was slamming the JC-1's or looking for "state-of-the-art". It seems his post was one of curiosity more than implication.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Bob -
The large Nichicon filter capacitors are not swapped-out. Only the smaller ones. I like to use Nichicons for filtering as well, although I'm not in love with the Muse series.

These monoblocks gathered dust for over a year while I used another amp for my reference. With the mods, they are once again my reference.
daltonlanny OP
301 posts
 
Thank you Fiddler!
No, I was in no way slamming the JC-1's.They are exceptional amps! Just read my review of them. I am just a curious person like any audiophile is, especially when it comes to after-market mods.
I cannot afford to have my JC-1's modded, and do not plan to any time soon. I am VERY HAPPY with their sound as is!
But a few years down the road...you never know.
And I know darn well that TRUE "state-of-the-art" sound is currently unobtainable at any price!
I bought a modded Pioneer DV-47Ai universal disc player from a guy that had been HIGHLY MODIFIED by Rick Shultz at EVS, and was shocked at the improvement over the stock unit!
That is one of the reasons I am always curious about after-market mods.
Bob, if I offended you in any way at all, I'm sorry, and I apologize. I respect your work, products, and hearing abilities VERY MUCH! I also have the utmost respect for John Curl and Carl Thompson.
Post removed 
bpwalsh
1,215 posts
 
Based upon the extent of the modifications the price sounds commensurate, however, and it's a big however, it voids the Parasound warranty, which is ten years parts, five years labor. The mod is nothing I would consider nor could I recommend to my customers (disclaimer: I am a Parasound Halo dealer), but if someone in the Chicago area gets the mod, it would be interesting to hear their JC-1s next to mine.

Brian Walsh
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