Anthem STR vs Parasound JC 2 BP vs any other sub $5,000 Preamp?

Another option is to run the JC2 BP with minidsp SHD (which includes Dirac).  Depending on what sources you use, this might make a lot of sense.  The SHD does digital correction in the digital domain and then you can pass to your DAC of choice (96/24), then JC2 BP.

I went this route, to have the modularity of room correction and an amazing preamp separately and because I just lived the JC2 presentation (jet black noise floor and separation).

Anthem makes a great product with outstanding room correction, I had an MRX510 paired with a Rotel then my Mark Levinson 532h. Until I listened to a very seasoned high end dealer I loved using the room correction, but he suggested to leave off that the never setup on systems they install. After doing so a few days then switching back and forth I never went back to using room correction on 2.0 channel listening. It does blend sub better but is still more natural and full bodied without as room correction is adjusting frequencies. For surround sound and movies it's a must. If setting up your system for mainly 2 channel music you're better off without. The one great thing about Anthem systems are you can set different settings and store them and turn off the room correction so you get best of both worlds. 

My idea is to cut off the frequency correction at a lower level, wherever that may be I don’t know for that room just yet. But I sure don’t want it correcting too high up the range if not needed. 

Jason, as you pointed out in the beginning of this discussion:  You have a hard bouncy box of a room and I strongly suggest that you put carpet in the room to soften things up.  With such a small room, you can find carpet remnants very cheap, with a wide choice of material and colors. You might also, find an area rug that you just have to lay down. Either choice might save a lot of money.  Gluing cork squares on the ceiling is another possibility, and I would do both. 
Good luck

Hello guys we are a Parasound dealer as well as an Anthem dealer. 

The Parasound JC 2 is a good preamp it is an older design and Parasound is revamping their entire line because products like the JC 2 are showing their age.

The Anthem STR is an incredible value the dacs in it are very good, the room correction is mind blowingly effective and the total package of sound quality, features and price point are impossible to beat.

Basically get an STR, use an Innuous server direct with a good USB cable, add a high quality amplifier and you are good to go.

We have used the STR with many amplifiers, the sound quality is warm, with good detail and an excellent sound stage. 

For many people here the STR preamp will be all they will need to create a great sounding high performance system that is still affordable.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Parasound, and Anthem dealers