2. amps-preamps
  3. 1100871556

Mcintosh vs Parasound

I'm considering going from a YBA Passion integrated amp at 100wpc to either the new mcintosh MC402 or the Parasound JC1. I'd likely get a matching preamp from whichever amp mfg i get. I'm driving Talon Peregrines with all of the upgrades. They are pretty efficient, but I'm trying to get a bigger sound. The YBA sounds clean and great, but doesn't move a lot of air. Opinions please?
sea2
bpwalsh
1,198 posts
 
Hi Sea2,
JC1s might surprise you; Perfectionist is right that break in takes time, with signal going through, not just powered up, but it's well worth it. Send me an email for info and ideas on preamps if you'd like.

Brian
dre_j
159 posts
 
Could you share what the break-in process on the JC1 does? What changes take place that you can describe in term related to music.

Thanks
Dre
aball
2,016 posts
 
I believe the JC1 needs 10000000 hours of break in, at least. However, 20000000 hours is best.

The MC402 is one of the best amps I have ever heard. Looks knockout too. Arthur
budrew
467 posts
 
The Mcintosh stuff is very nice! Not finicky, does not need hours of break in.
As Aball says, looks good too. Give it a listen. It's probably close to your YBA
sound but better and trust me it will move a ton of air.
sean
6,231 posts
 
If you want delicacy, air, sweetness of sound, separation of instruments, expansive sound stages, etc... you need to look at either Pass Labs or Ayre Acoustics. Like most high bias amps, they too benefit from being powered up 24/7 and may consume a good amount of AC, even at idle. This is obviously just my opinion and may not be worth the paper that it isn't printed on : ) Sean
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