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Why did Parasound discontinue the Halo JC-1 monoblock amplifiers?

Why did Parasound discontinue the Halo JC-1 monoblocks?

I am relatively new to this era of audio, but I find myself drawn to monoblock amps.  From what I read, I should experience the Parasound Halo JC-1 monoblocks.  You know, the amplifiers that remained on Stereophile's A list for 18 or 19 years?  I see them come up for sale at a relatively reasonable price, in the $4K - $5K range.  I am debating about trying them versus purchasing the Moon by SimAudio 400M monoblocks new.  Currently, I'm streaming Tidal and Qobuz using the SimAudio 390D streamer/DAC/pre into Kinki Studios EX B7 monoblocks, with GoldenEar Triton One loudspeakers.  End game will be Wilson Audio Yvette unless something else comes along before I can bring myself to spend this much on a pair of speakers.  Thanks for your responses.
kcpellethead
erik_squires
16,062 posts
 
They seem to have replaced them with the JC 5. Having a stereo amp, which can be bridged, serves a larger audience than pure monoblocks.

https://parasound.com/jc5.php


Best,
E
jl35
3,982 posts
 
They made them for 15+ years. Long run for a product. If you buy a used pair check on their age 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I am more apt to believe Erik’s comment than the “age of the product”.  It is likely that the market share for JC1 is pretty small because of the cost of the amp.  They likely made a decision to drop the item from their lineup because nor people are likely to buy the lower cost amps.
erik_squires
16,062 posts
 
They likely made a decision to drop the item from their lineup because nor people are likely to buy the lower cost amps.

Yep, people’s buying habits change, not to mention the availability of parts.


That is, transistors, transformers, even passive components change due to forces out of your control. It would make sense for JC and Parasound to look at their market and ask if they can make a better amp with more current parts. But the president of Parasound is a really nice guy, I’m sure if someone asked him he’d explain the decision. :)

jl35
3,982 posts
 
Lots of interesting reading about Parasound's choice of parts as opposed to John Curl's specified parts in his designs. Either way,  very very few amps have a 15+ year market run....
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